Support for Homicide Survivors will Enhance Victim’s Rights in Illinois

Who are survivors of homicide? The term itself is an oxymoron at best. It’s a private club made up exclusively of loved ones left behind via murder, most foul, not by any fault of their own, but by circumstance. It’s never by choice and it often feels as if the initiation into the club will literally kill them too. It’s a mystery how one navigates the system and becomes victorious - that’s what I consider a homicide survivor. Now there’s hope and help for all victims of homicide in Illinois. Below are the survivors running this new organization.

An organization created to fight for homicide survivors is enlisting the support of Senator Bill Brady. The newly-formed Support for Homicide Survivors (SHS) group will work to raise public and legislative support for homicide survivors, including support at parole and clemency hearings, and legislative changes for victims and their rights, according to SHS Executive Director Dora Larson (at left in photo). Dora Larson, Senator Mike Jacobs, Agent James Simmons, Senator Bill Brady At a news conference February 8 in the Capitol, Senator Brady said he supports new legislation to place a victim’s advocate on the state’s Prisoner Review Board. “It’s a first step that needs to be taken, particularly over the last couple years as we have seen people released from prison and put back into society without the knowledge of the victims or the survivors,” Senator Brady said. “I applaud the efforts of this organization for doing that.” SHS also recognized James Simmons with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (at podium in photo) for his work on behalf of crime victims. “This is a very humbling experience for me; however, this is not about me. Let me give you some numbers that I was going over in my head, and actually verified before I came here today,” Simmons said. “For the past five years, Illinois has averaged over 750 homicides. For the past five years, Illinois has averaged over 4,000 rapes. For the past five years, Illinois has averaged over 64,000 violent offenses.” More information about the Support for Homicide Survivors group is available at http://supportforhomicidesurvivors.com/. Also attending the press conference was Senator Mike Jacobs of East Moline (second from left in photo). ILStatehouseNews Dora Larson, executive director and co-founder of Support for Homicide Survivors, speaks about her organization's position on the death penalty. Agent James Simmons, 2nd VP. of State and President, of F.O.P. IDOC Lodge #263, for the Victims of the State of Illinois receives SHS award and speaks on the death penalty.

CO-FOUNDERS

A Daughter’s Story
In 1979, Dora Larson's 10 year old daughter, Vicki, was kidnapped, raped, murdered and thrown in a shallow grave, dug three days earlier by her killer, a 15 year old chronic child molester.

Dora knew she could never have her child back, but she would fight to stop crime that produces victims. Realistically, there is no way to stop crime and victims, but she could work toward easing the pain of victims and insuring their rights are met. That is why, since Vicki’s murder, Dora has devoted her energy to the philosophy that victims’ rights should be considered of equal –if not greater– importance compared to those who commit murder.

Dora was founder and Executive Director of Protecting All Children Together (PACT) for 12 yrs, leaving to be the first Victim Services Unit Co-coordinator for IDOC. I have served on various committees and/or boards appointed by Governors, Attorney Generals and various State Agencies. I have started and/or sat on boards for many organizations over the last 30 years and continue memberships with several groups working for and supporting victims of crime. I was named Illinois FBI Academy Graduates Assoc Citizen of the year for 1997.

Since my victim advocate work I have helped write some, testified and pushed dozens of bills into laws. Changing needed laws has continued to be one of the most important part of advocating for the betterment of victims and homicide survivors. I have attended numerous murder trials giving support to the survivors. I have given victim sensitive training to law enforcement, judicial and advocates. A lot of the various things I have accomplished were projects that needed to be done to meet victims’ needs.

I am proud of the work I’ve done to protect, educate, pass laws and make the public aware of the plight of victims. Receiving awards, that I’ve been honored to receive, I’ve been around a long time, but to me there is so much more to do. I’m co- founding Support for Homicide Survivors with Terry Mayborne whose philosophy matches mine and her work ethics is to be admired, to continue the work still needing to be done

A Widow’s Pain
Terry Mayborne’s day on Friday, March 15, 1974 started out as any other normal day. The girls were at school and when Mike’s shift was over they were looking forward to going to their favorite place, Geri’s 15 cent Hamburger’s for dinner, the normal routine on payday. In the flash of 5 bullet’s, Mike was dead. Terry was now a widow and two young children (2 & 4) who were confused why they couldn’t hug their daddy.

When Mike’s murderer was sentenced to 75-125 years, the family felt they would never have to worry about his release and his threat to society. Dead wrong! What followed was yearly protests of the parole hearings at the prisons!

