Well it is Mother's Day today and for the first time I am without my mother to celebrate it with. It seems as though we are made aware of it being Mother's Day everywhere you look; on the television, on the internet, in magazines and in the newspaper. It hit me while I was shopping one day last week how absolutely commercial Mother's Day has become. Yes, it is nice to give a gift for Mother's Day, or Father's Day...to celebrate your love for a parent, but can that not be done with a phone call, handmade gift or card? I guess I never noticed it before.
Mom, we miss you. I miss the daily phone calls. I miss you stopping by with a couple of donuts for me and Pumba when you would also drop off newspaper on your way to visit Gramma Kelsey. Last month I used that last bundle of papers from your visit the day before you left us...I shed a few tears as I untied the jute rope, knowing I'd never get papers tied in jute again. As I used some of those papers to line one of the dog crates I saw that you had done the crossword and word scramble in that paper. It is silly, but seeing those puzzles really got to me and I have saved the page.
I have so much to tell you! I hope you don't worry about Tissy and Cricket (dog and cat), they are with me and doing very well.
We are finally getting to fix our roof, and last week I even moved our pool to the back yard and made flower and vegetable Gardens where the pool had been. Of course hauling all those wheel-barrows full of sand and loam made the fibromyalgia in my back really flare up, but it was so nice to be outside without a coat and being able to work in the yard with the warmth of the sun.
Frank and I have added a few more birdfeeders to our "bird area" and we are now up to 17 feeders and a bird bath. We now have a red-bellied woodpecker that comes by several times a day and the hummingbirds are coming by, too many times to count. Last week we even had a wild turkey walking through the yard!
Frank is enjoying his new job, I know you would ask how he was doing. I don't see him as much as I'm used to, but at least he loves it and we don't ever have disagreements now since we are apart so much.
I was so scared when I heard you had gone, I didn't know what I was going to do. I know you would be worried about me and about Johnny and his boys. We are all doing well. We talk about you each and every day. So many times I've gone to the phone to call you only to get halfway through dialing to realize you aren't there.
I hope you would be proud of this site and not be mortified by all the attention. I've been fighting to get Parker behind bars for as long as possible and also to hopefully make the laws stronger so people like Parker don't have a chance to get behind the wheel and kill someone else. I will continue to be in the courtroom each time he appears. I will make a victim impact statement during his trial. We will never forget you. You were such a great friend to so many people and we all miss you so much. I hope you are with Lloyd, Grampa, and baby John. Actually, I especially hope you are with baby John. I was lucky enough to have you as a mother for over 4o years, but he only had you for 10 months...it is only fair that he be with you now.
So Happy Mother's Day Mom! This morning wasn't the same without you there for me to call early, so I could be the first one to wish it to you. We all miss you so much.
I love you!
Sue
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Cape Cod man faces vehicular homicide charges - Boston Herald Article
Well it seems that Parker's $10,000 cash bail/$100,000 surety has been noticed by the Associated Press, and because of that Parker's arraignment yesterday is receiving new media attention. So far in a brief search I've found mention in the Cape Cod Times, the Boston Herald, and on WLNE channel 6's website. I'll continue to post the articles as I find more. Some of the stories are similar with only minor changes since the media uses the articles from the AP.
Updated: 06:27 AM EST
BARNSTABLE - A Cape Cod man who has been convicted of impaired driving four times pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide on Wednesday.
Christopher Parker, 50, faces the charge in connection with a three-vehicle crash in March that resulted in the death of a Sandwich woman.
Parker was taken into custody on the homicide charge after a Falmouth District Court judge revoked his bail in an unrelated case in which he is charged with driving under the influence of drugs.
Parker pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Barnstable District Court on Wednesday and was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail. He was also charged with driving with a revoked license.
Diane Carhart, 63, was killed March 5 when her vehicle was struck from behind on Route 130 by Parker’s car and pushed into the path of an oncoming NStar [NST] pickup truck, according to police. Parker suffered minor injuries.
