A Conviction

It's been awhile.

A sad facet of our legal system is that it simply takes forever for anything to be done, and that has been the case for our kids.

There is, however, good news. Danielle McPeak gave a plea of "No Contest" on December 19th, 2011; a date just two days shy of a year from when Matt was murdered. Danielle has been convicted of First Degree Murder and will be sentenced on March 12th. First Degree Murder carries a sentence of 20 to life.

You can read the story here: http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/302577

Blood Drive in Matt's Honor

At the Blacksburg Red Cross, in the building across from Backstreet's. The event is on Saturday, 02/19 from 9-3. *See update for new time/date*

Schedule an appointment by calling 961-2302 (Tuesday and Thursday) or Toll-Free Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1-866-353-1030 option 3.

UPDATE: TIME AND DATE CHANGE
The Blood Drive is now Saturday, 2/26/11, from 7:30am-1:30pm. Same location. Same phone numbers to schedule an appointment.

A Thank You From the Kids' Grandmother

Last night, the kids' grandmother posted this heartfelt comment under one of our posts. I felt I should share.

Thank you to everyone who has helped with our situation. We have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity we have received from everyone. We truly appreciate everything.

We do not have access to our grandchildren's belongings from their mother's house, and probably won't. However, because of donations we now have clothes in the right size (including snow boots), sheets for their beds, and most funeral expenses. We will be building two rooms on the house for them each to have a room.

The children are doing pretty good. They do not know anything other than their parents are far away and they are living with us. We are all seeing a counselor today.

The mother is still in jail and I am positive she will remain so for a long time.

Currently Matt's dad and I have custody. We have a final court date in March and I am sure we will retain custody.

Again, thank you everyone for your support, no matter what form it has been, ie, financial, clothing, prayers, crying shoulders, etc. We thank each one of you from our entire hearts.

The Kids' Mother Officially Denied Bond

The children's mother Danielle, who has been in jail for Matt's murder since about the 22nd of December, was denied bond today.

Story on WDBJ 7

Judge Long, who's the same judge who oversaw the custody battle between Matthew and Danielle, said the defense failed to provide enough reason to release Danielle.

Rock on, Judge Long. Rock on.