She told police she had been physically abused by her husband for years, which is why she shot him in the back as he lay sleeping one afternoon in the family home. But police and prosecutors painted an altogether different picture of Rhonda Ricketts, which is why they charged her with first degree aggravated murder.
I got the referral because of my association with the Warren County Abuse & Rape Crisis Shelter, where I was vice-president of the board of trustees. Since ARCS was committed to stopping domestic violence of any kind by anybody, there was reason to believe Ms. Ricketts was the victim she claimed she was. So I appeared with her at her arraignment and preliminary hearing in the Lebanon Municipal Court to ask Judge Mark Bogen to reduce her $500,000.00 bond.
"If a prisoner of war in Iraq knew he was going to be executed tomorrow, and therefore took steps today to get away from his captors, he would be called a hero," I said. "But if a battered woman does the same thing, she is labeled a cold, calculated killer, which I don't believe is accurate for this case."
I chose not to stay on the case. I'm not exactly what happened in this case after that.
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May 18, 2003 -- Overnight
Soccer Trip
Chloe was talented in so many areas, but she didn't love soccer because she was afraid of getting hit in the face by the ball. She played on a select team in the spring with all of her friends. She didn't love the games all that much, but the overnight trip where they swam, ate pizza and ice cream, and stayed up too late, that was fun. Here is Chloe with Haley Gribler and Lycia Hollon.
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May 25, 2003 -- Everybody Loves The Boat, Right?
Did someone say we should do a little boating on Memorial Day weekend while we were visiting the McGohan's at Grand Lake St. Mary? Well, that is a lot of fun for some people, especially Kim and Chloe. But, as is evident here, not so much for me. Being on the water in the hot sun in the middle of the day makes me feel like an egg in a skillet. No thanks....
July 13, 2003 -- Don & Tina...The Wedding
Talk about a beautiful wedding. The Chart House restaurant in Dana Point, California, overlooks the harbor, offering a spectacular view. That is where Don and Tina, in front of their friends and families, tied the knot.
Is this a nice photo of what?
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November 21, 2003 -- Okay, Maybe Just One More
Because she was all of eight years old, I figured the time I come that Chloe should have a little freedom as Springboro celebrated its "Christmas in Springboro" event for the 16th time. Chloe would attend with several of her friends, Lycia and Rebecca included, and my thought was this year they wouldn't have to stay right by my side as we walked through town.
But they had to stay in my sight. And for good measure, I bought walkie-talkies, since this was before everyone had cell phones.
For some reason, Kim was not in town. Because I don't think she would have EVER approved of such a stunt. But it seemed to work. Chloe and her friends were happy. They all managed to survive.
If anything was going to get them that weekend, it was sugar.
They had five funnel cakes that weekend.
Count 'em. Five. Yep.
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