When is enough...enough?
“JUSTICE FOR KAYLA”
As a 5th generation "Yunker" I have a passionate love for Manayunk (which by the way is a Lenipi Indian word meaning "Where we gather to drink" or "watering hole"). The Lenipi Indians didn't get into vehicles, after having too much to drink at "the watering hole"...ending their nights in death.
NeuvoManayunk has no resemblance to the Manayunk I grew up in and love. These days my memories of Manayunk are far better than the reality of Main Street. I owned a business in the 80's at Main St. and Levering where I designed many of the business images for the Renaissance of Manayunk. At the first Manayunk Arts Festival I won "Best of Show" for my Main Street, Manayunk watercolor.
In 1981 I painted the mural on the wall at the Green Lane Bridge that proclaims to people "Our way of living together in Manayunk is a strong but delicate fabric. Let us not tear it asunder. For no one knows, once it is destroyed, if its protective warmth will ever be found again".
The deaths of Kayla Peter and Jena McClelland are the end result of NeuvoManayunk, Philadelphia's chick Main Street! Do the bartenders of NeuvoManayunk ever say to party patrons "enough is enough". Do they ever refuse to serve. Is there a point at which, legally, they are obligated to not serve? The words of the painted mural have faded, perhaps our moral obligation has as well.
Susanna Goihman, according to her lawyer, Brian McGonigle "Would not knowingly hit a child..." No kidding Brian, after reportedly consuming five martinis on an empty stomach, and who knows how many at dinner, with her restaurant owner friend, it’s surpassing Susanna Goihman could find her car, let alone drive it!
The employees, owners and staff of the bars and restaurants Susanna Goihman patronized on June 19th need to do the right thing. Jena McClelland, dead on Christmas Eve 2001, in an auto accident, after being served and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. Where was she served? Main Street, Manayunk. Kayla Peter, killed on Father's Day 2005, by a driver who was served and consumed a substantial amount of alcohol. Where? Main Street, Manayunk. "The Drinking Hole."
The delicate fabric has begun to tear with the deaths of Jena and Kayla.
The deaths of Kayla Peter and Jena McClelland are the end result of NeuvoManayunk, Philadelphia's chick Main Street! Do the bartenders of NeuvoManayunk ever say to party patrons "enough is enough". Do they ever refuse to serve. Is there a point at which, legally, they are obligated to not serve? The words of the painted mural have faded, perhaps our moral obligation has as well.
Susanna Goihman, according to her lawyer, Brian McGonigle "Would not knowingly hit a child..." No kidding Brian, after reportedly consuming five martinis on an empty stomach, and who knows how many at dinner, with her restaurant owner friend, it’s surpassing Susanna Goihman could find her car, let alone drive it!
The employees, owners and staff of the bars and restaurants Susanna Goihman patronized on June 19th need to do the right thing. Jena McClelland, dead on Christmas Eve 2001, in an auto accident, after being served and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. Where was she served? Main Street, Manayunk. Kayla Peter, killed on Father's Day 2005, by a driver who was served and consumed a substantial amount of alcohol. Where? Main Street, Manayunk. "The Drinking Hole."
The delicate fabric has begun to tear with the deaths of Jena and Kayla.
You might find this of interest from way back in 1996. I wondered during the 28 days of "Honk For Kayla" why Mr. Nutter, though I sent him an e-mail inviting him to do so, never came to the corner of Queen & Henry. I can't wait to find out who the restaurant owner was who went to dinner that night with Susanna Goihman. I wonder if it was anyone mentioned in this article from the past? Hummmmm
45 comments:
Can you say cover up! I think there's a lot more that's gonna come out and it's going to be very interesting. I hope the people that were involved and have information do the right thing and come forward. There are others that know the whole truth and nothing but the truth(so help me God).
