Melinda Bautista found Not Guilty.
Anonymous said...
TWO WORDS... NOT GUILTY. Please next time you condem a person be sure you know tha FACTS!! 12 people heard the facts The TRUTH in the case and Not Guilty was their verdict. And i will be sure that her lawer is informed of this blog and is included in the slander suite. So next time you JUDGE a person on what you read in the paper A SMALL town paper take it with a grain of salt.
7:14 PM
You're right. I should not condemn anyone using information provided by a small town paper, that was my mistake. I have gotten so caught up in this story the past few weeks and all the information I've had was provided by a newspaper that all you anonymous commentors have been telling me I need to read. I didn't attend the trial so I don't know ALL the facts. However regardless of the juries decision I still can't get past the confession. Why did Melinda confess and then break down in tears? Do you have an answer for that? I can't believe her innocent of causing harm to Madilyne knowing about the taped confession. That is the one stumbling block that is still in my path. It doesn't matter now though. For everyone's sake this topic will stop after this post. I do not believe I slandered Melinda. Just because I think she committed a wrong doesn't mean I've slandered her in any way. If that's the case she would have to sue whoever wrote the stories for the Altus papers cause that's what I've been reading. What about the character assassinations against Rachel? Should she sue too? Maybe I can sue after that and we can all keep this going for a few more years. (sorry I'm being sarcastic... that was just a ridiculous comment)
Anonymous said...
Amen! Not guilty!! It only took the jury less than an HOUR to get their decision back to the court. No questions about it. Not guilty.I don't know who the other poster is, but I don't think this blog would be a case of slander. It just shows how the media can affect someone's judgment. Kristie...I see that you are a Christian woman, so I know that you wouldn't want to jump the gun and stand in judgment. But I'm telling you...as another Christian woman..and a mother...that the jury made the right decision.
7:59 PM
I doubt there are as you say "no questions about it," but there was reasonable doubt. I was misinformed and my opinion is just that... an opinion. I also totally agree, the media is not the best place to get information... I assumed the information provided by the Altus papers was pretty straight considering most of the commentors have been telling me to read them. I really hope the jury did make the right decision. I hope that Rachel Sumner can find the strength to move on and try to find some good in this whole situation. I never thought I would become so involved in this issue. I hate calling it an "issue," a child died and a woman almost lost her freedom... What would you guys say to Rachel now? Would you comfort her? I've taken a side in this and obviously it's been Rachels. I don't know what I would say to Melinda if I had to face her. I still think she's responsible, because of her confession, but hey everyone has an opinion right? Melinda has paid the price according to our laws so she certainly doesn't have to answer to me or anyone else. I feel like I should apologize seeing how she was found not guilty but my opinion hasn't changed based on the information I have so it would be a hollow apology. I am sorry I got so involved, I really didn't think this would escalate to what it has become. I will totally respect the verdict. Melinda goes back home to her family, I will never bring up her name on my blog again
However what is Rachel to do now? I believe it's God's will... the way everything has worked out. I don't understand it but can you people tell me what to say to Rachel Sumner when I meet her face to face? How can I comfort her? Next time she calls me crying what could I possibly say? You all had so much to say before please give me some advice now because I am lost. What do you say to a woman who has lost her child and feels like she has failed her once again? I have never been in a situation like this. Rachel needs your prayers, nothing has changed for her. Her baby girl is still gone, she isn't coming home.
30 comments:
The only thing one can realize is that a little baby girl lost her life and paid the biggest price. As for her mother, the worst pain a parent can experience is that of loosing a child.. Think of loosing a child and not knowing what truly happened to them..
As a third party in this situation, my advice to you is to lend your support for the childs mother and do not second guess anything you talk to her about. Going through a murder trial, as I can only imagine, is mortifying. Just be there for her and listen. A friendship is the best thing you have to offer someone. But the greatest thing you have to offer is that of god word.. Bless you and best wishes..
The greatest thing you have to offer is the word of God..
May all the prayers in the world be with the baby's mother...
