Dead kids' mom was set to start anew
Free after divorce, she was to move family to Kuwait
By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact), April M. Washington, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published August 21, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Photo by Matt Mcclain / The Rocky
On August 21, Douglas County Sheriff's deputies were called to the house of Ken and Pam VanHerpen, grandparents of the two children found dead in a car in Castle Pines North.
The mother of two children who were found dead inside her car Wednesday was excited about starting a new life after a recent divorce.
Stacey Mendieta, 28, had planned to move with her children to Kuwait to marry her fiancee, whom she met online, said Denver attorney Eric Ruderman, who represented Mendieta in her divorce.
"She seemed relieved to get the divorce finalized and move on with her life," he said Thursday. "We got a court order for her to move to Kuwait with her children last week."
Douglas County Sheriff investigators continued to hunt for clues in the deaths of the two children Thursday. Officials said they hope to have a cause of death for the children, identified as Jasmine VanHerpen-Mendieta, 5, and Nathan Mendieta, 2, by today. Investigators questioned Stacey Mendieta on Wednesday and Thursday, but no arrest has been made.
"We don't have anybody in custody right now," Douglas County sheriff's spokeswoman Deputy Cocha Heyden said Thursday morning. "We won't be able to speculate on anything until we get the cause of death."
Officials remained tight-lipped about the condition of the bodies, and it still wasn't known whether they died because the inside of the car got hot or because of something else.
Wednesday afternoon, sheriff's deputies arrived at the home in the 900 block of Bramblewood Drive in the affluent Castle Pines North community on a report of two missing children.
Within a few minutes, they found the bodies in a red Honda parked in front of the home.
The car wasn't running and the windows were up, Heyden said. There was no forced entry.
Two deputies Thursday were stationed outside the home.
Mendieta's father, Ken VanHerpen, said that his daughter's divorce from Hugo Mendieta was finalized a week ago. He also said the children's mother was the one who called police to say that her kids were missing.
Mendieta was granted sole custody of the children when her divorce was granted. She was granted permission to relocate to Kuwait with her two children, according to court documents.
She recently quit her job at Time Warner Telecom Inc. in Littleton, neighbors said.
Her estranged husband could not be found and was served by publication shortly after Mendieta filed for divorce in March. Court records state that Hugo Mendieta is an "illegal alien who is most likely in Honduras or elsewhere in South America."
"We don't know where he is," Ruderman said. "I believe if he is in the country, it's not legal."
The couple married in 2004.
Stacey Mendieta and her children moved in with her parents, Ken and Pam VanHerpen, in February after she gave up her apartment in Castle Rock where she lived with her young family for three years, court records show.
Ruderman and neighbors described Mendieta as a nice young woman and loving mother.
"They were a beautiful caring and loving family," said Dona Alrich, who lives across the street and knew the family well. "The children were important to all of them. They were their primary reason for living."
The neighborhood plans to hold a meeting Saturday to form a support group for the family.
Staff writer Carrie Porter contributed to this story.
How to help
* A fund has been established in the name of Jasmine and Nathan Mendieta at Compass Bank, 568 Castle Pines Parkway, Castle Rock, CO 80108. Phone: 303- 217-2210.
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August 21, 2008
3:14 a.m.
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Jim writes:
I hope this was not a "time out" gone tragic. Were the kids in car seats? The sun on closed cars has killed too many children and pets. Regardless, my condolences to the family and friends.
August 21, 2008
6:04 a.m.
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amanda0531 writes:
My heart goes out to the family*** this is a very tragic incident
August 21, 2008
6:25 a.m.
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Sixtysixdeuce writes:
I would seriously doubt the children died in the car, unless the 5 year old was physically or mentally disabled. I never met a normal kindergarten-age child who couldn't open a car door.
August 21, 2008
7:04 a.m.
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blacksho89 writes:
"Other neighbors said Mendieta was preparing to go to Kuwait to meet a man she met online and that she was planning to leave soon."
I hope I'm wrong - God, please let me be wrong! - but were the kids in the way of a "romance"?
August 21, 2008
7:10 a.m.
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LingLingfor_prez writes:
I really don't know what to think about this one yet. I don't have enough information.
August 21, 2008
7:30 a.m.
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PRAYFORTHEKIDS writes:
blacksho89: I was thinking the same thing. I desperately hope we are wrong.
Rest in peace little ones.
August 21, 2008
8:09 a.m.
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mojambo writes:
First thing that comes to mind is the weekold divorce produced a very jealous ex- that knew one very powerful way to get back at her for pursuing an online romance.
who knows........
August 21, 2008
8:12 a.m.
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wow writes:
Blacksho- The way it was mentioned, that was my first thought, and I really hope I'm wrong. What a world.
During the day in my neighborhood, there are people out walking. Someone passes in front of my car every fifteen minutes or so. Kids that age, unattended would be noticed. Maybe the neighbors know something more. I'm sure we'll hear.
Sincerest condolances...accidental or otherwise, what a terrible, senseless loss for the family.
August 21, 2008
8:26 a.m.