Everyday and with every new turn and discovery I begin to see more and more why Ms. Goihman needed to "get away" and is soooo stressed and needs rest! She pulled a cord to unravel a whole carpet full of roaches, rats, and mites! If I were here I'd PRAY for a long sentence because she's going to be completely shunned from a whole society of people, being all of those named in this article and tons presently unknown!
Very, very interesting. Sadly, one of the main reasons I moved out of Manayunk--after living there for 7 or 8 years and being involved in the community--was an increase in the incidence of drunk driving, rowdiness, and vandalism that was fostered by the many watering holes on Main Street.
Not that anything I encountered can in any way be compared to the agony of losing a child. And not that I didn't enjoy some good times in those same bars myself, since I could walk home and not endanger anyone by driving. But when the cars on your block are regularly damaged by drunk hit-and-run drivers, when you have to tell intoxicated partiers not to pee on your curb, when you start dreading the events for which Manayunk is known (the bike race, the arts festival) because the partying goes into overdrive...then absolutely, the delicate fabric that Mrs. P. described so well is definitely fraying.
I pray that those who served Goihman that dreadful night, who saw her and were with her in the various places she was on Main Street, will do the right thing and cooperate with the police so that Kayla can get justice, and so that more hearts need not be broken.
So from what I gather, there is more than monster who was able to lay their head at night, and not feel the moral obligation to come forth and offer some sort of explanation for what happened to Kayla? Oh dear good God in heaven help us, for if we are in such moral decay that we cannot compel ourselves to do the right and decent thing, what hope do we have left as a society? Are we doomed? Someone received a call from Goihman, hysterically crying, and stating that 'she thinks she hit "that girl"'.
A mother in New Jersey advises her daughter to clean up that car before seombody sees it, after the girl hit a young man and left him for dead. Then the mother suggests that the man jumped in front of the moving car.
What is the matter with people today??
I have a few friends that I think I would die for - I love them that much. But I have no friends that I would lie for. My friends know this about me. And I choose my friends accordingly. I would never ask, and I would never expect my friends to lie for me or help me cover up something so horrific that it ended a persons life. I would hope and expect that my friends would guide me and stand behind me, whilst I would take the blame that would so rightfully be mine. I would hope that they would remain my friends throughout my troubles. But never in a million years would I ask them to lie for me, nor would I for them. People do make mistakes and bad choices that lead to horrific events. But to run and hide and cover up is beyond my comprehension. How could you sleep at night? How can you look at yourself in the mirror?
Enough rhetorical questions for tonight - it'll take about 6 Rosary's to get to sleep tonight.
And Kayla - I'm really sorry that some people just suck so damn bad.
And then there are others like you - shining stars and real bright lights.
BREAKING NEWS
PECO BREATHING A SIGH OF RELIEF
Just thought I'd let ya'all know that I just drove by and that every light in the house is on at the Goihman house. Not sure about that candle though...........
Randi,
That's too funny. Maybe she's having a sleep over. Ya know her lawyer friend and all. She better rest up like her lawyer said because hopefully she's in for a hell of a rough time. I like you hope our legal system will prevail and justice will be served for Kayla.
"Nuevo Manayunk" is Spanish for "New Manayunk"..just to clarify. How sad.
Step right up tax paying folks...and welcome to Philadelphia Political Shysterland!
Get lost on the "trail of deception"! Take a ride on the pay for play roller-coaster! Laugh your ass off in the no-bid house of minorities! FUN, FUN, FUN.
...and then there is Kayla, who was a TRUE Philly girl.
Hey Greyparrott wasn't life good when Grace Kelly was the TRUE PHILLY GIRL! How sad life has become. Susanna might BRING DOWN all of Main Street, Manayunk. I wonder who she knows to have been given such power?
Philly.com just posted a story on the police tracking Goihman's bar visits the night of Kayla's death:
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/news/local/12469445.htm
In true bottom-feeder form, McGonagle notes:
"I know they have a witness who says she saw my client have a couple of drinks around 7:30," said Brian J. McMonagle, Goihman's lawyer. "What that has to do with 11:45 [the approximate time of the accident], I don't know."
