Here's to 2010 !!

Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful New Years. Lots to look forward to in the coming year. God bless you all!

As a possible, maybe witness for the State, the gag order imposed on lawyers, parties of the case and witnesses has finally reached out to me. So in order to not risk predjucing anything, I will have to hold off all reports and commentaries until the end of the trial. But then, look out! I'll make up for lost time.

In order to keep up with what the news stories, I'll link you up to the local news sources. They'll be covering it all along the way. Just check it each day during the trial. I might be able to link news links/titles along the way, but not sure now. So here goes:

WacoTrib.com <----Check daily for Erin Quinn's live blog.

Watch the trial live on MYTX. My Texas Television is on Channel 9.2, which is also local cable Channel 132.

You can also watch the trial live at www.centraltexasnow.com.

KWTX.com

KXXV.com

KCENTV.com


Let's chat on the "other side."
FYI: By "other side," I mean after the trial.

JUSTICE FOR KARI!!

My "LAYMAN'S" Interpretation of today's events

Again. Keyword: Layman.

This is just what I typed out from my notes this morning. I haven't really proofed it yet but wanted to get this out as I have had emails and calls asking how things went. Here is my unproofed, typed from scribbled notes, layman's interpretation of the pre-trial hearing this morning:

First thing I want to comment on is that Matt brought the girls to this hearing. Paraded them in front of news cameras. They were in the courtroom for a while and then they sat outside during the actual hearing. The "run to hug after Dad exited the courtroom" caught on video for sure. Most parents that truly love their children and want to protect them, shield them from being a public spectacle. Not Matt. He parades them like trophies soley for sympathy and pity. Is this him trying to show the world he's a great father? Little late for that. The people of McLennan County (and potential jurors) see right through that charade. Shameful.

Motion to Request Reveal Agreement GRANTED
Defendant wants to know what the agreement between the State and Vannessa entails. Crawford said he will make that known some time prior to trial. Didn't say when. Judge granted to this extent that Crawford said. It's left rather open and in the State's discretion and timing.

Motion to Quash Substance of Indictment DENIED
Danford went on about the "means unknown" part in the Indictment. Crawford pointed out that the State is allowed to plead "means unknown" or "alternative means" or "by any means known" or "by any means unknown." Pointed out that McDuff was tried, convicted and executed under such Indictment and trial wording.

Motion to Reveal Witness List GRANTED
It's been public record for a while now anyway. Gray pointed out that the State can call witnesses that are not on the subpoena list and he wants full list. Crawford says the subpoena list is the full list, including experts, to date. If they get more in the future, he will make known to the Defense.

Motion for Voir Dire of Experts GRANTED
Shafer said that the expert list was made known a month ago. Gray says the State claims to have an open file stance but that it seems to be more like 90% open. Crawford agreed. Judge was fine with that, it seemed.

Motion for Recovery of Expenses GRANTED
Gray and Danford said they need more money for their investigator to look into all those witnesses. Gray pointed out that they have nto asked the Court for money for experts, that they have none they intend to call. They just want more investigative money. Judge agreed to $1,500. Fine by me.

Motion for Discovery of Experts AGREED UPON
Defense claims they have no experts but if they come up with one/some, Gray says he'll make that known. Shafer pointed out that experts are supposed to be made public 20 days prior to trial. Gray says they just don't have any right now. But if/when he does, he'll let them know. State says most likely they'll actually call 2-3 of their experts.

Motion for Gray to withdraw as counsel DENIED
I'm confused on this one. I *thought* he said (through mumbling) that is was a scheduling conflict. He wasn't sure he'd be able to finish the trial if he started it. Something about it being in his (Gray's) best interest to withdraw but if Court says for him to stay on, he'll do so. But Channel 25 reports something altogether different. They may have talked more about it with him or the Judge or heard him better than I did. They say, "One of Baker's attorney's, Guy James Gray, asked to be removed from the case because of 'serious and material breach of conduct' - this was denied this morning." Will find out more. KWTX's words included the phrase "serious and material breach of confidence." Judge asked Matt Baker if he wanted Gray to stay on, he said yes. So Gray is still on for now.

