Home Safety Compromised

"We came to mow the lawn and noticed your back door was standing wide open. Is it supposed to be?"

"No."

"Do you mind if we just step inside and see if there is anything obvious missing?"

"Please do."

"Did you have a television in the living room?"

"Yes, a big 73" DLP."

"Well, you don't now."

That is the phone conversation that led to us being forced to come home. We delivered some thrust reversers in Wichita, Kansas, and decided we couldn't leave. Unfortunately, given my eldest daughter's choice in a boyfriend, we immediately suspected she was involved. We got in touch with all the other kids, and asked if someone went out and left the door open, if someone gave my eldest the code to the door, or if we were in fact broken into by someone not in our family. Our son went to the house later that evening and confirmed, the television was gone, as were our video games and some paraphernalia, my jewelry box, my husband's jewelry, speakers, car audio, some old cell phones, some alcohol, some collectibles, a truck GPS, and about $8,000 worth of tools. In addition, they left us a couple presents in the toilet, which they couldn't flush because we turn off the water when we are gone. Since it was more than just the television, we really didn't think my daughter could choose to hurt us that badly. We decided it MUST be someone else.

The speaker taken out of the speaker box

An empty tool drawer.

The stand for our 73" television with the missing games.

We got home late Tuesday night, and decided to wait until Wednesday to really look at the damage. We had been cleaned out of most things. The thieves got away with the keys to the car, and stole quite a few other keys as well. They opened every drawer, and went through everything. We had the crime lab come out and dust for prints, which sadly revealed nothing. We did, however find cigarette butts outside which were not ours. The detective that came out asked if we originally suspected anyone, so they could run that through their database to see if they could find anything. They would take the DNA from the butts to see if they could find anything.

The next day we got a call letting us know my daughter pawned a ring and a scan tool, both of which we suspected immediately came from our home. We spent the rest of the time trying to gather more information. My middle daughter came out to see what we had discovered. We found out a few more pieces of information. The whole time we tried to ensure my daughter signed a power of attorney so my mother could take the kids to Colorado. 

Friday, led to my daughter's questioning, and eventual arrest.We drove about 40 miles to identify my engagement ring and ring guard, as well as the scan tool. We found out the lies my daughter was telling. She told the inspector she got the ring and scan tool from some guy at a hotel who asked her to pawn the items. She told my mother the ring wasn't mine, and tried to change the description. When we looked at my ring, it solidified the fact my daughter was involved. We also found out her boyfriend was a VERY bad person who has a substantive wrap sheet full of multiple counts of breaking and entering. In addition, most of the pawn shops will not accept things from him because they are aware most of it is stolen.

Saturday brought lots of laughter and joy. We celebrated my grandchildrens' birthdays.Four generations were under my daughter's roof at one time, and there was no arguing, only lots of hugs, kisses, infectious laughter, and enjoyment.

Four generations together. From L to R my daughter Kristen, me, my mother holding my granddaughter Akasha, my youngest daughter Bonnie, and my sister Melissa.

Akasha is happy she got blocks of her very own!

Chase opening his favorite toy

Chase has a big rig of his very own

Who cares if the tag is still on, and it isn't on right, Akasha is a princess.

The only good part of the cupcake is the icing!

He likes the whole thing, and loves having cake face.

I'm not peeking at my presents.

Pizza face smiles.

While our home will never truly feel safe again, and no matter where we go, I have to disable the car, because the thieves took keys to our car, our home, and so many things, it was great to be able to hear laughter. My eldest is sitting in jail. Her kids are safe. As difficult as it is, I cannot allow my disappointment in my daughter to affect her innocent children. She and her boyfriend have torn apart our life, but her children had nothing to do with it. I will prosecute my daughter to the fullest extent of the law, and make sure we are at as many court hearings we can possibly attend. Tough love is tough, and yet it is so necessary.