(Well, Mr. McMonagle, we ARE investigating the death of child who was left to breathe her last in the gutter. Surely you can understand our interest in the activities of your client prior to her car being the instrument whereby this child was deprived of her life?)
Thank God the police have security video tape and credit card receipts to work with. Now let's pray that the staff of the various places where Goihman guzzled are cooperative & truthful.
I hope too that whoever Goihman was socializing with will do the same. What if it had been them, or one of their loved ones, on the wrong end of Goihman's Lexus?
I'm wondering if it's time to stand on a few corners of Main Street with pictures of Kayla and calls for justice...
Taken from Philadelphia Bicycle News
Hit and Run may not be the perfect crime but if you have something to hide its light sentence and difficulty in prosecution makes it a viable alternative to vehicular homicide.
And she sure did have something to hide didn't she?
'experienced defense attorneys say it would be "extremely difficult" to prosecute her for drunk driving.'
Okay, well if they are going to go with the story that she wasn't drinking then how are they going to handle the scenario or possibility of using that she was impaired of knowing what had happened. So I guess, yet again Mr McMonagles foot is in his mouth with his statement about what does that have to do with anything because he just shut out a whole slew of options for his defense.
"McMonagle said Goihman was not aware of striking anyone as she drove on Ridge Avenue near the Schuylkill Expressway on-ramp that night. If she had known she had struck Kayla Peter, Goihman would have stopped, the lawyer said."
Is it me or have we all looked at the same pictures of Goihman's car?? Her whole left side of her windshield is spidered and her side view mirror is just a jumble of wires. Can't remember last time I've seen deer there either, besides the fake one next to the bait shop, and we all know that wasn't it.
The more and more credible information that is starting to come out the more McMonagle AND Goihman are starting to look like fumbling fools. And I think bringing a few pictures of Kayla down to the restaurants to either post or silently remind patrons to care for their actions is a great idea!
Don't you think you are all turning into serial protestors? It would be interesting if some polling was done, because I believe you have lost the support of Philadelphians.
Posting pictures as a reminder is not protesting. It can almost be considered a respectful reminder to be responsible when you leave and get into your car whether you have or haven't been drinking. It's like planting a tree or placing a memorial somewhere. And as far as anyone is concerned from who I've been exposed to, I work in Center City, I live in Philadelphia, I have extended and immediate family and friends in Philadelphia, everyone is more confident in the efforts that have been made so far and actually show GROWING support. Strangers who are not as informed with the case along with those completely emeshed have shown interest and concern more now then ever. And a little side bar, there have been no more vigils held since the 19th which was more of a celebration of life and rememberance...just for your FYI. And if it wasn't for those "serial protestors" (laughs cause of how ridiculous that sounds), who knows where this case would be...probably under a pile of dust somewhere.
And I would love to know which Philadelphians you have polled...wouldn't be any of those bar owners, employees, family, friends or "anonymous" posters linked to Ms Goihman would it? Because then THAT would be a believable statement unlike anything else coming out of that end...Thank you for speaking on behalf of all of the citizens within the city of Philadelphia, but I put in my claim now that I would never want you to even breathe on my behalf.
Respectful reminder? I beg to differ.
With this lastest posting, Crazy P has declared war on Main Street Manyunk, using a tragedy as a vehicle for her discontent.
When you discuss support, you discuss your extended friends and family - not the average person on the street. The average person on the street feels that KP was wrongly killed, but that person on the street also agrees that this groups actions have been over the top and not forward thinking.
You protesting had nothing to do with this case being investigated, nothing at all. That would have happened anyway... but through the protesting SG and her lawyer were given ammo to use for SGs defense, the protesting turned her into a victim (at least that is how they are spinning it). So good job, you all gave them the advantage.