Gray said he wanted to renew Ellison's request for the Grand Jury testimony of Vanessa Bulls to be made known to them. He said they had a "particularized need" to have that. Crawford so eloquently pointed out that the Texas Rules have done away with the "particularized need" aspect. Gray admitted with an awkward chuckle that sometimes the Texas Rules get away from him in changing so fast. Crawford pointed out that the Texas Rules allows Defendants to see production of witnesses in criminal cases AFTER the witness has testified. I am supposing that means after he/she testifies at the actual trial. Gray told the Judge it was up to the Court's discretion for him to allow them to see it before trial to aid the efficiency of the trial....not cause delays. He said it was a matter of "pure d fairness.'" Judge, "DENIED." He said he'd keep an open mind. Trial is 2 weeks away. I think he'd give it to them by now if he had any intentions to. Some of the best news of the day.

Another VERY interesting thing brought up by Gray was that the DNA evidence taken on the suicide note and bottle of pills DID NOT exclude Vanessa Bull's having touched it. Oh, really?! They tried to complain that Vanessa changed her story from the first police report where she didn't imply guilt on her or Matt's part at all. Then another interview later where she still denied it. And then on the Grand Jury she changed her statement. Well, duh. Fear and testimonial immunity can open up a person's ability to tell the truth!

Gray wanted to renew Ellison's request that no extraneous extra offenses be brought up. Judge said that is routine and he'll be sure and make that known.

Some minor changes in trial dates. They will do jury voir dire and motions in limine Monday afternoon, the 11th. Trial to start the morning of the 12th.

There are approximately 70 people on the potential jury panel. Judge gave following instructions to Defense attorneys (since they had not been in trial in Judge Strother's court before) regarding voir dire of potential jurors. NO comparison on standards of proof on civil vs criminal cases. NO setting up of artificial premises and causing controversy over it for either side.

Crawford reminded Judge to enforce and remind Defense that the gag order was still in effect for involved parties. The Judge thanked him for the reminder. Judge said Danford was quoted saying something about the nature of the State's case in the newspaper and NOT to do that. Danford apologized.

Very good day in court

I will get my notes together and post my experiences in a bit. So far, KXXV.com is the only news report out on it. So I'll post that to get things started.

DEVELOPING: Matt Baker's pre-trial underway
KXXV.com
by Zlatko Filipovic

"WACO - The former preacher accused of murdering his wife and trying to make
it look like suicide is having his first day in court Wednesday morning. Matt Baker showed up for a pre-trial hearing and his full trial is set to begin on January 12th. News Channel 25 is in the court and this is what happened so far:" (read more)

Their website says they will have more information on the Texas Report at 11:00 am, Channel 25, KXXV.


Story has now popped up on KWTX.com

Murder Trial Of Former Waco-Area Pastor Matt Baker Could Take 2 Weeks
KWTX.com
Eli Ross

"WACO (December 30, 2009)—The trial of former Waco-area pastor Matt Baker, who was indicted murder in the death of his wife, could take two weeks, 19th District Judge Ralph Strother said Wednesday during the final hearing before the start of the trial on Jan. 11."

AND

"Strother denied a defense request Wednesday for a transcript of the grand jury testimony of Baker’s former girlfriend Vanessa Bulls, but granted a defense motion seeking additional funds for an investigator." (read more)

Yesterday's courthouse visit....

VERY interesting day at the courthouse yesterday. Not your typical pop-in-and-check-on-records trip in the district clerk's office.

There are some VERY interesting people and businesses on the 100+ witness subpoena applications. But I won't get into those here at this time. If you're wondering if you're on the list, you can email me.

Matt has a new attorney (again) assisting Gray in this matter. His name is Harold J. Danford, a big-wig DWI attorney. Go figure. He is the one that drafted the various motions that the Court will take into consideration at the pre-trial hearing tomorrow. Here are some that I copied down along with my layman's interpretation. Keyword "layman."