I don't want to get into gossip. Rachel DOES need our prayers. So does Melinda and all their families.
There is evidence that was not admitted into the court that shows that there was some neglect of Madilyne at home. As I stated earlier, Rachel was never a candidate for a mother-of-the-year award. But you don't know that. You don't know the situations that Madilyne was in at her 'home'. You only know what was written. You don't know anything about the people that Rachel and Madilyne lived with. You don't know what went on in that apartment or how Rachel and these men lived their lives. You don't even know what type of place they lived in. You don't know what she did after her daughter's death. You don't know facts, because some of the 'facts' that you have read on a website are not factual at all.
You are right, no matter what, a child is dead. No matter what, lives have been forever changed. No matter what, our prayers need to be focused on all of those who are affected.
I do pray for Rachel. I hope that she has a satisfying life and that she makes better decisions from this point.
This is a small community, but neither of the parties involved are from here, nor are they permanent residents of SW Oklahoma. And neither of them have been here long enough for people of the jury to have formed a relationship with. Infact, when this whole thing started, most of the people that I know were convinced that Melinda was guilty. I don't know a single soul now who believes she is guilty. EVERYONE I talk to is convinced that she is innocent. EVERYONE. I have never in my life seen so many people change their minds when FACTS became evident. When facts over took what we had been told by the media and what speculation was made by a law enforcement officer who had no experience with anything like this.
As for her confession, read my reply to your previous post. The interrogators CONVINCED HER that the little bounce that she gave the bouncy seat was what caused all of this. After more than THREE HOURS of unfair, illegal questioning. She was denied her lawyer, her attorney and her minister.
No matter what, pray for all involved. And for our community as well.
Wow!! Girl, looks like you have stirred up a hornet's nest with this subject!! Drama in a small town is bliss to most people.. What's so funny to me is that no one will speak with their name showing... Why hide behind the mask of "anonymous"? I'm going to have to go back and read the newspaper about what really went on.. But I will say that unless you've ever lost a child, you don't know how this poor mother feels... She is the one that is miserable right now, her baby is gone, and never coming home!! The daycare provider will continue on with her life as if nothing has ever happened in a few months..
They all need our prayers...
I can't imagine how anyone could shake a baby to death.. A 10 month old... What did a 10 months old do so bad to make someone want to shake her to death!!! That is just sick!!! SICK!!! And from what I've gathered, no one is a fault??? Ridiculous!!!!
Cara, I post under "Anonymous" because I don't subscribe to this blog site, so I don't have a username or password. If I did, I would be "Kathyh". But, just like you don't list your full name and address, I won't either.
I'm a 40 year old wife and mother, who lives in SW Oklahoma. I enjoy church activities, Christian books, family, scrapbooking, needlework. I used to like Days of Our Lives before it became too stupid. Now my favorite show is probably "Hamm on the Street" on the Food Network, but my dh and I really enjoy watching the reruns of "Match Game" on GSN. I volunteer at church, school, the Red Cross and other various community things, but pro-life activites keep me busiest.
Anything else you want to know?
I'm not the "anonymous" who slammed Kristiesue. I hope my posts come across as knowledgable and prayerful.
As a mother who has a lost a child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and faced a brief investigation, I feel deeply for both mothers. For Rachel, it is a loss that will never be replaced. For Melinda, a loss of innocence that will never be replaced. I'll pause here to say that Melinda is my friend. Before any of this began, I trusted her with my own son...and I STILL DO. This is not a case of small town drama. But the post @8:59 was mistaken. Her family has been here long enough to form relationships in the community. My son consideres her son one of his best friends. They played baseball together last summer. My regret is that Melinda did not get to see one second of her son's games.
And Cara, you have obviously never had any difficulty in your life if you believe "the daycare provider will conitinue on with her life as if nothing ever happened in a few months." That is insane. Do you really believe that after being brought up on murder charges that life will go on as normal? She will always remember. Her husband and children will always remember. Thankfully all those who know and love her get to always remember she was vindicated.
We love you, Melinda!!! My son was SOOO happy to hear the news last night. See ya at the baseball games this summer.