More bad news for your argument. I have never been involved in the "protests". I have never even met this family, Mrs. P, any of her friends (knowingly), or any one else from this site. So I AM the average person on the street. I am one that has simply followed the news articles, the facts that have been presented solely through media and what has been said on both sides. So I believe myself to be one of the farthest people involved. Which is why your statement of the general Philadelphians losing support, I've only become more interested in the events. I am on the elevators, the bus, and walking down the Philadelphia streets LISTENING to strangers making comments about the headlines in the paper and on philly.com. Hey, maybe some believe that the people that have given their time to "protest" have wasted their efforts, voices, emotions, and concerns, but there are also obviously a huge handful of people that believe they have aided in a solution to something an individual was attempting to avoid. If you don't support the cause the cause and efforts, you are entitled to that belief, but as Ms Goihman was entitled to her rights, these individuals here are only expressing and exercising theirs. I'm not here to get into a debate, so please don't start a ridiculous back and forth. Just take your opinion and embrace it without generalizations and I will be sure to watch that I do the same. Because in reality, right now that is all you and I can offer.
People accused of crimes have rights as well, and there is a thin line bewteen expression of rights and mob justice. If enough evidence is found to bring to to a jury trial, do not be surprised when SG is made out to be a victim, do not be surprised at all.
Respectful reminder, Qwerty...there's no need to call folks on this blog "Crazy." We're here to discuss an extremely painful tragedy, the senseless killing of a child, whose loss has been compounded by a very uncooperative Goihman.
Most of those who post to this site, including Mrs. P., knew and loved Kayla. This is not a rhetorical discussion but one that cuts to the heart. Please keep that in mind before you accuse anyone of being a "serial protestor" or a proponent of "mob justice."
Please also remember that at every stage in the public protests, law enforcement was present--at the request of this effort's organizers--to ensure that every protest activity was conducted in a law-abiding, safe manner. At no time were Goihman's rights, person, or property threatened or endangered. She has obviously retained legal counsel of her choosing (not an assigned public defender), and I have no doubt that her counsel will defend her to the best of his abilities.
If you have polling statistics regarding the support of Philadelphians for this effort, I would be more than open to reviewing them. If not, it would be more accurate to refrain from statements of how "Philadelphians" and "the average person on the street" feel.
If you've ever had any direct experience with law enforcement and the judicial system, you would know that, despite your assertions to the contrary, these protests have indeed helped to ensure that Kayla's case is expedited. If you still think otherwise, perhaps you should talk to one of the many who have lost a loved one as part of an unsolved crime, but who--either due to lack of sufficient support, interest, organization, or the "marginal" character of their lost loved one (e.g., homeless, mentally ill, runaway)--remain without justice for their loss.
My neice and her friends were part of the protests held outside of Ms.G home. I can't see how Ms.G could be a vitctum in this when the kids and adults that were down there was there for one reason and that was getting JUSTICE for Kayla Peter not to go after Ms.G. Even though they were there for 28 nights i feel that thier presents was to inform the public and to keep the case in the public's eye. the case against Ms. G. would have gone on as it did. By them protesting each night all they did was to inform the pulic and get their support that justice was needed for Kayla Peter. And for the people who think that we are losing support of the city I think you are wrong cause there are so many of us as adults who are keeping an eye on this case just as much as the kids are And for different reason. The kids involed in this are doing this for a reason cause they love and care about Kayla and they wanted to see something get done for her They never said that Ms. G killed Kayla only that her car was involed so if you see her as a victum then I feel you are condoning her actions. Anyone driving the streets and something hit thier car that shattered part of thier windshield they would have stopped to see what they had hit or had hit them. the protest were trying to coerce her into talking to the police.