"It’s been really hard leading up to Mother’s Day," Carhart’s daughter, Susan Linhares, told The Cape Cod Times. "Everywhere you turn, there are reminders and it’s very difficult."
Parker’s driving record includes four operating under the influence convictions.
© Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Cape Cod man faces vehicular homicide charges
By Associated Press Thursday, May 10, 2007
Updated: 06:27 AM EST
BARNSTABLE - A Cape Cod man who has been convicted of impaired driving four times pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide on Wednesday.
Christopher Parker, 50, faces the charge in connection with a three-vehicle crash in March that resulted in the death of a Sandwich woman.
Parker was taken into custody on the homicide charge after a Falmouth District Court judge revoked his bail in an unrelated case in which he is charged with driving under the influence of drugs.
Parker pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Barnstable District Court on Wednesday and was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail. He was also charged with driving with a revoked license.
Diane Carhart, 63, was killed March 5 when her vehicle was struck from behind on Route 130 by Parker’s car and pushed into the path of an oncoming NStar [NST] pickup truck, according to police. Parker suffered minor injuries.
"It’s been really hard leading up to Mother’s Day," Carhart’s daughter, Susan Linhares, told The Cape Cod Times. "Everywhere you turn, there are reminders and it’s very difficult."
Parker’s driving record includes four operating under the influence convictions.
© Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Driver pleads not guilty in fatal crash - Cape Cod Times Article
Driver pleads not guilty in fatal crash
By GEORGE BRENNAN STAFF WRITER
May 10, 2007
BARNSTABLE — Christopher Parker, who has been convicted of impaired driving four times, pleaded not guilty yesterday to vehicular homicide. He faces the charge in connection with a three-car crash that killed a Forestdale grandmother in March.
Parker, 50, was taken into custody on the homicide charge two weeks ago after a Falmouth District Court judge revoked his bail in an unrelated case. He is charged in that case with operating under the influence of drugs.
The law allows a judge to send a defendant to jail for up to 60 days if he is charged with another crime while out on bail. Parker is still being held at the Barnstable County Correctional Facility in Bourne on that bail revocation.
Barnstable District Court Judge W. James O'Neill yesterday imposed bail of $10,000 cash, $1,000 surety, Cape and Islands First Assistant District Attorney Michael Trudeau said. Prosecutors had requested Parker be held on $20,000 cash bail. Even if he can post that bail, he can't be released until his current 60-day sentence is served.
Diane Carhart, 63, was killed March 5 when her Chevrolet Tracker was struck from behind on Route 130 by Parker's car and pushed into the lane of an oncoming NStar pickup truck, according to police.
"It's been really hard leading up to Mother's Day," Susan Linhares, Carhart's daughter, said. "Everywhere you turn, there are reminders and it's very difficult."
Linhares and two of Carhart's brothers were in the court when Parker was arraigned.
Parker was also charged with driving while his license was revoked. Trudeau said the investigation is ongoing, but declined to say if he expects more charges against Parker.
Yesterday's arraignment has been a long time coming for Carhart's family. Parker was taken to Falmouth Hospital with minor injuries he suffered in the crash, so rather than being arrested he was issued a summons on the charges. The family then had to wait until a clerk magistrate issued a criminal complaint against Parker.
Parker has an extensive poor driving record that includes the four operating under the influence convictions. His license was revoked at the time of the Sandwich crash by the registry because police considered him an immediate danger to the public.
"We're thankful he's behind bars where he can't hurt anyone else," Linhares said. "I was talking to my uncle and we're hopeful he gets the treatment he needs."
George Brennan can be reached at gbrennan@capecodonline.com.
ABC Channel 6 Article - Cape Cod man faces vehicular homicide charges
Cape Cod man faces vehicular homicide charges
A Cape Cod man has been ordered held on $10,000 bail after pleading not guilty to a vehicular homicide charge in a crash that killed a Sandwich woman.
50-year-old Christopher Parker was also charged with driving with a revoked license. He's been convicted of impaired driving four times in the past.
