On a cold November morning in 2010, our sleepy little community woke to a buzz of new gossip floating around. It seems that a body had been found along the river. The local cafe and the hair salons were extremely busy as people from town headed to where they knew they would hear some information. We knew who the victim was, and there was speculation as to who the perpetrator was. Phones were more than busy, texts were running rampant and ears were on high alert as we waited to hear more.
It was rumored that it was one of our own members of the community that had committed the crime. Someone who had grown up with us, lived among us, spent time with our kids, sat at our kitchen table.
As more details of the crime were uncovered, the story began to form. We wonder how he thought he would get away with it.
Did he forget that he was from a small town?
Did he forget that even though this sleepy little town seems like Mayberry, the police are just a phone call away from leading pathologists and forensics experts?
Did he forget that anger and alcohol don't mix and that one's true character is revealed in a fit of passion?
Did he forget that his pastor and Sunday School teachers once taught him: "Be sure your sin will find you out"?
Did he forget that in a small town people will stand up for anyone they call kin?
Did he forget that even small town folk still have faith in the court system and believe that crime must be punished?
Did he forget that in a small town someone is ALWAYS watching?
On February 29, 2012, a jury of his peers, after only 2 hours of deliberation, looked past friendship and favors and found the young man guilty of first degree murder. Justice was served .... you'll get that in a small town.