Everyone has rights, which seems to be the back and forth or whether or not Goihman was right in her silence or these individuals were right to refuse to just sit around on their sofas waiting to see if anyone mentioned the case ever again, because if they had sat, things may not have moved along in the manner, both positively or negatively in which they have. But keep in mind the ORIGINAL victim...Kayla. If Goihman pleads victim, then she is second in line. And thank you for addressing the word "justice" after mob, at least it can be seen you to some extent understand the reasoning behind all of these occurrences. And another thanks for you emphasis on not being surprised, because I THINK this group has seen their rims of what true shock and surprise is.
Things are heating up in NeuvoManayunk! I would like to know who owns the white Merceded that was at Queen & Henry on the night of July 11th. Did anyone get a pic?
Hey Mrs. P., I have a pic of a white car that was at Goihman's house. I'm not sure if it was July 11th though. I know that it had to be somewhere around that time because it was one of the first pictures taken.
I thought her lawyer drove a little white car??
Sounds like things are shaking up in Manayunk, Mrs P. I think this Goihman has possibly more political connections than we are aware of. I would suggest to anyone involved - anyone at all - do yourself and your families a favor - come forth now and tell what you know - tell the truth. Whoever is protecting this monster should already know, you will go down with her. You know that don't you? Despite your elected postition or your standing in the community - you know, as we all do, the truth will come out. Tell now and the ramifications won't be so bad - keep covering it up until someone else discovers the truth, and everything you ever worked for, including your character and diginity and your families, will be destroyed. Crow is a dish better served warm. Eat it now, because the colder it gets, the harder it is to get it down.
As always - my prayers for Kayla, her family, and her friends. And now praying for all the strangers (Kay's new friends) who have supported this group in their quest for justice. Your support and kindness do not go unoticed. There really is no other way to thank you, than to say "Thank You and may God bless you"
I had intended to respond to Qwerty but an remark I would have would be redundant to Gina's.
Gina, that's the finest post I've seen on here yet.
Thanks for taking the time to write it!
Mare, the man driving that Mercedes was not Brian McGonigle who we saw on t.v.. He was a tan-faced, longish grey-hair man. Sorta hip looking for what his age appeared to be.
I have to agree with Randi. I too was going to post a response to QWerty but Gina did do a beautiful job in her comment. The only thing I would like to say is my father is in law enforcement. He has made many arrests and dealt with our judical system first hand. After Ms G. turned herself in due to the arrest warrant, my father's remark to me was "Donna and her group and the constant media attention was instrumental in getting the investigation going in full force.
Randi, Bern...thanks. :)
Bern's father's remark about how important the protests have been in getting justice for Kayla really sums it up perfectly.
People who drive drunk are so low I don't have enough foul words for them.
What you all have done on behalf of Kayla Peter--and all victims--here on your blog and in your protests gives me hope. In the face of such bad people as Goihman appears to be, it's heartening to know there are also some really good people out there like you.
Thank you for your comments on my blog piece, Donna: Hit-and-Run-and-Hide
Be assured, I'm not done yet, and neither are a Lot of others who want to do Something, Anything to make a positive contribution to this horrendous tragedy.
Thank you Sally. I too believe in Lynn Abraham and believe she will have justice served. I find it very curious as to why the bar employees on Main Street "seem" to not be co-operating in the death of Kayla. Any thoughts?
TO EVERYONE...sorry to have to go through "WORD VERIFICATION" process. There were too many BLOG advertisements (they are sent out electronically...a person has to sit down and do the verification). I figure the extra step is worth it if you are truly interested in "JUSTICE FOR KAYLA".
Dear qwerty4321,
This post is from a classmate and dear friend of Kayla's from the kaylapeter.com site. I don't need an opinion survey to know what Philadelphian's Think. Opinion is not what drives me, or anyone else in seeking "JUSTICE FOR KAYLA". What drives me and the "US" are the 70 pages of comments who paint a living portrait of Kayla through their thoughts and words.