Disgusted with the Prisoner Review Board’s actions and procedures towards victims, Terry started out being a watchdog for the PRB and wrongdoing by their committee. At one point, Mike’s murderer was just one vote away from release.

She was President of the last victim organization for the past 3 years, testifying at parole protest hearings, legislative testimony for opposition/support of laws that would impact victims. She has gained the support of over 100 organizations in her fight. After resigning from that position, she has committed herself to SHS and working strictly with issues pertaining to victim impact.

A Mother's Quest

Victoria Crompton-Tetter Board Member

I call myself a “founding mother” of the movement to bring dating violence education into the nation’s schools. Twenty five years ago I would have laughed had someone suggested that I would be the “founder” of anything, or that I would be considered an expert. But life throws us curveballs we never see coming and life changes. The challenge is what we choose to do with the changes we face. I chose to fight back from tragedy, to fight through the despair and try to change the lives of teenagers.

Back in l986 when my l5-year old daughter Jenny was stabbed over 60 times by her l8-year old boyfriend, there was absolutely no education or discussion going on in high schools. Nor were there were any published articles or books or TV programs in the mainstream media. Jenny had no idea how dangerous her relationship was. Nor did I. I did not know that Mark Smith stalked her, that he was breaking into our house, or that he refused to let her end the relationship. She never told me—but she told all her friends.

What I learned-- too late-- was that no one, not I, not Jenny or the teachers knew anything about teen dating violence. The issue was only beginning to appear in the mental health literature for professionals. I was stunned to hear the testimony of Jenny’s friends at trial, to hear them describe a controlling and abusive relationship, but to dismiss it by saying “it’s not a big deal; everybody does it”.

In order to heal, I threw myself into educating teens and their parents. I told Jenny’s story whenever and wherever I could, presenting programs to thousands of schools and organizations across the country over a 25-year period. Because Jenny’s friends “never told,” my main focus has always been to teach friends the importance of breaking the
deadly silence and to educate parents about the warning signs to look for. I also focus on the misperceptions teens carry about relationships: that control is a sign of love and emotional abuse is acceptable.

My journey from brokenhearted Mom to national expert has involved radio and TV interviews, newspaper and magazine articles, and finally co-authoring an award-winning book SAVING BEAUTY FROM THE BEAST: How to Protect Your Daughter From an Unhealthy Relationship (Little, Brown, 2003-2004). Exciting stuff – but I would trade it all for one more minute with my daughter.

BOARD MEMBERS

TerryPatton

Henry County State's Attorney - Terence M. Patton graduated from Atkinson High School in 1984. He obtained his Associates Degree from Black Hawk College in 1987, his Bachelors Degree from Western Illinois University in 1989 and his Juris Doctorate Degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1992. Mr. Patton was in private practice in Belleville, Illinois from 1992 to 1996. On May 13, 1996 he started working for the Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office as the First Assistant State’s Attorney, prosecuting felony cases with then State’s Attorney Ted Hamer. On September 13, 2000 Mr. Patton was appointed State’s Attorney and two months later was elected to his first term in office. He was re-elected in 2004 and again in 2008. He has successfully tried many felony jury trials to verdict, including the crimes of Murder, Attempted Murder, Armed Violence, Armed Robbery, Home Invasion, Arson, Residential Burglary, Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child, Criminal Sexual Assault, Criminal Drug Conspiracy and Cannabis Trafficking. On October 27, 2000 Mr. Patton received an award from the Illinois MEG Directors and Task Force Commanders’ Association “in recognition of your talented courtroom skills that led to the successful prosecution of four defendants charged with Class X narcotic offenses which resulted in sentences totaling 147 years.” On March 31, 2007 Mr. Patton received the Hero of Hope award from the Henry County Children’s Advocacy Center (now called the Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center) “in recognition of his exemplary dedication to children, families, and the community through prosecution of child sexual abuse and serious child physical abuse offenders and for outstanding leadership during his tenure as Board President of the Henry County Children’s Advocacy Center.”

Greg Sullivan

Executive Director Illinois Sheriffs Assn., Springfield, IL

Patrick Keane

Asst. Supervisor/ Chief of Security at IDOC

Barb Stone

Victim Services Provider at Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office.

Jim Simmons

Second Vice President F.O.P. and President, of F.O.P. IDOC Lodge #263, for the Victims of the State of Illinois. The 1st recipient of the distinguished award from “Support for Homicide Survivor’s”.