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LadyBird112 writes:
Blacksho--add me to the list of those who thought the same thing--I sincerely hope we're wrong. That is just sickening.
August 21, 2008
8:50 a.m.
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BigSky182 writes:
I hate it that I live in a world where the idea that a Mother might have actually killed her children just to clear the way for her romance with some guy that she met online actually seems possible.
August 21, 2008
8:55 a.m.
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Miss_Kitty_Kat_Girl writes:
Ken VanHerpen said his daughter had divorced her husband, Hugo Mendieta, about a week ago...Aldrich said Stacey Mendieta had worked for Time Warner on the night shift and slept during the day while the children were in day care...Mendieta had quit her job recently, Aldrich said...Other neighbors said Mendieta was preparing to go to Kuwait to meet a man she met online and that she was planning to leave soon...The four-door Honda sedan belongs to Mendieta...According to Ken VanHerpen, he and his wife were at work Wednesday...He said his daughter was the only one home at the time and it was she who called police while she was searching for her children..."They've never gone outside by themselves," he said...
=================================
The neighbors seem to know more about Stacey's personal life than her own father.
All the father knew was that his daughter recently divorced; that she was home at the time the kids went missing and that the kids never went outside by themselves.
Sounds suspicious to me...hmmmmm....
August 21, 2008
9:02 a.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
M Kitty
Maybe he knew but the statements were made by the neighbors first, maybe he was to distraught to divulge the info. Who knows until they give more info.
August 21, 2008
9:18 a.m.
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notyouravg writes:
In the first hours after this horrible discovery there just isn't enough information to come to any kind of conclusion. Here is hoping that law enforcement along with the media will be forthcoming with their findings.
Rest in peace little ones and my heartfelt condolences to families.
August 21, 2008
9:18 a.m.
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TatatheGreat writes:
I'm yet another who's suspicious of the online romance being her motive... This is absolutely terrible whether it was accidental or not (unfortunately, I'm betting on not). May they rest in peace. Prayers are with the family.
August 21, 2008
9:51 a.m.
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Jackieg218 writes:
I am so saddened with not only this story but the state of our world! What is going on with this world right now. I mean Chandler, the other little one that was starved for not saying Amen, babies stuffed in backpacks left to die in a dumpster. My Lord, children are a precious gift and the hope for our future. I just dont understand it.
August 21, 2008
10:01 a.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
Jackie
We need population control. Think about the benifits for everyone. I am all for freedom, but we would have more freedom and loose less rights with population control. If I need a licence to hunt or fish for my own food, then everyone needs a license to bring another person into the world. That's just common sence.
August 21, 2008
10:13 a.m.
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Jackieg218 writes:
Common sence...maybe. Agreed that its harder to be able to legally drive than it is to have children. However, look back a few decades even, dumb people were around then too and you just didnt hear about stories like this as often as you do now. And actually, if we were to take it one step further on your population control idea, then we would need to include sterilization of people on welfare, food stamps etc.... (which if you ask me, should be done)
Point I am trying to make is we are in a state now where mom's and dad's dont raise kids anymore, daycare or grandparents do, families dont sit togeter as a family to eat, they camp in front of a TV and eat ordered in Pizza, etc... the values of today STINK in general, we have lost so much
August 21, 2008
10:19 a.m.
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RockyMtnMan writes:
I think we will possibly find out that this is just an accident. I almost lost my youngest daughter in the same kind of tragedy when she was 4 years old. She was outside playing with her siblings, when the others decided to come inside. She stayed outside and decided to play in grandma's car, on a day where the temperature reached 90 degrees. About 30 minutes later, when it was lunchtime, we asked the other children where their sister was. They didn't know, so the search was on. I happened to yell her name in the front yard, and then I saw her head pop up in the window. We got her out of the car and quickly dunked her in a kiddie pool we had in our backyard. When we talked to her afterwards, she said that she couldn't get the doors open then felt tired so she laid down on the seat to rest. When I read this story it brought back my greatest fear, losing a child. My condolences to the family of these dear children.
August 21, 2008
10:22 a.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
"dumb people were around then too and you just didnt hear about stories like this as often as you do now."
The numbers are just so high now.
If you don't have the means and abilitites to raise children, then you shouldn't. And if the goverment is going to make laws regarding common sence (drinking and driving, wearing a seat belt, ect.) then we need to impose laws in this area as well.
"is we are in a state now where mom's and dad's dont raise kids anymore, daycare or grandparents do, families dont sit togeter as a family to eat, they camp in front of a TV and eat ordered in Pizza, etc"
Our interest are in the wrong place-working long hours, trying to keep up with ?....our society has pushed us to become work aholics. We have forgoten what life is about and we have disconnected ourselfs from the "real."
August 21, 2008
10:50 a.m.
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Jackieg218 writes:
I agree totally Freedom, the solution to the problem (IMHO) in folks need to get back into church and build a relationship with God.
I know from reading many many posts here that I will be hit with being called a bible thumper etc, and thats ok, but before anyone does PLEASE understand I am in no way saying that people that do not belive are bad parents, thugs of the world or baby killers, not in a long shot. I am simply saying in my humble opinion that if people got back to the basics of life and forgot all the "stuff" that everyone has to have then maybe just maybe our world could chill out a bit when it comes to the constant neglect to our youth.