"At the moment tears are streaming down my face, because I used to go to you when I needed to tell someone something personal. I used to call you my diary. You knew so many things about me that not many people know. You hugged me when I cried over losing a boyfriend, you hugged me when we where in the fountain, you hugged me in the rain, you hugged me at LOVE park. That's what I'll always remember. Your lovely hugs. I'll remember everything I promise. I wish you where here I have so much to talk to you about. It took me about an hour and a half but I read all 67 pages of this website. I feel like c*** knowing you aren't going to junior prom. I remember joking with you and marianne about you coming with us to prom and you said you would stand outside and wave at us through the huge glass windows, and we all laughed. I'll remember you forever. When I get old I'll tell my children about all the crazy stuff we did, and ill warn them about drinking and driving and i'll tach them to look both was when they cross the street. I'll time them it was your time t leave, and i'll explian that God has a plan. I'll tell them when I go to heaven I'll see your beautiful soul again. Kayla it's almost bed time. So, close your pretty hazel eyes and have a wonderful dream. I miss you terribly. I love you so much. Watch over everyone. Good night hun i love you!!!! I can' stop thinkig about you"
hey qwerty, I stood on South Strwee for a few nights handing out flyers that provided information about Kayla's tragic end. The average people on the street, who did not know about the story, were interested enough to ask questions about the case, and more specifically, asked questions about Kayla. "What was she like" "What did she like to do?" "Does she have siblings?" "How is her mother faring?" When we explained that our purpose was to keep this event fresh in the minds of the powers that be, and that we would seek legal justice by encouraging a peaceful and powerful civic protests, we were given support from all different people, locals & out of towners. People asked if they could donate money, time, or supplies for our cause. These same people encouraged us to continue in our quest for justice. Most of them said how wonderful we were for doing what we were doing. And let me advise you before you spout off again, nobody involved in the organized protests did this for the glory of being a hero. We did this because it had to be done, becasue Melissa and her family were devastated. Somebody - and lots of somebodies - had to stand up for Kayla & her family. (You should hope to have this same level of support should this tragedy ever befall you or yours). These same people expressed their outrage and the cowardice of Goihman and declared that they would never patronize her business, now or in the future for her despicable action in choosing not to come forth with information surrounding the death of Kayla.
Goihman & her laywers received no ammunition from us. Whathappened was that we backed them into a corner - the sound you hear is Goihman & her attorney hissing like cornered rats.
I was wondering if there was anymore news on Kayla's case. i wasn't around today and I haven't touched base with Donna?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT published in the Scotts Dale Times...June 2005
In Phoenix, Bishop Thomas O'Brien leaves a drunken jaywalker to die on the pavement after hitting him while driving home.
A homeless man bleeds to death overnight while implanted in the windshield of a Texas woman's car.
In New York, a fire department captain drives away after hitting and killing his victim.
"Drivers run for two reasons: they're scared or they have something to hide," says Glendale Police Detective Bill Wohlenhaus.
Wohlenhaus would know. Last September, he used Wal-Mart surveillance videos and paint chips to net the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run.
"If they're younger, they're scared. If they're older, they've got something to hide; they're drunk or they've got a warrant or they have a reputation to protect," Wohlenhaus adds.
Detective Wohlenhaus estimates approximately 20 percent of the accidents he investigates are hit-and-runs, including both auto-pedestrian and auto-to-auto accidents. Like Bishop O'Brien, those who run to protect their reputations often bring worse consequences upon themselves. In many car-pedestrian accidents, the driver is not at fault, but driving away changes a no-fault accident into a criminal felony.
http://www.scottsdaletimes.com/june05-feature1.shtml
I pray that those who served, socialized with, or witnessed Goihman's actions the night of Kayla's death will cooperate fully with the police.
If any of them are reading this blog, please know that your cooperation will not only bring about justice for Kayla, but it will save other lives. Goihman is a demonstrated threat to public safety. Before her car killed Kayla, she was previously arrested for a DUI. If she is allowed to continue drinking and driving, she will put countless others at risk.