CONSULTANT

Lacey Gaines and Aunt Cherry

I'm not a Board Member but I am the Webmaster and Designer for the group. We will produce a bi-monthly newsletter for all interested parties. We will run a victim’s voice in each publication. Our first six victims will be unsolved homicides. The first will be the facts of Lacey Claire Gaines Murder Case #09-06670 Justice, IL on December 7, 2009.

I'm Lacey's Aunt Cherry and I have an alarm set on my phone, it goes off every month on the anniversary of Lacey's murder. It says "Do something for Lacey" I am glad to try to help other survivors of homicide in honor of Lacey.

Our loved ones live forever in our memories and hearts. We will not let their deaths be in vain or lives be forgotten!

http://supportforhomicidesurvivors.com/

Illinois Inmate Release: Old and New Victims

By Dora Larson, Guest Writer




Dear Sir,

I am writing on behalf of Illinois Victims.Org., as Vice President of our organization and as a survivor victim of my 10 year old daughter, Vicki's murder, we want to know, did you give any thought of or about the victims of these inmates being released?  Our organization works for victim rights and want to know what provisions were put in to ensure victims of these inmates were notified and will there be any assistance and/or financial aid for those victims?  We also want a listing of all inmates being released.  This is a right of public information, but we want a copy from your office.

The victims of these inmates don't easily move on after their homes have been violated. Children who have lived in a neighborhood where drugs deals are made (some times guns were involved) live in fear and the elderly who have been victimized have a difficult trusting again.  The inmates you choose to release will most likely go back to the same area they were arrested and their victims will most likely come face to face with the person who destroyed their lives.  What are you going to do to help these innocent victims?  If you did not know or have not been  told, there is NO such thing as a victimless crime!  I have worked with victims for 30 years and have worked with every form of victimization.  I know their fears, concerns and hurt made real by the kind of inmate you are releasing.

Did you hire more parole officers?  If not, these officers were already over worked with their case load and now they have a thousand more offenders.  There are few jobs available for the general population and now you're putting a thousand more people on the streets before their prison time is up applying for a job.  You have no idea how the job market would be if all these inmates were imprisoned for their full sentence. 

To finish, any so called non-violent inmate is capable of becoming a violent offender due to circumstancs they face and the choices they make.  I pray none of us are sorry that a money issue was the only reason these inmates are being put out on our streets and neighborhoods a year or so too soon.

I want an answer and a copy of the inmates being released from you or your staff within 10 days.  I look forward to hearing from you.

I remain,

Dora Larson

VP Illinois Victims. org




Voice Of The Victims


This is the letter I sent to Illinois Governor Quinn from our group, Illinois Victims.Org.  When this letter was sent to him little did any of us know the number of inmates being given an early release was 1700 not 1000 as was reported.  The releases were started in Sept. 2009 not November 2009.  Do you see the pattern of lies the citizens of Illinois were spoon fed by the Governor of our state?

"A liar is never to be trusted," were the words my Grandpa Brooks always said.  My Grandpa was my mentor and the reason I'm still around fighting for victims after all these years.  He wanted us to live by, " Always give back" and follow his deep faith in Christ.  I'm so very thankful for all Grandpa's advice and love.  And I want to live like he did, humbly and knowing, helping others helps you.  So, with his never forgotten guidance I'm ready to take on any one who even thinks of harming an innocent victim.

The papers in our area have been printing nonstop articles of what horrible crimes these so called "non offenders" are committing.  One case involved an early released inmate and his girl friend who beat a poor woman for not giving them a cigarette when they asked for one.  Several pieces have been about the "not to be trusted" Governor trying to defend his postion for this failed plan because he wanted to save money for the state.  The latest report has him calling the IDOC Director a rougue for releasing some of the inmates and the state legislators for not voting to provide more money to his budget.  When a person blames someone and/or everyone else for his mess and harmed people, would you trust that person?    

Illinois Victims org. is doing all we can to reach out to old and newly created victims, helping the IDOC do more for victims of their housed offenders, and holding the Governor's feet to the fire to make him answer many questions he has yet to address.

I wonder if a person with his mindset is ever to be trusted even as his mouth is moving?

I have always prayed a time would come when there is never another victim, but until I get to be with my Vicki and my Grandpa Brooks, I'll be fighting for victims of crime.  I'll always work to elect people we can TRUST.  Do you like my plans?  If you answered yes, join in the fight  who ever you are, where ever you are or what ever time you have to give.

God Bless all of you.