Yes I DO belive that its a parents JOB to be home and raise kids, high speed internet, or cable tv with 20 HBOs to pick from, cars that are replaced every 3-4 years (because the other is just too old now) etc is totally un-needed. What IS needed?? Our kids need PARENTS to plant the core values, not someone you pay, our kids need PARENTS to eat dinner with and talk about their day, or kids need PARENTS to tuck them in at night. I think its time more parents stood up and took an active role in providing what is really important to kids...time and love! Get rid of whats not needed, people really CAN live on one income, while its not fun, it can be done. Man if parents could stay home with the kids til they are at least in 3 or 4th grade it would make a huge difference in our youth I think.
K I am stepping off my soap box.. sorry for the rant.
August 21, 2008
11:26 a.m.
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notyouravg writes:
without the benefit of more information in this tragic event, it would be safe to say at the very least there was some type of neglect going on. what kind of loving parent or grandparent would leave a 5yr old and 2yr old totally unattended. terrible things can happen so quickly and sometimes can never be undone. someone is at fault here. when I am charged with watching my similar aged relatives, they are never out of my sight. that is because they are so precious and I love them so much.
August 21, 2008
11:32 a.m.
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maggiemae writes:
thankyou RkyMtnMan -- this could be just a tragic accident, but that wouldn't be as much fun to speculate about--or get on your soap box about
August 21, 2008
11:37 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
maggiemae,
You think it is "fun" to speculate about this tragic event? I know the grandfather and appreciate most of these comments here. No one has blatantly accused anyone of any wrongdoing. But I don't see the "fun" in posting suspicions on here. When something like this affects you personally in any way at all, you will look at it differently.
August 21, 2008
11:38 a.m.
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notyouravg writes:
tragic accident or not (not), neglect played a roll in this nightmare and the parent/grandparent will have to live with it for the rest of their lives.
August 21, 2008
11:57 a.m.
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18Zwife writes:
I read an earlier story that said the mother couldn’t take the kids with her to meet the man in Kuwait so she had to postpone the trip. Hmm…
August 21, 2008
12:07 p.m.
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18Zwife writes:
One more thing: Isn’t the alleged father of the kids a Honduran immigrant?
August 21, 2008
1:21 p.m.
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LadyBird112 writes:
Milehi, you already told that one.
August 21, 2008
1:35 p.m.
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parnik writes:
I would suggest removal of the stupid joke. (mymilehi)
Tragic event. Rest in peace Jasmine and Nathan.
August 21, 2008
1:36 p.m.
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wow writes:
RockyMntnMan---
That must have been terrifying. My Daughter did something similar when she was 4, and I was right there, but not focused on her. They can move quickly and do things we'd never anticipate.
Heidi? You know them? I hope they see only our condolances. Speculation has become second nature with things like this. There are a lot of bad people out there, and we hear too much about them to be trusting. That's a shame. It probably was acidental, but either way, a tragic, terrible loss, and my heart goes out to the family.
And mymilehi---I'm not so sure I like you anymore. I'm suggesting that your very insensitive "joke" be removed, for bad taste and bad timing. Sorry pal.
August 21, 2008
1:39 p.m.
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wow writes:
Somebody beat me to it.
Good.
August 21, 2008
1:39 p.m.
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Jackieg218 writes:
Hmmm the entier thing by Milehi was removed, I musta missed something. Well if the entier thing is gone that means the person is banned correct? Obviously it doesnt stop them from opening a new account under a different name. Seems those that are bound and determined to upset people find a way.
August 21, 2008
1:48 p.m.
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open_minded writes:
I hope this isn't the Jon Benet case of Castle Rock........
Who ever did this to these children should rot in hell!
August 21, 2008
1:50 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
wow,
I didn't know the children, but know the grandfather. He is a good man. I am glad I missed the comment by mymilehi. I suppose it is human nature to think the worst about situations, but a little compassion and common sense goes a long way.
August 21, 2008
1:54 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
open_minded...hmmm....how ironic.
August 21, 2008
1:55 p.m.
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Jackieg218 writes:
I hope that no one took any of my comments as raggin on the family or what not. I have no clue what happened yet (as none of us do) until the other reports come out.
My comments are just me scratching my head and wondering about the state of the world in general. I am sorry if any one took them as being directed to indivdual person/people.
August 21, 2008
2:05 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
Jackieg,
I was not offended by your remarks and didn't think you were pointing any fingers in this particular incident. I do agree with most of what you said.
Thanks for your compassion.
August 21, 2008
2:13 p.m.
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LadyBird112 writes:
Heidi, please give our condolences. I hope you were not offended by me either, I was conjecturing too, as we all are.
August 21, 2008
2:15 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
LadyBird,
No problem. Thanks.
August 21, 2008
2:19 p.m.
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dilligaf writes:
RockyMtnMan
I'm very happy for you that you avoided a very tragic incident. But in all due respect when my kids were 4 years old 5 minutes didn't go by without an eyeball on them much less 30 minutes. But still I'm happy for you.