(And, should anyone argue that Goihman's intoxication at the time of the accident is questionable--please explain how a someone in full possession of their faculties could strike a child with their car, leave her to die in the gutter, immediately retain a slick defense attorney, arrange for the sale of her home and business, refuse to cooperate with police but instead speak to the media, and fly 1200 miles to another city claiming she's "not in a good place" before finally being extradited to Philadelphia to face charges.)
In many cases such as Kayla's, the driver had a history of DUI violations. Removing these violators from our roads shouldn't require the blood of an innocent child.
Maybe you're scared to talk because, like Goihman, you've driven while drunk--but unlike Goihman, you made it home without hurting or killing anyone...at least this time. You're not being a hypocrite by cooperating with the police. You're simply doing the right thing.
And you can continue to do the right thing by taking this tragedy as a terrible warning about the dangers of drinking and driving. From this moment on, every time you or someone you know decides to get behind the wheel after drinking, remember Kayla's face, and the heartbreaking words of the family and friends who lost her.
If you choose to remain silent, then know that you helped to protect a killer--because that is what Goihman is, even though she likely did not intend to strike Kayla.
Know as well that your silence will endanger others, perhaps even your own loved ones.
I pray you never have to endure what Melissa and her family and Kayla's friends have suffered. But that prayer won't be answered unless you make the right choice.
Gina I applaud you and I am thankful Kayla has you. Here is my view, "plain and simple": according to Brian McGonigle
"Susan (mind you he didn't even get Susanna's name right) would never KNOWINGLY hit a child and leave her there." SO WHAT CAUSED HER TO BE IN A STATE OF NOT KNOWING? Perhaps those vodka martinis that she began consuming at 7:30 (God knows how many?????) impeded her "STATE OF KNOWING."
Randi D. said...
Donna,
Read the following excerpt from a recent article from NBC news:
"Goihman's friend, who is a waitress at Kildare's restaurant, said she saw Goihman drink three vodka cocktails on June 19 -- one at Kildare's and two more at Thomas' Restaurant and Bar. However, the owner of Kildare's said that video cameras picked up no sign of Goihman that night
The witness told detectives that she and Goihman spoke to an attorney the following day. The attorney told them that if they were questioned, the witness must stay quiet."
What a COINCIDENCE that my neighbor, who I told you Goihman has been seen visiting, works at Kildare's and I was told that approximately 2-3 days after the hit and run, one of the girls living in that house was away and the house became uncharacteristically quiet.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Thu Aug 25, 12:45:18 PM 2005
Randi I hope you don't mind...I copied this comment into this section...it seemed more appropriate here.
I posted this on Phillyblog.com....
Hey Joely, there is nothing more ignorant than lack of knowledge or experience. "The scythe and pitchfork crowd"?? Four people, standing outside of Azafran does not a "Scythe and pitchfork crowd" make.
No one trusts in the DA's office and the Homicide Division in this case more than I do. So Joely, you sit on your couch and let the police do their work. I, along with the 200 who stood at Queen and Henry for those 28 days, prefer being seen, in public, keeping Kayla's name alive.
And as far as anyone being disappointed in the outcome of Susanna Goihman's arrest: One-year is as good as one-hundred if she is found guilty and labeled as such for the remainder of her life. I wish justice could make it the hundred...if not more. And since you know the 200 of us from Queen and Henry so very well, you must know this: After the trial, after the sentencing, while you are laying on your couch, we will be jumping around trying to change laws regarding hit-and-runs. We will continue to keep Kayla's name alive as long as we have life and one of us remembers how brilliantly she shined.
Hey Susanna...we hope you have enjoyed reading this BLOG. Today a woman was killed in Philadelphia on Lehigh Avenue. It could have been a hit and run...but it wasn't, the driver was intoxicated...but at least he had enough "KNOWINGNESS" to stop! I'll pray for him and hope his family stands by him. That was a terrible accident, for which that driver was responsible. You on the otherhand, if I have conceived you wrongly, I'll see you in HELL.