63-year-old Diane Carhart died in the March 5th accident. Police said her vehicle was struck from behind on Route 130 by Parker's car and pushed into the path of an oncoming pick-up.
Parker was taken into custody after a Falmouth District Court judge revoked his bail in an unrelated case in which he was charged with driving under the influence of drugs.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Parker's Arraignment in Barnstable District Court
As previously mentioned....today, May 9, 2007, was Christopher G. Parker's arraignment on charges of homicide by motor vehicle due to negligence and driving on a revoked license in connection with Diane's death.
As I got into my car this morning to drive to the Barnstable District Courthouse I wondered if Parker would look different after spending 10 days behind bars. I was surprised at the amount of fog on the roads at 8:00am since the weather was supposed to be clear with temps in the low 80s. As I crossed the Bourne Bridge onto Cape Cod the fog was so thick that I could not make out the top of the bridge. By the time I had driven the couple of miles along the Canal to Route 6 the sun was out in all it's glory and the Sagamore bridge sparkled in the sunlight.
I arrived at the courthouse by 8:55am and met up with my two of my Mother's brothers, my Uncles Philip and Bob Kelsey. As we waited for the first call to go into the courtroom we also briefly spoke to Cape Cod Times reporter George Brennan.
At about 9:05am they called everyone into the First Session Courtroom. This was a very big courtroom with a large judge's desk on a raised platform and an equally large clerk's desk set in front of and below the Judge's platform. Facing those large desks were two tables, the right table for the District Attorney's Office and the left table for the defendant's lawyers use. To the left of the Judge was a bench against the wall and a podium-type desk for the bailiffs. To the right of the room was an area for the jury. There were about 8 rows of bench-like seating for the public and people who have business with the court. These benches were set facing the judge and had a walkway up the middle.
We were in for a fairly long wait as they first call all the cases that were going to be heard that day to see if the parties involved were present and then they held a number of arraignments. We saw two men who were in custody be brought in and told to sit on the bench along the left wall. Each of these men, who were handcuffed, were arraigned and then led out of the courtroom. We were waiting for Parker to be brought in next. It was now about 10:45am and I was a bit surprised when I saw the Judge get up and walk out a door that was behind his desk! They hadn't brought Parker in yet, where was he going??
Luckily Kathleen Finnegan, the victim/witness advocate assigned to our family by the D.A.'s office came to sit with us at that time to inform us that the judge was taking a short break and would be back fairly soon. She had us move toward the front of the rows of bench seats so we could hear and see better.
While we waited for the court to resume A.D.A. Brian Shea, who is prosecuting Parker's case, came over to answer a few questions we had. Finally the Judge came back into the courtroom and the baliffs then led four men in handcuffs into the room and the men were told to sit on the bench along the wall on the left of the room. The first man led to the bench was Parker. He, as were most of the men in lock-up, was dressed in issued dark blue work-type pants and a dark blue buttoned down shirt. His hands were handcuffed in front of him. I was a bit surprised to see that Parker's head had been shaved sometime after he had been incarcerated 10 days ago. He had the shortest of crew-cuts. I'm not sure if this is something they do as part of the intake process at the Barnstable County Jail or exactly why his hair was almost all shaved off, but it looked like a severe military cut.
When the Clerk finally called "Commonwealth vs. Christopher Parker" we saw Parker stand up, looking at the ground. The clerk read the charges that Parker faced, homicide by motor vehicle due to negligence and driving on a revoked license, and then entered a plea of not guilty on Parker's behalf. The Judge also mentioned that Parker had requested a court-appointed attorney and it had been approved. Woodrow "Woody" Brown has been assigned as Parker's public defender.
At that point the Judge asked A.D.A. Shea if the Commonwealth was requesting bail. Shea stood up and began giving an overview of the case against Parker. He gave a brief rundown on Parker's prior charges and convictions, including the multiple DWI and Assault and Battery convictions. Shea then went through the events leading up to and directly after the crash that led to Diane's death. When he was done, in closing, he requested $20,000 bail for Parker.