August 21, 2008
2:26 p.m.
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wow writes:
dilligaf---
You must have had a very alert wife. ;)
My kids did ok, even though I must admit to sleeping now and again.
August 21, 2008
3:12 p.m.
dilligaf writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
August 21, 2008
3:58 p.m.
frontpage writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
August 21, 2008
4:13 p.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
Amen, frontpage. This is why I don't understand those who want to take away abortion. Abortion saves children from neglect and abuse. It also saves the taxpayer a lot of money.
August 21, 2008
4:54 p.m.
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frontpage writes:
thats a pretty ugly statement freedom1. although my take on it ain't no Picasso either. The abortion issue should't never be used to solve societal problems. I'm right wing, but i think the abortion issue must be the devils hand in really screwing it up for the conservatives.
August 21, 2008
5:20 p.m.
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blacksho89 writes:
Freedomfighter1: There is still time to abort yourself.
Just sayin....
August 21, 2008
5:26 p.m.
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wow writes:
Lighten up a little dilly...what you know about me could fit on the head of a pin.
And while you're at it, Mr. Perfect, how about you brush up your reading comprehension. You have time, seeing as how you have to stay awake to check the kids every half hour on the dot, even while they are sleeping.
Are they nuerotic now as a result of your hovering?
August 22, 2008
1:02 a.m.
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angryman1n writes:
KUWAIT TO MARRY HER ONLINE LOVER?!?!?!?!?
You just can't make this kind of stuff up. She obviously has mental issues. Good lord. I feel bad for the Ex.
(But I was right about the cheating. HeHeHe!)
August 22, 2008
1:46 a.m.
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angryman1n writes:
BlackSho.... We're on the same page. And ya, I hope we're wrong too.
August 22, 2008
2:26 a.m.
rj1967 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
August 22, 2008
4:33 a.m.
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disenchanted1 writes:
This story is just sad no matter how it turns out 2 innocent kids are dead. If it was an accident or on done by someone it should never have happened. I was in the bathroom when my daughter was 2 and when I finished I couldnt find her was going crazy we lived on the 2nd floor and I thought she fell out the window that was opened about an inch I could hear her but it sounded like she was far away, for some reason I opened the refrigerator and there she was laughing away. I almost had a heart attack. She was so small and always hiding in strange places now she is 12 and just strange.
August 22, 2008
6:46 a.m.
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vudumom writes:
Don't some vehicles have child locks on them to prevent kids inside from opening the doors? My vehicle does. I have to unlock the doors from my controls or disable the child lock mechanism.
I think the mother has made some bad choices, I think I'll wait until more information comes out. This is a strange story so far.
August 22, 2008
6:50 a.m.
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smidgen writes:
No matter how smart some people think they are, the police laboratory will figure out what caused the children to die.Than the dirty part of the investigation can truly get started and finished!!!
August 22, 2008
7:28 a.m.
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Hambone writes:
Wow, vudumom, such restraint you're showing.
August 22, 2008
7:59 a.m.
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gr8fuldude writes:
I hope I am wrong here, but this sounds very similar to the case in (I think) South Carolina, where the mother was recently divorced, and wanted to take up with a new guy who didn't want kids, so she strapped them into their car seats and drove into a lake, later claiming to be carjacked. Like I said, I hope I am wrong.
Tragic, any way you look at it.
August 22, 2008
8:19 a.m.
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oofda writes:
And who wouldnt be excited to go to Kuwait!!!!?? This all sounds real curious.
August 22, 2008
8:42 a.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
The father is in the country - you can bet on that. He didn't marry an American for a green card just to flee back to Honduras.
Why am I starting to get that feeling this is another case of Latin "if I can't have you (or the kids) - nobody will"?
Unfortunately, it sounds like the mother made some pretty bad CHOICES which she (and her kids) are paying for now.
August 22, 2008
8:48 a.m.
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wow writes:
Her lawyer says she had to serve the divorce by publication, meaning that even at the time of filing, her ex was no where to be found. Meaning he abandoned her and her kids, for whatever reason. If you're such a scumbag that you need to be divorced via news paper, you deserve no sympathy.
He will probably never know the fate of his children, and he probably doesn't care much.
And how, now, can it be speculated that she was cheating? Granted, the divorce wasn't final till last week, but maybe her husband took off years ago, and she waited to file, knowing that she'd never find the jerk.
And maybe her fiance is an American, working in Kuwait. And while it is not something I admire, lots of people move to join people they have met online. Back in the days of snail mail pen pals, people fell in love and got married that way.
Her lawyer says she was granted permission to move to Kuwait, with the kids. It's too much to speculate that after all that, she wanted to get rid of them.
I'm a lot less suspicious now than I was yesterday.
August 22, 2008
8:55 a.m.
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wow writes:
Disenchanted---
LOL,
" She was so small and always hiding in strange places now she is 12 and just strange."
Mine too. Wait till 13, it's even better.
August 22, 2008
9:20 a.m.