Motion to Request State to Reveal Agreement
They are dying to know what Matt's *alleged* girlfriend, Vanessa Bulls, told the Grand Jury that secured the immediate indictment for first degree felony murder. The Judge has denied this motion for months. Don't know what his plan is but he's a wise man and we'll see what he does tomorrow. The defense also wants to know what the agreement is between the DA's office and Vanessa that offers her prosecutorial (sp?) immunity in this case. Very understandable. We'll see what the Judge thinks.

Motion to Quash and Exception to Substance of Indictment
They don't like that the indictment doesn't detail one specific manner of death that they need to prepare their defense for.

"Further, the indictment alleges 'by administering drugs and suffocating her with a pillow.' The defendant is entitled to know exactly what charge the State plans to proceed on at trial. This indictment alleges three separate means of murder and the defendant is entitled to know by which means the State plans to proceed. The State must make an election as to which manner and means it intends to proceed to trial under."

All three sentences say the exact same thing. These motions could be reduced to a paragraph if they weren't puffed and fluffed so much. Basically, they're confused on how to direct their defense. Why is that complicated? If he didn't murder her in any manner, he didn't murder her in any manner.

Motion to Quash and Exception to Form of Indictment
Again, discussing which manner of death they need to defend. Also,

"Wherefore, premises considered, Matt Baker prays that the Court quash the
indictment due to the defects of form outlined above, and discharge Matt D.
Baker."

Good luck with that one.


Motion for Witness List
Well, that's already filed. I got it yesterday. They also are asking for the reports and data of expert witnesses. They want criminal records of each witness showing every conviction or probation for felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude which is admissible for impeachment. Sounds like a delay tactic to me. Do your own research if you're that worried.

Motion for Voir Dire of Experts
This would be a hearing prior to trial, sans jury, to discuss qualifications of all expert witnesses and determine the underlying facts and data upon which opinion is based. Not sure if this is what will be hashed out tomorrow or if it will be a separate hearing.

Motion for Recovery of Investigative Expenses
Matt's investigator has billed for another $1,500.

Defendants Motion for Discovery of Experts
Just more wanting info on experts.


The divulging of witnesses is a one-way street, it seems. The State has to post their list of witnesses but the defense does not. It's annoying but it's alright. The evidence is heavily in the State's favor. I can't imagine who or what the defense could call that would outweigh the facts and evidence.

Until tomorrow.....

More on pre-trial motions...

Baker trial approaches: 97 witnesses subpoenaed; defense lawyer wants information about alleged girlfriend's deal to testify
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"Most of the pretrial motions filed last week by Danford are routine. However, in one, Baker is asking the judge to order prosecutors to reveal the details of any agreements they entered into to obtain the testimonies of witnesses, especially Bulls, Baker’s alleged former girlfriend.

Judge Matt Johnson granted Bulls testimonial immunity before her March 25 grand jury appearance, meaning nothing she said during her testimony could be used against her. Baker’s lawyers have been unsuccessful thus far in gaining access to a transcript of her grand jury testimony, after which Baker was indicted." (read more)

Pre-Trial Hearing - December 30

Date Set For Murder Trial Of Former Waco-Area Pastor Matt Baker
KWTX.com

"WACO (December 23, 2009)--Former Waco-area pastor Matt Baker, who was
indicted murder in the death of his wife, is set for a final pre-trial hearing next week in Waco before his trial begins in January. Baker and his attorney will appear in Judge Ralph Strother's 19th State District Court next Wednesday for the final pre-trial hearing.

Baker's trial is set to begin on Jan. 11, 2010.

Assistant McLennan County District Attorneys Susan Schaeffer and
Crawford Long are prosecuting the case." (read more)

Trial dates set for Matt Baker
KXXV.com

"19th District Court records show Matt Baker is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on Dec. 30 and his full trial is set to begin on Jan. 11." (read more)

Justice in 2010

Mark your calendars for justice to finally arrive mid-January 2010. Jury selection starts January 12 with the trial following. Less than a month away now. We have all waited long enough. And it is time. We've waited long enough for this justice and to hold Matt Baker responsible for taking my son's teacher, Jim and Linda's daughter, Adam's sister....but most importantly Kensi and Grace's Mother.