Next it was Atty. Brown's chance to speak on behalf of Parker (who was still standing, looking at the ground with his arms hanging loosely in front of him due to his wrists being handcuffed). Brown started by saying Parker was a man in his 50s who resides at 20 Jody Lane, Forestdale, MA. He stated that Parker lives with his wife and son and works as a painter. It seems that Parker served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War, receiving an honorable discharge. Brown stated that Parker and his family could only afford $1,000 for bail.
After hearing the arguments from both sides the Judge set Parker's bail at $10,000 cash or $100,000 surety. Parker continued to look down although his face had been slowly turning red during the time he was standing. The Judge appointed Judge Lynch to the case for trial, then next picked the date of June 4, 2007 for a Pre-Trial Hearing, and Parker's business before the court was finished for the day. Bob, Philip and I followed Kathleen Finnegan out to the courthouse lobby where we met A.D.A. Shea. We were pleased with the large bail which will hopefully keep Parker behind bars. The date for the Pre-Trial Hearing, June 4, will allow my brother Johnny to be able to make an appearance since he will be in Massachusetts for a few weeks in June, coming from his home in Arizona.
It was nice that my Uncles were able to take the time off from work today so that they could come to the courthouse today. It was their first time seeing Parker in person.
As far as I know the Cape Cod Times will be running a story about Parker's arraignment in tomorrow's Paper. I will post the story with a link to their site as I have done in the past, as soon as I see the article.
Thanks so much for the caring and support that we have received, both through this blog, neighbors and friends of Diane, and friends of our family. It really means a lot to us all!
((((((((HUGS))))))))
As I got into my car this morning to drive to the Barnstable District Courthouse I wondered if Parker would look different after spending 10 days behind bars. I was surprised at the amount of fog on the roads at 8:00am since the weather was supposed to be clear with temps in the low 80s. As I crossed the Bourne Bridge onto Cape Cod the fog was so thick that I could not make out the top of the bridge. By the time I had driven the couple of miles along the Canal to Route 6 the sun was out in all it's glory and the Sagamore bridge sparkled in the sunlight.
I arrived at the courthouse by 8:55am and met up with my two of my Mother's brothers, my Uncles Philip and Bob Kelsey. As we waited for the first call to go into the courtroom we also briefly spoke to Cape Cod Times reporter George Brennan.
At about 9:05am they called everyone into the First Session Courtroom. This was a very big courtroom with a large judge's desk on a raised platform and an equally large clerk's desk set in front of and below the Judge's platform. Facing those large desks were two tables, the right table for the District Attorney's Office and the left table for the defendant's lawyers use. To the left of the Judge was a bench against the wall and a podium-type desk for the bailiffs. To the right of the room was an area for the jury. There were about 8 rows of bench-like seating for the public and people who have business with the court. These benches were set facing the judge and had a walkway up the middle.
We were in for a fairly long wait as they first call all the cases that were going to be heard that day to see if the parties involved were present and then they held a number of arraignments. We saw two men who were in custody be brought in and told to sit on the bench along the left wall. Each of these men, who were handcuffed, were arraigned and then led out of the courtroom. We were waiting for Parker to be brought in next. It was now about 10:45am and I was a bit surprised when I saw the Judge get up and walk out a door that was behind his desk! They hadn't brought Parker in yet, where was he going??
Luckily Kathleen Finnegan, the victim/witness advocate assigned to our family by the D.A.'s office came to sit with us at that time to inform us that the judge was taking a short break and would be back fairly soon. She had us move toward the front of the rows of bench seats so we could hear and see better.
While we waited for the court to resume A.D.A. Brian Shea, who is prosecuting Parker's case, came over to answer a few questions we had. Finally the Judge came back into the courtroom and the baliffs then led four men in handcuffs into the room and the men were told to sit on the bench along the wall on the left of the room. The first man led to the bench was Parker. He, as were most of the men in lock-up, was dressed in issued dark blue work-type pants and a dark blue buttoned down shirt. His hands were handcuffed in front of him. I was a bit surprised to see that Parker's head had been shaved sometime after he had been incarcerated 10 days ago. He had the shortest of crew-cuts. I'm not sure if this is something they do as part of the intake process at the Barnstable County Jail or exactly why his hair was almost all shaved off, but it looked like a severe military cut.