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LuckyMe writes:
RozBronc,
"Honduran,Kuwaiti, what has this chick got against american males."
Yeah with some of the posts above, what's not to like? Yummy! I'll take me some angryman1, rg1967, et al, over a Honduran or a Kuwaiti any day (sarcasm).
August 22, 2008
9:36 a.m.
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Barb writes:
I have always thought automated car windows were dangerous. If the car is turned off they usually don't work. Most people including older children, can crank a window open to escape if needed. These kids were too young to be left in a car alone! Looks very suspicious. Did the woman accidentally leave them in as she was distraught? Whose car was it?? That's key to this case. Need more information.
August 22, 2008
9:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
navymom writes:
Heidi, I think that maggiemae was being facetious when she made the comment about speculating being more fun. I don't know but it sounds like a slap in the face to everyone who is speculating about a situation that is not only tragic, but also not fully explained because of the ongoing investigation into what really happened. I will wait until we know more information before speculating on who is at fault, if anyone.
For those of you who speculate about neglect and think that you really never left your children alone for more than 5 minutes, you must have led a lifestyle where you never had to clean house, go to work, spend time on the internet, or even just sit down to read the newspaper. The fact of the matter is that every parent has a life to lead. We do the best that we can to raise our children, but sometimes accidents just happen. None of us are perfect parents.
When my daughter was 2, my husband, in-laws and I were all working in the barn lambing. My 6 year old and 2 year old were playing outside. We would look out at them occasionally, but at one point my 2 year old decided to climb up on top of the motor home and run back and forth. Grandma nearly had a heart attack, but my daughter was laughing and having fun. Living on a farm, there were times when the kids would wander. We would find them quickly, scold them and try to teach them to stay close. Were we neglectful, bad parents because we did not know where our children were every minute of the day? I don't think so, we were just doing the best we could to run the family farm, raise our children with values and the freedom to explore within bounds, and have them grow up to be responsible adults.
I am praying that this was just a terrible accident. At the very least, I am sure that this mother is tearing herself up enough over this situation that the rest of us can lay off until, as Paul Harvey says, we know the rest of the story.
My condolences to the family.
August 22, 2008
9:47 a.m.
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HoosierGuy writes:
This stinks to high heaven.
August 22, 2008
10:02 a.m.
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LifelongEMT writes:
freedomfighter1 your a pain in the butt..you should rethink your life. or get one.do you have kids.no one should judge anyone .
August 22, 2008
10:32 a.m.
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RBN writes:
Move to Kuwait??? Was Iraq not an option??? That sounds like a mother who knows whats best for her kids and will make good choices. I am sure she had nothing to do with it.
August 22, 2008
10:51 a.m.
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esarem writes:
RJ1967, I'll admit, I didn't have the nerve to say it.
August 22, 2008
10:51 a.m.
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linkous2 writes:
Ditto, RBN
August 22, 2008
10:54 a.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
LifelongEMT
Who did I judge? And yes I do, two that I support and take good care of.
August 22, 2008
11:12 a.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
Steel
Attack me if you like. I must apologize, I meant to say that abortion decreases the likelihood of more abuse and neglect.
"Since when has abortion been so readily accepted as a form of birth control?"
Since people in our society started have children without the means to take care of them.
August 22, 2008
11:13 a.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
And Steel, by the way...your reasoning is based on emotions.
August 22, 2008
11:19 a.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
No need to do that, you've heard it all before.
August 22, 2008
11:53 a.m.
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Jackieg218 writes:
High five Steel!!! Stand up for Christ! I do it too and yep we get ridiculed for it from some, but its all good :o)
August 22, 2008
11:57 a.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
Jackie
He is standing up for the bible, not christ. In fact he's not a christian. Christians follow in the foot steps of Jesus.
Jesus would have never said-"too bad your mother didn't abort you."
August 22, 2008
11:58 a.m.
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linkous2 writes:
what does abortion have to do with these 2 dead children??
August 22, 2008
11:58 a.m.
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LifelongEMT writes:
freedomfightr1.. you sure can open a can of worms, we need to stop fighting with oneanother and keep this friendly and not forget what the USA stands for.We have more problems with the rest of the world we should not take it out on oneanother.this is about two kids found dead. and i have two kids my self and take good care of them. this is a sad day, when we loose two of gods children.
All of us should count our blessing that we never have to go throught this and find it in are hearts to give some love to the ones that need most,( our kids )and never take them for granted..
August 22, 2008
12:32 p.m.
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LifelongEMT writes:
Thank you steel.
August 22, 2008
12:40 p.m.
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COtoBOS writes:
I agree that it sounds suspicious, but I think it's AWFUL how you're all speculating and assuming it was some type of foulplay! You don't know the mother or the family or the situation, no wonder JonBenet Ramsey's killer is still out there because everyone assumed it was the parent's and ignored everything else. The kids could have snuck out when she was going to the bathroom or making lunch you never know, and then they could have got locked in the car. The mom called the police to report that they were missing when she couldn't find them. This family is going through a horrible loss and you're all accusing them of something when you have no information to back it up! Could you imagine losing 2 young family member's and then having to read this crap?