Once all the evidence is laid out there for everyone to see, it will all be so clear....beyond a reasonable doubt....that Matt Baker must spend the rest of his life in prison for his crime.

Did he really think he would get away with murder? That good people would walk away and JUST FORGET? Kari was loved and WE fight for those we love....and they don't even have to be our own blood. This profound sense of justice and love may not be something someone like Matt Baker would understand. It's powerful stuff.

JUSTICE FOR KARI (AND KENSI & GRACE) IN 2010!

"If something happens, check out my husband...."

I received an email from someone else whose life was tragically touched by a possible Eraser Killer. With permission, I am sharing that with you here.

I just wanted to tell you what an impact that Kari’s case has made on me. You see, my own Mother was supposedly found pulseless, with blue lips, and cold in early March of 2008 by her then husband. As the twisted story unraveled, it became more and more clear that he had done something to our Mother. We believe he suffocated her as well, after shoving pills in her mouth to make it look like she had overdosed or something.

These men out there, that have such disregard for life, that they feel they must kill in order to be less burdened or feel they are going to lose there belonging because of a divorce they would rather commit such terrible acts, just make me sick. In my Mother’s case, the ambulance was called almost 45 minutes after he said he found her and only when her best friend came over to drive her to her Dr. Appt she had. The paramedics worked on her all the way to the hospital, then the hospital worked on her for well over an hour, finally regaining a pulse, but it was to late because she was brain dead due to lack of oxygen. My Mother was 2 days before turning 61.

My mother's case is an open investigation that seems to just drag on. We are trying to get Mama exhumed, but the case is just dragging. I have had to hire a team of private investigators, including a forensics death nurse to assist in the investigation because of the slow pace of the sheriff’s office.

I just want you and Kari’s family to know that there are more of these “Eraser” killers out there than you know and I pray that you get the justice for Kari that you deserve. I know what a relief this will be for you, when he is convicted. I too, await that day when my monster step father pays for what he did to my Mother. He remarried another woman 5 weeks after my Mother was buried, and her name is the same name as my Mama, and she is the same age as well as body build. These men are truly evil and the thing about it is he thinks he has gotten away with this. Just like I am sure Matt felt until he was finally arrested. And "his" timeline of
events is as way off on his version of the "truth" as Matt's is.

Kari’s case is so similar to my mother’s that it put chills on me when I watched it. I know the pain you all carry day to day, because I share the same pain.

I emailed her back thanking her for her email and to let her know I'd add her to my prayers. I also asked if I might share her story on the blog. The following is a portion of her response:

Thank you so much for your kind response. All prayers are certainly needed and most certainly deeply appreciated.

We did not do an autopsy at the time of my Mother’s death. “He” had told me and my siblings he had feared she had “overdosed” due to pills coming out of her mouth when he arrived home. I wanted to have the autopsy done, but my siblings just could not bear it, especially thinking that Mama could have overdosed accidentally or utherwise. So for sake of not fighting at the hospital, it was not done.

I turned over all of my Mother’s medical reports from the ambulance, hospitals and her regular Dr.’s to the forensics death nurse who is also a licensed private investigator. She went through each report and evaluated her findings. She also is the one that introduced me to “Eraser” killers and felt “HE” met the profile. She has assisted many different agencies as an expert witness. I felt she was truly needed, as I had to show the sheriff’s office that we believed foul play was involved and that it was not just a stroke , natural causes or any other excuse they could find. I have found her knowledge and expertise in this field, crucial to my Mama’s case.

Shannon, I am honored that you offered to put my email on your blog. Please, Please do so. I believe the more it is put out there, that these monsters exists amongst us, the more educated people can become. My Mama also told her best friend around a month before her death “if anything happens to me look into “HIM.” Just like Kari.

I just ask that you do not use my name or Mama’s name at this time. Also, my private investigators wanted me to let you know how we “all” had watched the re-airing of Kari’s story coincidentally at the same time and how it effected all of us. We “all” just could not believe the similarities, almost as if “HE” had taken notes from Matt.