Dora Larson is the mother of a young 10 year old girl, Vicki, who was brutally murdered.  You can read about Vicki and how her mother has been fighting for justice for, not only her own daughter, but for many others.    A Terrible Case of GOOD vs. EVIL

A Terrible Case of GOOD vs. EVIL

Victoria Joelle Larson, Born February 8, 1969 - Killed July 12, 1979

By Cherry Simpson

Why does God allow evil to prevail in this world? It’s an eternal question, which means it’s not likely we’ll be able to answer it, in this lifetime.

Victoria Joelle Larson was born Feb 8, 1969. Her mother Dora Larson told me ”Vicki had a beaming smile, sunlit, she was my special gift from God, a sweet, giving, innocent child.” Dora had so many hopes and dreams for her little girl; dreams for a long and happy life together, and a future.

On July 12, 1979, Vicki was walking home after her brother’s little league game in the tiny town of Andover, IL. It was then Evil crossed Vicki’s path - his name was Scott Darnell. He was someone she knew, he visited his grandparent’s often, he’d been to Vicki’s house, and Vicki knew he had a crush on her older sister. Darnell led Vicki into a desolate cornfield, where, he had dug her grave three or four days earlier.

Scott William Darnell had dreams too, but his dreams are every parent’s worst nightmare. When 15-year-old Scott Darnell moved in with his grandparents in May 1979, he brought with him a history of molesting children and other violent acts. While still in grade school, Darnell established a pattern of molesting young girls. He later threatened a girl with a knife, tried to rape a 10-year-old girl, and assaulted staff members at juvenile facilities where he was assigned. In fact Scott had been housed in every juvenile facility in IL at the time of his parole. (The state called it a summer release.)

A psychiatrist would testify a year later that Darnell was “a homicide waiting to happen.” The system knew Darnell dreamed of raping and murdering little girls. And yet they released him into a community who had no knowledge what he was or what he had done or dreamed of doing. They were not allowed to protect their little girls from this monster.

Darnell knew in this little town of just 600, he’d be able to make his dreams a reality. He’d already found his victim; he’d been to her home. Her parents trusted him because they didn’t know what he had done or what he was capable of. The law was actually on his side - protecting him, and in a sense helping him, to commit his next crime - only this time he added murder to the mix.

In planning Darnell gathered wooden stakes with leather straps to bind her while he tortured her, he conveniently placed this right next to the shallow grave he dug. Now all he had to do was to lure her into the cornfield. He did that with the promise of a pony. Once she was there his dream became a sick reality. Darnell was at least twice Vicki by size and weight. He knew it wouldn’t be difficult for him to subdue her. Darnell forcibly raped and killed little Vicki, torturing her and strangling her then throwing her little lifeless body into that shallow grave like she was yesterday’s trash.

Why did he do it? To fulfill his sexual needs. Darnell had already established a pattern of sexual deviance and possessed the character traits - criminal, narcissistic, he lacked guilt, remorse, empathy and compassion. All this had been well documented in his psychological exams while housed in the juvenile facilities prior to his release in May 1979.

On Friday July 13, 1979 Vicki’s body was found. (Daily Herald Story) Darnell confessed, he was found guilty and sentenced to 30 yr’s for the rape and given natural life for the murder. The verdict came on what should have been little Vicki’s 11th birthday.

At 18 Darnell was to be sent to an adult prison. He has never shown guilt, remorse or sadness for his actions. Darnell devalues Vicki’s rights and over values his rights, he is indifferent to and or aroused by the pain, suffering, injury or humiliation he did to Vicki.

It’s now 30 years later and Scott Darnell inmate #N42540, is now age 46- a Buddhist who calls himself Legion - is an example of true evil in this world.

In a failed attempt to escape prison (the rules don’t apply to him) officials found this letter in his cell. Darnell even in prison, continues to dream of rape and murder. He cares nothing for the murder of Vicki he even misspells her name.

Through the years Darnell has made notoriety, based on him being a criminal in for life- by writing for various Buddhist publications such as (but not limited to) Tricycle, Turning Wheel, Shambhala Sun and Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly. His copyrighted article entitled “Meeting Myself in the Cell House” was published in The Best Buddhist Writing 2005. Darnell writes about no remorse for his horrendous crimes, in fact he is less than honest in his description of why he is prison at all. Making it sound like one big horrible mistake. These writings are more evidence he has not accepted responsibility for the rape and murder of the 10 yr old child Vicki Larson nor is he remorseful or repentant even after 30 yrs in prison.