When the Clerk finally called "Commonwealth vs. Christopher Parker" we saw Parker stand up, looking at the ground. The clerk read the charges that Parker faced, homicide by motor vehicle due to negligence and driving on a revoked license, and then entered a plea of not guilty on Parker's behalf. The Judge also mentioned that Parker had requested a court-appointed attorney and it had been approved. Woodrow "Woody" Brown has been assigned as Parker's public defender.
At that point the Judge asked A.D.A. Shea if the Commonwealth was requesting bail. Shea stood up and began giving an overview of the case against Parker. He gave a brief rundown on Parker's prior charges and convictions, including the multiple DWI and Assault and Battery convictions. Shea then went through the events leading up to and directly after the crash that led to Diane's death. When he was done, in closing, he requested $20,000 bail for Parker.
Next it was Atty. Brown's chance to speak on behalf of Parker (who was still standing, looking at the ground with his arms hanging loosely in front of him due to his wrists being handcuffed). Brown started by saying Parker was a man in his 50s who resides at 20 Jody Lane, Forestdale, MA. He stated that Parker lives with his wife and son and works as a painter. It seems that Parker served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War, receiving an honorable discharge. Brown stated that Parker and his family could only afford $1,000 for bail.
After hearing the arguments from both sides the Judge set Parker's bail at $10,000 cash or $100,000 surety. Parker continued to look down although his face had been slowly turning red during the time he was standing. The Judge appointed Judge Lynch to the case for trial, then next picked the date of June 4, 2007 for a Pre-Trial Hearing, and Parker's business before the court was finished for the day. Bob, Philip and I followed Kathleen Finnegan out to the courthouse lobby where we met A.D.A. Shea. We were pleased with the large bail which will hopefully keep Parker behind bars. The date for the Pre-Trial Hearing, June 4, will allow my brother Johnny to be able to make an appearance since he will be in Massachusetts for a few weeks in June, coming from his home in Arizona.
It was nice that my Uncles were able to take the time off from work today so that they could come to the courthouse today. It was their first time seeing Parker in person.
As far as I know the Cape Cod Times will be running a story about Parker's arraignment in tomorrow's Paper. I will post the story with a link to their site as I have done in the past, as soon as I see the article.
Thanks so much for the caring and support that we have received, both through this blog, neighbors and friends of Diane, and friends of our family. It really means a lot to us all!
((((((((HUGS))))))))
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Arraignment Tomorrow - Finally
Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 9, 2007 Christopher G. Parker will finally be arraigned on the charges he is receiving in connection with my Mom, Diane Carhart's death. The arraignment is being held at 9:00am in the first session courtroom at the Barnstable District Courthouse in Barnstable, MA.
Family members and neighbors of Diane will be attending. The arraignment is held in a public courtroom so we will be able to witness the proceedings. If anyone would like to go to support our family and Diane's memory we would love to have you. Directions and info can be found here - Barnstable District Courthouse. The First Session Courtroom will be on the left when you go through the security check. Speaking of the security check I have learned that they will no longer allow cellphones that have a camera in them into the courthouse. If they see it in your purse or pocket they will have you bring it out to your car...I learned the hard way when I had to bring my old cellphone back out to my car in the pouring rain. It doesn't work and I'd actually forgotten it was in my purse.
As far as I know Parker will be brought from the Barnstable County House of Correction by the County Sheriff's office. I am hoping he will be at least handcuffed when he is brought into the courtroom...and leg chains would be even better!
At the Arraignment we will hear how Parker pleads and also find out who he has hired as an Attorney to handle this case. During a previous court appearance when Parker was asked by a reporter about the case he referred all questions to his attorney but then declined to say who represents him, saying ''Go to the hearing and find out.''