You have no idea the pains I have been through to get the authorities to listen to me and look into that monster that was married to my Mother. My Mother would still be here today if it were not for “HIM”, just as I am convinced Kari would be still here as well. That is what is so tragic. So full of life and love for their families only to have the life snuffed out of them by a bold faced, lying, manipulative, coward who could only see the importance of their on life and no one else’s.

May God bless Kari's family with the justice deserved as you all approach the trial, and I will be praying for her family, as well as continuing my own quest for justice for my sweet Mother.

For more information on Eraser Killers, please re-visit my post Eraser Killers - Men Who Make Women Disappear. Also, check into Marilee Strong's book, "Erased: Missing Women, Murdered Wives."

And don't miss the article on lemondrop.com discussing Strong's book. In the photo gallery, you'll find Matt Baker listed in the company of Scott Peterson, Mark Hacking, Ira Einhorn, Tim Boczkowski, Barton Corbin and Drew Peterson. The experts see this so clearly.

Thoughts from Kari's BFF

Jill Hotz left this message as a comment on another post. I wanted to share it here so it wouldn't be missed. Beautiful words, Jill. Thanks for sharing them.

"Kari Baker lives in the spirit of her girls. Sometimes its in a smile, or a look or a laugh. She's there, there is no erasing her mark. Kari Baker is still there when her students overcome academic odds and when her friends can't see through the tears. She lives in the hearts of all of us who cherished her. I will proudly proclaim my honor and loyalty to Kari. Justice is coming soon."

More on the postponement

Murder trial for former Baptist minister Matt Baker pushed back to January
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"The unavailability of the medical examiner who performed an autopsy on Kari Baker has forced the postponement of Matt Baker’s murder trial." (read more)

While I hate to have a delay in getting down to the business of justice, it's better to wait until all the prosecution's experts and witnesses can be there to give their testimony. This medical examiner must have really good stuff that the DA's office wants the Judge and jury to hear. So all in all, it's a good thing.


KWTX.com reports: Matt Baker Murder Trial Reset for 2010

"The medical examiner also reported there was evidence she had been smothered." (read more)

Very interesting. Evidence. Smothered.

Baker murder trial rescheduled

Baker murder trial rescheduled
Bruce Gietzen with Channel 25 News reports:

"WACO - Just before 3 pm News Channel 25 Matt Baker's murder trial has been for more than three months and has now been rescheduled for January 12, 2010. The former Waco-area pastor is charged with killing his wife, Kari, by drugging her with sleeping pills and then suffocating her with a pillow in the bedroom of their Hewitt home.

A spokesperson in Judge Ralph Strother's 19th District Court confirmed the schedule change, saying some of the witnesses in the case could not participate September 29th, when the trial was set to begin." (read more)

Will let you know more when I know more.

Gatesville High School Pageant

Kari's cousin, David, emailed me a couple of pictures from a Gatesville High School pageant that Kari was in. She was a freshman. David a sophmore. The GHS pageant had representatives from different organizations in the school and they were representing the speech team. In the first photo, they were "nerdy debaters." LOL


Thanks, David, for another "blast from the past." I know that Kari's family and friends will love the memory and those that didn't know Kari will enjoy seeing yet another wonderful part of Kari's gregarious and active life.

Someone is "Concerned"

At the bottom of the WacoTrib.com's recent article about this case, you will find some comments. One made this morning by "Concerned" shows just how concerned a certain individual is. They should have signed their comment "Desperate but have nothing else." I had to respond. Below you will find "Concerned's" comment followed by mine.

"By Concerned
Aug 31, 2009 8:05 AM Link to this
Kari was a disturbed individual. The media and her family are in total denial. Every year around the date of her daughter's death she could not function as a human being. She would spend at least a week in bed and on medication to get over the week. I hope that the jury hears the truth in this case and not just what her parents want them to hear."

"By Shannon
Aug 31, 2009 8:41 AM Link to this
Dear Concerned, Kari is not the disturbed individual involved here. And if you truly knew her, you wouldn't/couldn't say that. Unless you are the one person that did know her that is desperate for the world to believe your lies. I (among many, many others) saw Kari almost daily during March and April and did not see, hear, experience this "could not function as a human being" you talk of. And as you know, she did not die during that "week" anyway. In fact, I saw Kari that Friday afternoon and she was upbeat, jovial and making plans for the weekend and her new job. You gotta give up that lame defense. Mountains of evidence to refute it. And don't worry, the jury will hear all kinds of truth. The DA's office (not the Dulins) is running this show and he's got this thing lock, stock and barrel. There is only one thing you should be concerned about and my guess is that you very much are."