Also the father was illegal, never got his green card even from marrying her. He was also arrested about 4 times in the last 2 years if you read some other articles.
August 22, 2008
12:54 p.m.
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LifelongEMT writes:
COtoBO. what do you mean you all? im on your side
August 22, 2008
12:55 p.m.
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LifelongEMT writes:
See freedomfighter1.see what i mean about the can of wormes
August 22, 2008
1:04 p.m.
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notyouravg writes:
LifelongEMT ... hats off to you!
Here is hoping that your ideology will rub off on a few others participating in this form.
August 22, 2008
1:05 p.m.
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HelpKids writes:
RMN-terrible headline.
August 22, 2008
1:06 p.m.
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HelpKids writes:
All I can say is I'm tired of kids paying the price for useless adults!!!
August 22, 2008
1:21 p.m.
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COtoBOS writes:
Sorry not all of you, a lot of you.
August 22, 2008
1:27 p.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
Steel
I and true Christians would disagree. Remember the guy that killed the people in the church, all the christians said that he wasn't a true christian because what he did. So was he or not. True chrisitans have told me that those who do not act like Jesus are not chrisitans. To be honest I don't think any conservatives are true chrisitans, because Jesus was a liberal.
Think about this-Jesus/God gave man the right and ability to make their own choices, he told other to "judge not." So why in the world do chrisitans think they have a right to take away homosexuals rights to get married or women to have abortions. God gave them the freedom to make the choice and you vote to take it away. Jesus wouldn't have voted (Ceaser story), but if he did I am sure he would have voted to let them make their choice.
Anyway, sorry to get off subject, but if you claim to be a chrisitan act like one, so I know who is and isn't.
August 22, 2008
1:32 p.m.
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haloguy628 writes:
Do you leave your car unlocked while parked outside on the street?
August 22, 2008
1:35 p.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
no
August 22, 2008
1:43 p.m.
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lovedones writes:
The death of these two children is a tragedy! To most of you it is a story to judge, criticize, and point fingers at without knowing all facts; to others it is our life! Please think about the family when you decide for yourselves what happened! These two children had a loving mother, sacrifizing amazing grandparents, doting aunts and uncles, loving great grandparents, terrific great aunts and uncles, and many 1st and 2nd cousins that cared dearly for them; that are all trying to make sense of a situation that makes no sense. Please say a prayer for us all in a time can only be described as a nightmare!
August 22, 2008
2:13 p.m.
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TatatheGreat writes:
The poor little angels...
August 22, 2008
2:17 p.m.
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BigSky182 writes:
Where was all the "doting family" when the 5 year old and the 2 year old were playing outside, unsupervised?
Grandma and Grandpa were at work. Mom was sleeping.
I read in an earlier article that the children were in day care during the day when the Grandparents were at work. Why were the kids even home?
How can you say that leaving a 5 year old and a 2 year old home, essentially alone since Mom was sleeping, is anything other than neglect?
What would your response be to me if I left my 5 year old alone in the house while I went to the Grocery Store?
August 22, 2008
2:40 p.m.
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lovedones writes:
I guess you have never fallen asleep before, I'm glad your perfect! At night don't you sleep isn't your five year old alone then. Who said anything about a grocery store? The fact is something terrible has happened that can not be argued all I was pointing out was that alot of people are hurting and can use some prayer.
August 22, 2008
2:47 p.m.
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gs writes:
I do agree it is time to back off the judgemental stuff. Remember, mom and the grandparents could easily be reading this crap. And the story is obviously not complete and even then be a little Christian would ya? "let he who is without sin cast the first stone".
August 22, 2008
2:48 p.m.
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lovedones writes:
P.S. who is to say it was not hiding seek that went wrong or why are you determined that the mother was asleep? Did I miss that somewhere in an article?
August 22, 2008
2:50 p.m.
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lovedones writes:
gs thank you so much that was exactly my point!
August 22, 2008
2:51 p.m.
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BigSky182 writes:
The last thing I do before I lay down to sleep at night is make sure my 7 year old is fast asleep in his room.
It was reported earlier that Mom worked the night shift and routinely slept during the day while Grandma and grandpa went to work. Supposedly, the kids were at daycare during that time since no one was home (and awake) to care for them and look after them.
This isn't about me being perfect. It's about a grown adult woman letting her 5 year old watch the 2 year old.
August 22, 2008
2:56 p.m.
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gs writes:
lovedones, your welcome. Suffice to say I've been in a similar situation and I was stunned at the way the haters and sociopaths came out of the woodwork. And the judgement was unbelievable! All without an inkling of what went down except a glimpse of what was reported. You'd have thought it was the second coming. To the judgemental types. let the courts decide, let God decide. It is not for you to judge especially in writing in public!
August 22, 2008
2:58 p.m.
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BigSky182 writes:
Calling us haters and sociopaths in the very same breath in which you demand that we not judge others?
How does your God feel about hypocrisy?
August 22, 2008
3:15 p.m.