This is kathyh again...
I didn't mean to say that Melinda didn't have any relationships...or Rachel for that matter. What I mean to imply is that neither one of them grew up here, so they didn't go to school with the judge or anyone on the jury. I want it to be clear that this is not a case of "Hometown heros"... it was a FAIR trial, well, except that it should have never gone that far. And that I think there was more evidence to show Melinda's innocence.
Anyhow, I'm praying prayers of thanks today.
Jeff, that's the same way I found this blog (except the part about your wife! LOL!)
Have a great day everyone!
To the anonymous commenter that won't post his/her name: I have a brother and a sister in law that both died of SIDS. There is never investigation that goes as far as court if there is no reason!!
Looks like some of these anonymous commenters should practice what you preach!!
Melinda apparently herself said, "she shook her until she lost conciousness because she was irritable and crying that afternoon"... She admitted that she shook Madi in the bouncy seat.. When Rachel dropped her child off that morning, Madi started screaming... That poor baby was in cardiac arrest... I want you to tell me how the mother had anything to do with this when she was working and had been in the care of Bautista for 4 hours and before then she was FINE!!
I have nothing to do with this case.. I'm an outsider looking in... And all I have to go by is the newspaper Altus Times... But with all of the testimonies in the paper, I would appreciate someone telling me what makes Bautista innocent... Because from the paper, I can't find one reason!! And don't be ashamed to sign your name.. Your able to do that in the commenting section!!
This post is for Cara, I understand that you only read from whats in the paper. To inform you I was there and sat in on the trial and heard the testimonys from both sides. The point at matter is that this case was about a "RUSH IN JUDGEMENT". The easiest person to pin all of this on was Melinda. It has been documented that the child was very sick the day of her loss. We may never know the cause. It also has been documented that this child very well may have lost her life due to lack of oxygen (possibly caused by all the fluids that came out of her) that is why Melinda started rescue breaths. The EMS (due to using the wrong diagnostic program ended giving the child 10X the amount of medication to start her heart. This was all presented in court and the jury saw all of this. She did all she could given the condition the child was put into her care. The only thing she did was use a bouncy seat as it was designed. This is a tragedy that began way before Melinda took care of this child. My heart goes out to both sides and that they find the strength and wisdom to carry on.
The EMS used 10x the amount of medication to start her heart? Sounds like she was already dead and he was using desperate measures just to be sure. Not much time to hook up "diagnostic equipment" in an emergency situation anyways.
JUST SO THIS IS CLEAR!!!!! In the state of Oklahoma.... the jury found Melind NOT GUILTY of first degree murder.... THERE WAS NO LESSER CHARGE FOR THEM TO GIVE HER!! IT WAS ALL OR NOTHING!!! AND! For the record..... the jury NEVER ONCE found her INNOCENT!!!! just NOT GUILTY... Please remember... Madilyne was in ALTUS for only 7 DAYS when this happened... And IF there was neglect... why didn't it come up earlier????? This was an UNFAIR trial for both sides.. as some of the IMPORTANT evidence was withheld... I KNOW! I was there!
Friend of Family
That is a good point.... There was NO EXPLANATION.. for their decision!
THE EMS DID NOT GIVE HER 10 TIMES THE LEGAL DOSAGE!!!!! LISTEN PEOPLE LISTEN!!! THE CHARTS ARE THE SAME!! AND JUST BECAUSE IN THIS DAY AND AGE LIES GO FARTHER THAN THE TRUTH!! WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER CHILDREN HURT IN MELINDAS CARE????????? HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN ABOUT THOSE???????????
Newspaper extract
http://www.altustimes.com/articles/2006/04/03/news/top01.txt
ALTUS —When Madilyne Wentz was rushed to the hospital in respiratory and cardiac arrest in April 2005, in all likelihood she was brain dead before reaching Jackson County Memorial Hospital.
And the chemicals used to speed up her dying heart likely did a great deal of damage to her heart and blood vessels, according to testimony Friday from a defense witness in the case.
