Monday, August 17, 2009

Visit with Mechele

Hi to all! I just returned from a two week stay in Olympia. We flew to Alaska for three days and had a very positive, much needed visit with Mechele. She wanted me to express her gratitude to all of you who continue to support her and follow her story. She also wanted me to thank all of you who have been so generous with your letters, books, and checks. This ordeal has been both a financial as well as emotional draining experience. Our thanks to all of you who have helped ease our burdens. As you may know, the appeal is in the final stages. We are awaiting oral arguments, which we are told will take place sometime in September or October. Mechele and I discussed at great length how we no longer trust the media to portray our side of this case. Therefore, we are taking some measures tell our side of the story ourselves. We do not want the media to be allowed to run rampant with lies, untruths and misrepresentations of the facts as they have done in the past. This time we will go public, but on our terms. We also feel that we should begin a "Free Mechele" campaign. We would like to kick this off with a letter writing campaign to the three judges who comprise the appeal court, as well as letters to the prosecution. I am hoping to have this aspect complete and ready to put into action within the next two weeks. I would really appreciate any suggestions, comments or ideas that any of you may have to make this a successful project. We really need the support of residents of Alaska, as these judges work for you, the taxpayers of the state. If anyone is uncomfortable replying directly on this blog, please feel free to email me direct at msylady@yahoo.com. Your imput will be greatly appreciated. Believe me, your support and concern has made a big impact on Mechele and our family. We can make a difference! We can add to the attorneys appeal to "Bring Mechele Home!" I look forward to hearing from each and every one of you!

Sincerely,
Sandy (Mechele's mom)

14 comments:

beemodern said...

Sandy, thank you for taking the time to post an update and to share the status of Mechele's appeal. I do not know what will or will not work to help, but I do know that Alaska has bee too isolated and therefore used to doing things out of view and too often unchallenged. Therefore, I can't help but think that the more people in the country are aware of Mechele's true situation and the kangaroo court she was subjected to, the better. Perhaps the judges, at least some or even one of them, will be motivated to do what is right if there is a sense of support for it, versus just rubber stamping the lower court and prosecution because they all know each other one way or another.

Finger and toes crossed and thinking of all of you Every day.

Mechele's Friends said...

Thank you, Bmialone! Your comment reflects exactly why we need all the publicity (positive!) and public support we can get!

livieandhermommies said...

Hi Sandy! Thanks for the update! I just recieved a lovely note from Mechele telling me how much she enjoyed your visit and seeing her family! I hope that now the justices can get back to work - and make a rapid FAVORABLE decision! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!
Laura

diana diehl said...

I so hope this letter campaign will have an impact. I will do whatever I can to help One thought I had was possibly Sarah Palin might be able to offer some advice. She appears to be an honorable person? just a thought

diana diehl said...

In addition to the letters would there be any way sarah Palin could offer some insight or help?

Mechele's Friends said...

Diana, I don't know how much Sarah Palin can help, since she was the one who aapproved the "cold case" unit that started this investigation. Since she is no longer governor I doubt she can do much. But, if anyone has any contacts to her or anyone that has any influence on her, we would appreciate the effort!

Heather said...

I just recently saw the Snapped televesion episode of Mechele's story based on what is accounted on the program I do not believe that she had anything to do with the murder of Kent Leppink.I think it's very cold hearted and cruel of the prosecutor that tried this case to weigh her down with all the guilt given her past.Just from photo's that I have seen online I can tell that Mechele is a very loving person who was wrongfully convicted of a horrible crime that she did not commit.I continue to pray for Mechele's release.

Janet Throneberry said...

Ms. Sandy, I am wondering if Colin has given up? If so will that effect your efforts?
ALSO. . . think you may want to attempt to remove some pitifully cruel and crude "YOUTUBE" blabbing and videos, at least before the new jury is picked!
PEACE & HOPE!
Monie

Anonymous said...

I have never seen a greater miscarriage of justice than the incarceration of Mechele Linehan. The "evidence" that convicted her was total nonsense. How could the judge sentence her with that absurd conviction? Hopefully she'll be out soon and home to her family.

Mechele's Friends said...

To everyone who may have posted messages and you dont see them, please resend! Sorry, we were having some problems with the site but I think they are fixed now!
Thanks!
Sandy

Mechele's Friends said...

Monie, No, Colin has not given up! He is fighting just as much as ever to bring Mechele home. He has been working 6 days a week and trying to be both mommy and daddy to my dear granddaughter. I am sure when oral arguments take place he will be posting to let everyone know what is going on. Thanks so much for your concern!

Mechele's Friends said...

As far as the trash on utube, I am not that technical....not sure how to remove something but I will look into it...in the meantime, if anyone does know how to do it, feel free to do so!!

JimP said...

I just saw the repeat of the 48 Hours story on a local cable channel and I found it appalling that someone can be convicted on such flimsy evidence. "Innocent till proven guilty" and "guilt beyond a reasonable doubt" no longer have any meaning. There was enough reasonable doubt in her case to drive a truck through it. Unfortunately, it appears that guilt by association and/or lifestyle is the new legal standard.

I wish Mechele all the best with her appeal.

KTSBerg said...

What is going on with the "Free Mechele" campaign? I would love to help any way I can!