* At this time, there is a Kerrville IP address on this blog. Has been for at least 33 minutes. Probably came right over here after leaving said comment on the Trib. I may be wrong. Just an observation.
** Now this same person is showing up Unknown city. Same IP address. But "in disguise."

Trib article on picking a jury for preacher cases....

Picking Central Texas jurors for trials of pastors can be 2-edged sword
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"When the criminal defendant is a preacher, politician or police officer —
occupations that elicit strong emotions in a number of areas — attorneys
sometimes spend extra time during jury selection trying to find out prospective
jurors’ attitudes about that and related topics." (read more)

I can only imagine the intricacies involved. It is very much a double-edge sword. Don't you think? It's a very interesting topic for discussion. But regardless, the facts of this case will stand firm in the minds of those on all ends of the religious views spectrum. Justice is justice....even when it's a long time coming.

Jury selection is scheduled to start September 28th. Trial following.

Thoughts of Kari on her birthday

Are there birthdays in Heaven?
Does the angel blow his horn?
Announcing to everybody
That this is the day you were born?

Can the stars be your balloons
And angel food your cake?
Presents wrapped in moonbeams
All the angels helped to make.

Birthdays meant so much to you
They were always a big deal
Birthday presents, lots of friends
And perhaps a special meal.

So I’ll whisper a little prayer today
Asking everyone up above
To sing you a Happy Birthday song
And give you all our love.

~ Author Unknown ~

The next to last picture is how I personally see Kari in my mind. The last picture is how I'm going to think of her today. Happy Birthday, my friend.

Click here to read last year's birthday post.

****I put up the Birthday Song because at this point, I think Kari would want us to miss her and laugh...wipe the tears....and laugh out loud. Lord knows she gave us plenty of reasons to. ;) Love you all!!

Pics from WCS Days.....

Had a fellow Warrior send me some pics including Kari from back in the WCS Days. THANKS!!



Click here for more great WCS photos of Kari Dulin!

A couple more pictures.......

.......from a dear friend who loved Kari dearly. Thanks Jill for the memories of you, Kari, Carrie and friends. (circa 1990-91)

Friends, Family & Sorority Sisters

48 Hours really reached a lot of people in their recent re-airing of "The Preacher's Wife." I hear that this episode was watched by so many that it was in the Top 10 for the week.

So many people contacted me to show support and encouragement for Kari's family and all those fighting for Justice for Kari and her girls. Kari's Mom has also been found and contacted by many of Kari's friends from the past, including several Pi Phi sorority sisters from Tech. A couple of them recently sent pictures to Linda and she sent them to me with permission to share here. Kari was always so involved and in the thick of the action. She is missed by so many.

Not hard to find her, but just in case: front row, first on left

Memories from a Dear Friend....

One of Kari's dear, close friends left some memories of her times with Kari in the "Share your Memories of Kari" area of this blog today. I am putting it here in a post to make sure everyone gets to read it.

"Janelle said...

My memories of Kari: We met in a sign language class at Baylor. We became friends very quickly. I visited her church and shortly afterward, I became the music minister while she served as the youth minister. We did many projects together. She also sang in the choir that I directed. She and I sang duets as well as performed songs in sign language.Kari always had her daughters decked out in the cutest clothes. She handled them with such a calmness and a bit of sarcasm thrown in for sanity's sake.Anytime there was a gathering at her house she served hot dogs. Always hot dogs. She claimed that everyone liked them and they were easy to serve.

Kari introduced me to up and coming praise music. We listened to the same 2 CD's for 2 years learning every song by heart.