What criminals count on is forgetful memories, dead victims and a lack of knowledge of the crime. Just as Darnell has attempted to rewrite history the Internet can be used to remind people of the truth and facts. The truth and facts of this case are, that Scott Darnell is a repeat sexual pedophile and child murderer.

He does not ask for forgiveness in any of his writings. He does talk about himself and how he’s had a bad life (You see he is more important). He blames his mother who died of diabetes when he was 7. Never once does he say he was a repeat sexual pedophile and child murderer. When Darnell chants “No more victim, No more victim”, I am convinced he is speaking of “himself the victim.”

In stark contrast to the evident EVIL found in Darnell I am amazed at the GOOD found in Vicki’s mother, Dora Larson. Dora is a wonderful example of a good mother and proves that - in her life’s work - by not letting her little girl’s murder be in vein.

Dora was the founder and executive director of the Protecting All Children Together (PACT) coalition. She sacrificed much to help other children who had been victims of sexual abuse. Think about how hard that must have been for Dora to endure - how many times her thoughts would be brought back her own little girl’s suffering. She didn’t stop there - Dora in 1997 then headed up the Victims Services Unit in the Department of Corrections. You see Dora had the empathy and the understanding and she backed it up with her service for others. Now Dora is officially retired but still helps others as she is the Vice President of Illinois Victims. Over the last 30 years Dora has helped to pass many laws protecting victim rights. Dora is a woman I am so proud to know. She makes me want to be a better person and a better mother. When I think of Dora, I think of God’s love. What is love? Love is actions and that is Dora - she is “God’s Love in action.”

Dora wrote a letter to Darnell, she wanted him to know God would forgive him, if only he would repent - if he would ask for forgiveness and come to faith in Jesus, he too could go to Heaven. Dora knows Justice belongs to God and God is a just God.

In return, true to his EVIL self, Darnell wrote Dora a 4 page-scathing letter telling her “How dare you ask ME if I believe in God.” He then used Dora’s letter against her - by falsely presenting it to the Prison Review Board as proof that his victim’s mother wanted him to go free. Remember Darnell can’t spell Vicki’s name right, or write about her or what he has done to her, or say he’s sorry for what he’s done. He doesn’t like God and he calls himself “Legion.”

In Sept of 2008 Darnell filed another petition for executive clemency asking for a pardon from his 30-year sentence for rape and commutation of his life sentence for murder to time served. In his letter he changed his crime (including changing the murder and forcible rape to the name of "it"). He also claims to be a model prisoner. (It’s helpful there are no 10 or 11-year-old little girls in prison.)

Darnell deserved the death penalty for the heartless murder of this 10-year old girl. If he had been put to death, he could not make threats on other innocent people or write books from jail. Dora doesn’t want any other little girls graves to be dug or raped or killed by Darnell.

To paraphrase one of Dora’s favorite old saying, evil triumphs when good men (and women) do nothing. Will you help to keep all little girls safe and join us in writing the Governor and the Illinois Prisoner Review Board? Please ask that Scott W. Darnell be denied all clemency. Write to: Illinois Prisoner Review Board, 319 E. Madison St., Suite A, Springfield, Ill., 62701. And/or contact Governor Pat Quinn, 207 State House, Springfield, IL 62706.

All of us have trouble dealing with such evil - and I think our society has an even harder time dealing with it. It is my opinion that our society does not like to admit the presence of true evil. We like to think that all people are basically good . . . or at least have some good in them. But there are some people whom M. Scott Peck, a famous author, calls "People of the Lie" who have given themselves over to evil, whom the devil controls completely.

Darkness is powerful and prevalent. It surrounds us. However, it cannot extinguish the light. Even when murderers and rapists deprive us of life, we have life in God's Son. Little Vicki and her brave Mother Dora know. He gives us eternal life. He frees us from all suffering. Others can take our "body and life" but they cannot take the faith that is in our hearts. They cannot take our Savior away from us - no matter how cruel or awful they may be. We have victory in Jesus. Jesus said to his disciples hours before he was to be beaten, flogged and crucified, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). We also have the promise, "Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). As bad as things get here - and I cannot think of anything worse than a precious 10-year old girl being raped and murdered - the wonder of heaven will be far greater. Dora looks forward to her happy reunion with her child and an eternity of perfect happiness one day in Heaven.

Dora keep that light shining your light has strengthened my faith and countless others. What a wonderful reward you will have in heaven. “The spirit of the dead will survive in the memory of the living.” A memorable quote from the movie The Mission.

"The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5)