Cindy McRay, hospital administrator and registered nurse, of Manchester, testified regarding the medical records and procedures used by the Jackson County EMS that afternoon of April 12, 2005.
When Madilyne’s pulse was first taken, shortly after the EMS arrived at the Bautista home at 4:42 p.m., according to the EMS run report, it was 187, indicating cardiac arrest. At 4:50 p.m., the baby’s pulse had dropped to 62 and Madilyne was administered 0.11 milligrams of epinephrine, a drug used to “jump start the heart.” The dosage of epinephrine is determined by way of a chart, or pediatric emergency tape, placed alongside the child’s body. The tape in use that afternoon by the Jackson County EMS is known as “Pediacheck,” which, according to McRay, is not the standard tape recognized by the American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics.
McRay compared the recommended dosages of epinephrine on the Pediacheck chart with those given on the Broselow/Hinkle tape, which is the nationally recognized standard, and pointed out a startling difference: the Broselow/Hinkle tape recommends a dosage of .11 milligrams for the first as well as the second dose. The Pediacheck tape recommends 1.1 milligrams on the second dosage.
So, McRay said, although the first dose of epinephrine administered to Madilyne, when her pulse had dropped to 62, was appropriate, the second dosage —administered at 5:01 p.m., after seven minutes of her showing no heartbeat at all — should have been given three to five minutes after the first dose, and should have been only .11 milligrams — not the dosage 10 times higher recommended on the Pediacheck tape.
What’s more, at 4:55 p.m., when Madilyne’s pulse had dropped to zero, meaning that she had no heart rhythm, the baby was given 0.22 milligrams of atropine.
Dr. Robert Bux, coroner for Colorado Springs and El Paso County, Colo., testified earlier Friday afternoon, that in his opinion Madilyne died as a result of hypoxic encephalopathy — a lack of oxygen to the brain.
And there were NO other children EVER hurt in Melinda's care. EVER. If they were, don't you think they would have been put on the witness stand?? Where are the police reports for those? THAT IS A BOLD FACE LIE. A lie that was posted on the internet. Before you spread more lies and gossip, make sure it's a FACT.
Kathy
1 of the mother who had a child hurt in Melindas care WAS coming.. and I will tell you you need to open your EYES!!! Everytime a child gets hurt she is in the "bathroom" or "on the computer"... PONDER! I truth will PREVAIL at some point and I feel sorry for all who are nieve to what TRULY happened...
The second dosage was DILUTED WITH SALINE!!!...
Everyone that is using the Altus times for the facts should just forget everything they know. I was at the trial and all the facts aren't even close to being in that paper. Some of the most important facts weren't even allowed to be brought up at the trial. I think everyone should just forget what you think you know and pray for both families and yourself.
amen... justice was done and lets leave it at that
The comment above was deleted by request of the commentor.
Garr! Garblegargledygrarr! GRARRR! And don't you forget it! How dare you express your own opinion. Shameful. You'd think you were living in a free society or something.
Kristi ~ out o' the frying pan, into the fire
..life just like dat sometimes.
::wink::
pardon my long absence, m'lady
For the information of those that actually want it. Yes, there were children hurt in Melinda's care. Yes, she was reported to Child Services. Yes, she was "investigated". And yes, you would've heard from the mother had the judge in this case not decided to refuse "another character rebuttal witness". Unfortunately, we live in a world that has become so shy of offending, "falsely accusing" or "slandering" people that these earlier child abuse incidents were allowed to progress to murder. Not Guilty simply means "not proven"; not "innocent". Rather than look for the truth in Melinda's negligent and murderous care; attacks were made on the character of the mother.
But, there is a God...a righeous God...and Melinda will answer for her actions before Him. Only because of this fact will I agree that Melinda does indeed need our prayers. For Rachel, I can only hope that she can somehow find peace and comfort. There is evil in this world; and I'm so sorry that it has infected her life in this way.