I was with Kari the first night Kassidy was in the hospital. I remember that she left Kassidy for about an hour while the two of us went to the grocery store to buy groceries for a needy family that the church knew of. After leaving the groceries at the family's house, I remember eating taco bell together at the hospital! I was so amazed at her strength and faith. She was out helping others in need with the constant faith that Kassidy would be cared for. I believe I was one of the first people she called the night Kassidy passed away. I will never forget that phone call. There was nothing I could do to ease my friend's pain. I loved the way she helped explain it all to Kensi.

Kari became pregnant with Grace a month after I got pregnant. We even had the same doctor. We shared all of our aches, pains and complaints as well as our TUMS that we ate like candy for the heartburn. We even shared maternity clothes. She was excited to have Grace.

We were student teaching at the same school during our pregnancies. Neither of us enjoyed our student teaching and took turns crying to each other. We got each other through the semester, no doubt. We also took one night class that semester and carpooled together. We had to do a skit in front of the whole class (Kari was an amazing actress. She wasn't afraid to do anything!) Needless to say, we played the parts of pregnant women in that skit.

I was a first time mother and my daughter was born exactly 1 month and 1 day before Grace. Kari was so calm and relaxed. She knew exactly what she was doing with baby Grace. I panicked. She always let me know that stuff was "no big deal" and offered advice.

Kari would talk with her hands and her bracelets would jingle. Her hair was always so cute. I was envious because I could never wear my hair that way. She laughed a lot. She was very friendly. She was a hard worker and a good student. She always accomplished whatever she put her mind to. She was a good singer. She was good at sign language. Motherhood was her passion. She knew the Bible and I admired the knowledge that she had. She was compassionate. She'd cry with people over their burdens. She was one of those rare people who would ask about YOU, not just talk about herself. No doubt, Kari had a heart for Jesus.

She is in Heaven with Kassidy and constantly watching over Kensi and Grace. Nothing would be more important to her. I bet she sings with the Angels and cracks them up with something funny now and then.

I miss her very much. I always had hope that we'd be back in touch and keep our friendship going. I guess I have to wait to see her in Heaven."

Thanks so much, Janelle! What a precious friendship you two shared.

If any of you have memories to share or even have shared some and want to share some more, please feel free to do so anytime! The "Share Your Memories of Kari" link is always available in the right-hand column above the closed poll thing. Thanks! I'm sure these memories are so precious to Kari's family.

Watch 48 Hours Episode....

CBSnews.com has put "The Preacher's Wife" in its entirety on their website. So if you missed it, you can see it here.

After talking to many people from Kerrville, it would appear that the "Supporters of Matt Panel" on 48 Hours are mostly people that knew him as a child and that are friends and loyal to his parents, more so than to Matt. What they know of Matt as an adult, is post-Kari, post-arrested-for-murder, in full-defense-you-gotta-believe-me mode. And I know of at least one or two of the people that were shown on the panel regret their early-on, not-knowing-the-evidence, support of Matt and have been mortified as it comes out. That's just that I know of. I'm sure there's more. Don't think that the mass of Kerrville folks are on his side. I've heard from too many that say they, and those around them, firmly believe in Matt's guilt. Kerrville is full of wonderful, wise people.

And again, this 48 Hours was recorded and compiled over a year ago before reams and reams and reams of evidence against Matt was made public. All before his mistress spoke out to the Grand Jury and spilled something so damning that she got immunity out of telling what she knew. This is huge. At the time the show was filmed, the people on that panel had no idea about these things as they were hidden from them by the defense wanting both moral and financial support.

The first part is mainly from Matt's point of view. Keep in mind, though, that much of what he says can conveniently only be confirmed by him....since Kari is no longer here. Gives him lots of room for completely making things up. Whatever he wants to say to make Kari look depressed and/or suicidal. EVERYONE else that was around Kari says the exact opposite about her attitude, demeanor and outlook on life. So you decide who you believe...a confirmed, caught-in-the-act-dozens-of-times liar on trial for murder....or everyone else.

The rest of the show catches Matt in lies and inconsistencies and compete impossibilities of his "story" of that night being possible. And the show had access to and/or was allowed to focus in on such a small, tiny percentage of the evidence available. Imagine if it was a fresh show with all the new evidence. You come away with the feeling Matt is guilty after this? Just wait. September is coming.