A summary of the arraignment will be posted here as soon as I get back home tomorrow.
Family members and neighbors of Diane will be attending. The arraignment is held in a public courtroom so we will be able to witness the proceedings. If anyone would like to go to support our family and Diane's memory we would love to have you. Directions and info can be found here - Barnstable District Courthouse. The First Session Courtroom will be on the left when you go through the security check. Speaking of the security check I have learned that they will no longer allow cellphones that have a camera in them into the courthouse. If they see it in your purse or pocket they will have you bring it out to your car...I learned the hard way when I had to bring my old cellphone back out to my car in the pouring rain. It doesn't work and I'd actually forgotten it was in my purse
As far as I know Parker will be brought from the Barnstable County House of Correction by the County Sheriff's office. I am hoping he will be at least handcuffed when he is brought into the courtroom...and leg chains would be even better!
At the Arraignment we will hear how Parker pleads and also find out who he has hired as an Attorney to handle this case. During a previous court appearance when Parker was asked by a reporter about the case he referred all questions to his attorney but then declined to say who represents him, saying ''Go to the hearing and find out.''
A summary of the arraignment will be posted here as soon as I get back home tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Are felony DWI offenders getting away with murder?
The article below is from Houston, TX, KHOU channel 11's website. The story sounds all to familiar, and is actually what my family and I have been saying from the moment that we learned about Christopher Parker's extensive DWI/OUI arrest record. I've also mentioned that it seemed as if Parker knew how to work the system. It seems that each and every day repeat offenders are picked up for driving while intoxicated. Unfortunately those offenders do not go to jail each and everyday, but are allowed out on bail or probation...with promises of doing a couple of hours of community service. While this story below is based in Texas I thought it was very appropriate for our site.
Are felony DWI offenders getting away with murder?
11:57 AM CDT on Sunday, April 29, 2007
By Dave Fehling / 11 News
In the past two years, police in Harris County charged over 1,900 drivers with felony DWI, but some say chronic offenders have learned to work the system and never pay the price.
For example, an allegedly very drunk driver was accused last month of killing a mother and daughter in a horrific smash-up on the Eastex Freeway.
Police said he’d already had three previous DWI convictions.
“They’re not following through on penalties,” said Ruth Tijerina, who lost her daughter in a drunk driving crash in 2004.
Texas has the three strikes DWI law: The third arrest means a felony charge. Felony as in prison, loss of voting rights and public humiliation.
But when 11 News asked the county to provide us with records showing what really happens, what we discovered was disturbing.
In the past two years in Harris County alone, 492 of the more than 1,900 felony DWI cases were reduced to misdeameanor charges.
“At some point, they need to be locked away,” said John Bradley, the Williamson County D.A. known for its tough stance on DWI.
So why aren’t they?
“Your chronic DWI offender, the person who has two or more prior arrests for DWI, has completely learned how to work the system,” said Bradley.
Are felony DWI offenders getting away with murder?
11:57 AM CDT on Sunday, April 29, 2007
By Dave Fehling / 11 News
In the past two years, police in Harris County charged over 1,900 drivers with felony DWI, but some say chronic offenders have learned to work the system and never pay the price.
For example, an allegedly very drunk driver was accused last month of killing a mother and daughter in a horrific smash-up on the Eastex Freeway.
Police said he’d already had three previous DWI convictions.
“They’re not following through on penalties,” said Ruth Tijerina, who lost her daughter in a drunk driving crash in 2004.
Texas has the three strikes DWI law: The third arrest means a felony charge. Felony as in prison, loss of voting rights and public humiliation.
But when 11 News asked the county to provide us with records showing what really happens, what we discovered was disturbing.
In the past two years in Harris County alone, 492 of the more than 1,900 felony DWI cases were reduced to misdeameanor charges.
“At some point, they need to be locked away,” said John Bradley, the Williamson County D.A. known for its tough stance on DWI.
So why aren’t they?
“Your chronic DWI offender, the person who has two or more prior arrests for DWI, has completely learned how to work the system,” said Bradley.
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