Melinda, I'm sorry that you may spend your eternity with OJ and other "innocent" murderers. But God will hold you accountable.
i just wanted everyone to know that melinda cared for two of my children and she was EXCELLENT!!! i felt totally comfortable leaving my infant at only two weeks old in her care and she took care of her as if she were her own. There were a couple of times i can remember children getting hurt in her care.....but get real.....how many times to children get hurt in their own partent's care.....and sometimes severly at that???? i know melinda on both a professional and personal level. she is innocent.
what gets me is how everyone is making rachel out to be some saint of a mother. i feel she was more neglegent than anyone. yes, loosing a child is the worst pain any mother can experience.....but knowing you are the one who could have prevented it, is even worse. yes melinda will answer to GOD and her day of death...but so will Rachel. and between the two i feel more for Rachel. anyways that is my opinion. if melinda would not have ever moved away, she would still be watching my children....that would include 4 in all. i trust her as if she were family
NEIEVE!!!
I believe the word you are looking for is nieve. Melinda, not Rachel, was charged with hurting Madilyne. You are making the same mistake many did in accusing Rachel of any wrong doing. Rachel was the best mother to Madilyne. She, as well as any other mother, was not perfect. However, she as well as all the other people who testified, was JUST A WITNESS for the state of Oklahoma. SHE WAS NOT THE ONE ON TRIAL. There were many other cases of abuse or neglect in Melinda's child care files, that were not admissable in court. Madilyne was just the last. Rachel negligent? Not on your life. How can anyone justify a response to a child being killed and then blame the innocent party? You will never know the hours she spent with Madilyne, or the hours Madilyne spent with her and her family. We were so blessed to have her. Yes, I too pray for Melinda, but I also pray for the children she takes care of after this incident, that they are kept safe and unharmed. I also pray for her whole family, so they may forgive her for putting them and Madilyne's family through this horrific event. After all, Rachel wasn't on trial, she wasn't even there....................and there were pictures of Madilyne in her walker that morning before going to Melinda's. Did you see them? Again, Melinda was found not guilty, which isn't the same as innocent......
OK, all this talk about other children "neglected" and "hurt" in Melinda's care...Stop spreading lies. I've seen the reports, and think about this....
After investigating that incident (which, by the way, is standard procedure), DHS found no wrongdoing -- OR THEY WOULD HAVE STOPPED LETTING HER CARE FOR CHILDREN.
When I was in the bathroom, my child hit his head on a coffee table and needed stitches. Hard as you try, sometimes accidents can happen.
However, that's very different than choosing not to take a sick child to a doctor, or giving a child expired medicine, or living with dangerous people. Rachel wasn't on trial, but perhaps if the investigators had done a proper job, that may have happened.
For those who say that evidence wasn't presented, I say...like what?
The only inconsistent testimony on the stand was Rachel's. The drama and the strange outbursts at odd times left me scratching my head. Many links were missing in her testimony that still concern me. If your baby slept 15 hours at night, why would you feed her, bathe her, and put her down for a nap only an hour later? And why would you give a sick child gummy bears? And why would you give her an uncompleted prescription of antibiotics? If she was sick, why would you drop her off at daycare at 1:30 in the afternoon? Why would you choose a felon to help run your foundation? Why would you ever leave your baby alone with someone who had threatened to harm the both of you?
Just some questions that remain on my heart after seeing the trial.
Just let it go. Nothing can be done now nothing good can come from dredging up this debate over and over again. It only causes more pain for Madilyne's family. Just let it go.
Sorry, but this woman who shook the baby should have been found guilty! She was a state listed/licensed day care provider, and you have to take classes and have a current fist aid certificate in order to obtain a state license. How do I know this? Because I have been teaching child development for close to 10 years, and state validated classes for a bit over 4 years. SBS became a hot topic for every ever since the whole British Nanny ordeal.
I wonder if the jury was aware that SBS is one of the first things those classes go over in obscene detail, because that fact could have had an effect on their decision.
I do not believe this woman didn't know what would happen as a result of her shaking a poor baby. I think she knew full well what would happen, and she didn't care!
Not to mention that she confessed!
Small town justice...What else is there to say?
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