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lovedones writes:
Does that guarantee that he will not wake up and leave his room and I thought he was five, who said anything about the 5 year old watching the 2 year old. See how fast the facts get turned around? I'm just asking for a little compassion for the family. Thank you to those that have and will stick up for the family. I only commented to the posts because I like everyone on here got obsessed with finding out more and it was making me sick as all of you could imagine having those you loved dragged through the mud. So I will do what I should have a long time ago and close my computer.
August 22, 2008
3:21 p.m.
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gs writes:
BigSky182, your comment is so out there it really doesn't deserve a reply. when did I call you a sociopath? Or a hater? I didn't demand anything either I believe. Would anyone else care to weigh in? Do you feel I called you a hater or a sociopath? did I "demand" anyone not judge others? Your comments are appreciated on this subject.
August 22, 2008
3:26 p.m.
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BigSky182 writes:
This child did not get out of his bed and wander out of a locked house in the middle of the night.
It is HIGH TIME that people in our community start taking some personal accountability and responsibility for their actions.
I, for one, am sick to death of the excuses. TWO MORE babies are dead because the adults in their lives couldn't be trusted with the responsibility of raising children.... and you want me to feel SYMPATHY for them?
It does not matter at all if they were murdered or if this was a tragic accident. The entire reason that parents exist is to WATCH AND PROTECT THE CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You STILL haven't answered my questions:
1) Why were the children even home instead of at the Day Care?
2) Where was the "doting family" while the children were dying?
Here's what I think: I think that Mom had quit her job in advance of leaving the country and pulled the kids out of day care to save some money. Then, since she was still on the night shift sleep cycle, she let the children play, unattended, while she went to bed.
No matter how this turns out, 2 children are dead. Unless they were murded by a wandering sociopath (and the Police assure us that is not the case) then the Mother is squarely to blame.
August 22, 2008
3:42 p.m.
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gs writes:
"BigSky" suggests Montana. Are you writing from Montana?
August 22, 2008
3:50 p.m.
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BigSky182 writes:
No, I grew up in Montana but moved to Denver 15 years ago.
August 22, 2008
4 p.m.
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gs writes:
Did you lose children or someone close to you?
August 22, 2008
4:08 p.m.
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BigSky182 writes:
I have had my share of loved ones pass. And my first wife took my baby with her when she disappeared 15 years ago (part of why I moved to Denver).
8 members of my family died in a 2 year period between 1993 and 1995. 1 Aunt, 1 Uncle, 3 Cousins, 2 Grandfathers, and 1 Grandmother. 5 of them were under 35 years old. 2 of them were under 25. 1 was murdeded (he was 22), 1 was electrocuted on a job site (he was 19).
So I know the pain when a loved one dies. I also know the pain of having a child taken from you.
Understanding that she is in pain does not mean that I have to overlook the fact making sure the children are being watched was HER responsibility.
August 22, 2008
4:15 p.m.
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blacksho89 writes:
Of COURSE it is right to judge the actions of others! Otherwise, where do you draw the line?
Theft of a loaf of bread? Of $10.00? A million?
Is one murder OK? Or 10? Or do you have to be Hitler before we can judge you wrong?
We are instructed to not judge the HEARTS of others, to not assume that G-D will damn them to hell, to hold ourselves to the same standards that we hold others. But we must judge the actions of all in our society, else we descend into anarchy.
August 22, 2008
4:33 p.m.
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BigSky182 writes:
Exactly.
I am not saying she is vile or evil. No one would argue that the Children's lives were her responsibility... so how can it be argued that their deaths are not?
August 22, 2008
4:36 p.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
Blacksho
Wrong. Judging people for commiting crimes is for judges and God on this planet.
"Judge not, least you be the first to be judged" Is that correct? I see nothing about the heart, and if you are going to try and pull a few scriptures together and translate YOUR meaning, save it.
Stealing is stealing and murder is murder. They both are dealt with by our wordly courts and your God.
"we must judge the actions of all in our society, else we descend into anarchy."
No the wordly people can handle this. And judging people keep us from anarchy? That doesn't make sence. We have laws and orders (goverment) that keep us from anarchy. Christians have their purpose here and it is to spread the word and follow in the footsteps. I never remember reading anything that said to vote or oppress others freedoms. However, this is exactly what most (so called) christians do (conservatives).
And judging and voting on an issue as to remove the option for them to sin was not the master plan of your God. Follow your lost prophets, like sheep. Listen to the leaders of todays christian army, my guess is you will answer for that later.
August 22, 2008
5:03 p.m.
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gs writes:
Freedomfighter, well said. I don't necessarily agree with you on everything though I grant you may be correct. But, Well Said!
August 22, 2008
6:14 p.m.
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commoncents writes:
I am constantly amazed at the level of negative comments made whenever a story like this is displayed. I think it says more about the state of the country we live in that the first thing that comes to some peoples mind is something nasty and negative about people and situations they have no knowledge of. You don't even have to be a person of any religious faith to have the decency to keep that crap to yourselves. Accidents happen in life, to even the careful people. Everything bad is not the result of a bad person or persons. It is what it is, and even if there is a more sinister aspect that comes to light who is helped by the piling on with the negativity??