For a split second, on the day you were released from jail, I felt pain and sorrow for your mother.
As quick as the pain and sorrow came it went away.
A loving mother teaches her child right from wrong.
A loving mother gives her child the gift of dignity to do what is right and does everything in her power to assure that her child honors that dignity.
A loving mother stands by her child, proud of that dignity when truth is spoken...regardless of the consequences.
A child who is secure in a mother's love knows, even in the face of unspeakable acts, when the truth is spoken...a mother's love will be there.
I guess the difference between us is this: Even at 50, my mom would smack me silly beside the head and be the first one to turn me in. I love that I know this...
She loves me because I have become what she has taught me to be. Is what you are today, the woman your mother taught you to be?
Give it up Suzanna, drop the lawyers and let it all be over.
I remember when I would write Kayla Good night letters. I never thought I would write you one.
According to the Family Court website, Goihman's hearing will be as follows:
Wednesday 8/31 at 8:00 am
1801 Vine, B/013
Case number MC0508340011
Of course, there wouldn't be a need to subject Kayla's loved ones to this agony if Goihman had a conscience.
Gina Said, on August 25:
"If you still think otherwise, perhaps you should talk to one of the many who have lost a loved one as part of an unsolved crime, but who--either due to lack of sufficient support, interest, organization, or the "marginal" character of their lost loved one (e.g., homeless, mentally ill, runaway)--remain without justice for their loss."
Some of you know the story of my niece who was killed while assisting a motorist on the shoulder of 422.
We believe that she may have been a victim of what Gina has labeled "a person of marginal character". My white niece was married to a black man with a criminal record who she believed she could steer towards a good clean life. She seemed to be succeeding until her death when her reverted to his "old ways".
My niece was a clean living girl who wanted a good life obtained the right way - through hard work and building of family. The state police investigating her accident seemed to be "enthusiastic" about proving that this was a criminal act. That was until, coincidentally, they found that my niece's husband had an arrest record. Suddenly, it was like pulling teeth to have our calls returned or to get any information from them.
Was her life any less important or have less value because of the color of the skin of her husband or because of HIS past history?
We have a meeting with the Montgomery County DA and Assistant DA on Wednesday, to "pursuade " them to revisit this botched, and possibly racially motivated (or UNmotivated) investigation.
The only problem is........the killer's hearing for his summary charges(non-criminal charges) is scheduled 3 hours after our meeting with the DA. If he doesn't grant a continuance on this case until the decision can be made on the criminal charges, he'll damn well wish he had.
So there you have it. Someone who's family member seems to have been considered unworthy of justice, in our opinion, because of her husband's "marginal character", not even her own.
randi - so terribly sorry for your pains & troubles. I will keep you , your neice and your family in my nightly prayers. Know that your neice has a friend in Kayla - look into the night sky and she these stars shining brightly.
Peggy
Thank you. We can use all the prayers we can get. Please pray that we can get justice for Dayna now.
Randi
While it's frustrating to see an apparent lack of cooperation by Manayunk liquor providers, I think it's quite likely that they're afraid of being sued. This is a more powerful motivating factor than concern over Susanna Goihman's fate. If it's true that "Susanna might BRING DOWN all of Main Street, Manayunk," well, it's quite understandable that Manayunk businesses might not want to let that happen. It's a bit of a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't situation for them, because if they admit liability, they're civilly liable. And if they don't, they're helping a criminal get off.
I'll admit my bias here: I don't blame bars, liquor stores, breweries, or distilleries for the subsequent conduct of those who consume their products. Many people would agree with me; many would not.
I do think bar owner liability is a different issue from holding Susanna Goihman responsible for her actions.
The irony is that blaming others tends to let her off the hook in the moral sense.
As to the the degree of public support for a crackdown on Manayunk bars, who knows? The media always enjoy covering such issues because when there are stong feelings on both sides, readership increases.
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