August 22, 2008
10:20 p.m.
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PaleoConservative writes:
The funny thing about an online lover in Kuwait is that he may actually be an online huckster in an internet cafe in Nigeria. This story is sad on more than one level.
August 23, 2008
7:47 a.m.
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HollyGoLightly writes:
I'm sure someone will rip into my post but so be it. I will say this though. Who the hell plans on taking their children to a foreign country (especially one in the middle east) to marry someone you "met" ONLINE?!?!?!?! I am shaking my head in disbelief!
August 23, 2008
1:18 p.m.
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jnc4keeps writes:
How long does it take for a kid to die in a car, and on that day it was in the high 80's, that I know because I got into my car at lunch when it had been sitting out in the parking lot.
I always knew what my kids were doing at all times, how long were they missing? How can you not know where your little 2 year old is and what they are doing at all times. I wonder about mothers now days, seems like the younger generation do not know how to take care of their own.
No matter what the situation this is the worse that can happen to a family, I just don't understand. I understand the pain and I know what death can do to a family in several circumstances, but the facts or the facts why did they not know where the kids were, makes no sense. Kids do not have know boundries anymore either while we are at it!
The online thing, who knows they may have already met, I met my husband online and I found the expirece wonderful. I have a wonderful marriage to the perfect man, I could not ask for anything more. I have what those long for and wish they had. So online does work, another country, who knows, but maybe it was a better life, we dont know and have no clue.
I do know the pain of loss, and that I wouldn't wish on anyone.
August 23, 2008
1:46 p.m.
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jnc4keeps writes:
I found this!
Dangerously Susceptible
Children are especially susceptible to overheating inside vehicles because of their high surface-area to body-mass ratio, which causes them to heat up faster than adults. Children and infants also produce more metabolic heat than adults, and they're not able to sweat as efficiently as adults, which impedes their ability to lower their own body heat.
"For infants and children, but especially infants, their core body temperature will heat up three to five times faster than an adult," says Jamie Peters, program director for the Children's Safety Center at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Ore. "A core temperature of 104 degrees (40 Celsius) is likely to result in heat stroke; 107 degrees (41.6) is very often fatal. Body temperature doesn't have to rise too much for it to get dangerous. Ninety-eight degrees (36.6) is normal, so those few added degrees can have fatal effects."
Another reason why it's so dangerous to leave small children inside cars, even just for a few minutes, is because of how fast a parked car heats up.
"What we know is that on a normal sunny summer day, within 10 minutes the temperature inside the car will rise to be 20 degrees warmer than outside the car," Peters says. "Within 30 minutes, it will be almost 40 degrees higher."
It's often a car's interior color and make-up, not the exterior color, that determine how fast it heats up. The dashboard, seats, steering wheel and child seat trap heat and turn the car's interior into an oven.
"Black surfaces inside the car get to be up to 180 to 200 degrees (82.2 to 93.3 Celsius), and that is the heat that heats up the car," Null says.
These are some interesting facts I did not know....
Partion of an article was pulled off yahoo..
Protecting Your Kids from Deadly Heat in the Car
- by HANNAH ELLIOTT, ForbesAutos.com
http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/p/742/prote...
The number of children who die in cars are stagering, but once again where are the parents and why are they not watching their children..?
August 25, 2008
1:32 a.m.
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open_minded writes:
Hey Heidi - my tag name isn't open_minded meaning I believe in anything goes. You have it all wrong. It is of an individual who has spent many years following crimes against children. Everytime I read or hear of a crime committed against innocent children, I am horrified. I don't know the family, they may be really nice people, but I'm sticking to the facts. And they don't add up! Those 2 angels paid the price with their lives at the hands of someone elses ignorance! From what I gather the grandparents weren't home at the time. Sticking to the facts - there was only one other person at the house who was unaware of a 2 and 5 year old 'missing'. I wonder who that could've been??
August 25, 2008
11:12 a.m.
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datbinnurick writes:
I can't believe you all!!! This is nothing but a blog... People are throwing out their thoughts on a moe than suspicious case. What exactley is wrong with that? If you are personally affected by this tragic event, you should probably not read the news fora while - protect yourself. (this does not mean that I have no compassion for the family - but just know that there are things you can do to hurt yourself more than necessary) But oh no - we should all keep quiet cause it might hurt someones feelings... It is always the same crap...don't judge... don't you dare speak up...make sure you always are politically correct and don't hurt anyones feelings... You know - this is exactely why we are were we are in society. No one stands up for what is right anymore, because we shouldn't get involved - cause that would imply judgement...
August 26, 2008
10:46 a.m.
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Westminster writes:
Just a thought... If she was scheduled to leave the country with her children next week, she would already have passports for the children AND a notorized letter from the father indicating his permission for them to leave the country.... or.... a court order stating that she has sole custody and does not need permission from the father to take her children out of the country. I am not saying anyone is guilty, but I would be interested to know IF passports and full arrangements (including airline tickets purchased for the children) were made prior to this tradegy. If no airline tickets or passports were purchased for the children, this would cause extreme doubt if this were premediated or a tragic accident.