Friday, August 12, 2016

Manslaughter? Is Bryce Graham Crazy?


WARNING: The following blog presents a strong dose of logic; if allergic, don’t read.

It’s only been a few weeks ago that we declared our personal feelings toward guns. We’re pretty much middle of the road, meaning both extremes in the issue hate our opinion. Guns are a necessary evil. We’ve never understood why parents leave loaded guns lying around for children to find, but they do and apparently they aren’t going to stop even after their child or grandchild is killed.

Yet this isn’t about a parent; this is about a young couple who have no children. Unless something is being left out of the story, this young couple is no Bonnie and Clyde, but law abiding citizens who have found themselves in a nightmare they had nothing to do with producing. In other words, this young man and woman are the victims here and have both our sympathy and support.

Toddler Who Died due to Mother's Negligence

The whole lurid story: A woman (and perhaps her current husband, we don’t know) visits a home with no children. The couple who owned the home didn’t know the child was coming. In fact, the young husband wasn’t even there. At some point the mother, Ashley Reaves, uses the telephone and loses track of where her son Robert Michael Reaves is. While Ashley is paying attention to her phone and not her son, the two-year old finds a loaded gun on a nightstand in the young couple’s bedroom and shoots himself. The gun is at the ready due to some serious crime in the couple’s neighborhood in the preceding two months.

We’re seeing a lot of inane rhetoric about the gun “going off” or the child “being shot.” No, the gun didn’t just go off, Robert pulled the trigger and shot himself. It’s as simple as that. We don’t know how many seconds it took for Robert to see the gun, walk toward it, pick it up, and pull the trigger, but whatever number of seconds it was, that was the number of seconds Ashley Reaves was not supervising her son.

So, how is this supposed to work, Dr. Graham? (We’re not calling you “mister” since that’s a title of respect.) Our gun is in a bedside drawer, but the drawer is unlocked. If this happens at our house, are we liable? Or how about this: Just before we read this horrible story we were polishing some brass, and the Tarn-X is on the kitchen counter. If a child comes into our home unexpectedly, is left unsupervised by his guardian, and drinks the corrosive chemical, are we responsible?

How about this: We’re sure there was at least blood at the scene of the shooting and perhaps even some brain matter. Who cleaned it up? Why don’t the young couple sue for damages? Then add a little extra for emotional trauma as well? Billy and Mr. Holt don’t work for free; the young couple can use the money.

Now here’s a little extra logic while we’re on a roll. If you have five children, can you take care of them? In today’s world that’s a large family. Two of the children weren’t named Reaves, so there’s a strong possibility of emotional instability and upheaval in that family already. Usually DHR will investigate when a child dies. We hope that the Colbert County DHR is thoroughly investigating Ashley and Keith Reaves before anything happens to the four remaining children in their custody.

We would sincerely like to know why an innocent young couple has been arrested instead of Ashley Reaves.

*****

It’s also no secret that two of our regular bloggers are extremely pro gun. We’re awaiting their take on this surreal boondoggle.




32 comments:

  1. This post makes me sick. You're parent shaming a mother who is grieving the loss of her toddler! Shame on you. This is a TERRIBLE situation for ALL involved.. And you are doing nothing to help by placing blame on his very upset, distraught, loving mother. My two year old isn't constantly in my sight.. It was a heartbreaking freak accident that everyone wishes could've been avoided. How about instead of pointing fingers and parent shaming you pray for the parents? Pray for the other couple. Pray for peace and comfort and understanding. Stop stirring the pot. It's obnoxious.

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    1. We have never had the desire to blame anyone; however, since Bryce Graham is blaming a young couple for this crime, we feel the blame should be placed where it belongs. We have prayed, but we doubt this will stop Graham in his finite wisdom.

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    2. HOW DARE YOU. YOU DINT HAVE ANY RESPECT FOR THESE PARENTS AND WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND LEAVES A LOADED IN COCKED AND NO SAFETY ON AN IDIOT THAT'S WHO BUT FOR YOU TO TRY AND MAKE IT OUT LIKE A MOM ISN'T SUPERVISING HER 2 YEAR OLD IS WRONG YOU EITHER DON'T HAVE CHILDREN OR YOU THINK YOU'RE PERFECT AND YOUR HILL HAS NEVER FOR ONE SECOND TRIED TO DART AWAY FROM YOU OR BE SO SNEAKY YOU DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THEY MOVED EITHER WAY ALL OF YOUR COMMENTS ARE DISRESPECTFUL TOWARD THESE PARENTS YOU DONT KNOW THEIR HOME LIFE NOR DO YOU KNOW THEM SO THESE COMMENTS ARE UNCALLED FOR. I UNDESTAND YOU DISAGREE WITH THEM CHARGING THE YOUNG COUPLE AND THAT'S OK I THINK IT'S A LITTLE FAR OFF MYSELF BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS IF SOMEONE HAS A GUN THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE WITH THAT GUN NO MATTER WHO IS COMING OR NOT COMING TO THEIR HOUSE I MEAN HEAVEN FORBID THE WOMAN COULD HAVE BEEN CLEANING AND KNOCK THE GUN OFF AND SHOT HERSELF WITH IT BUT U FORTUNATELY IT WAS A 2 YEAR OLD BABY WHO PICKED IT UP AND IF THE safety was on then he couldn't have shot himself. Also for you to put in this article that there was brain matter to clean up HOW CAN YOU LIVE WITH YOURSELF MAKING POSTS LIKE THIS.

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    3. Our point was simply that the Whitfields have suffered also. Have they sued the Reaves? They have a case, but we haven't seen where they have as of yet. What the young couple does in their own home is not my business...or yours. It certainly isn't the government's place to tell them what to do with their guns. BTW, by all definitions, once a child reaches two, he is no longer a baby.

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  2. Sickening! This poor family is grieving and all you're doing is making it harder on them. You've done this to my personal family and half the things you say are false! Pray for the family instead of blogging about them!

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    1. We are aware only of one error. The Whitfield couple do have a young child. If there are other errors, please point them out to us and we will correct them.

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  3. For those who know the Reaves family they are amazing parents to blame them and cast judgement is wrong only one can judge anyone and not less your GOD then quit casting judgements the Reaves are wonderful parents and I will always have their backs if you for any reason have issues due to you know the other family then your comments are rude and irrelevant

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    1. But it's perfectly acceptable for a jury of 12 imperfect individuals to cast judgment on the Whitfields? And the couple having to pay thousands of dollars, no matter the outcome, for that judgment? Or perhaps paying with 20 years of their lives?

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  4. For one you go by hear say not facts. Have you once talked to the families involved? Probably not Roberts family is a big part of the community but that doesn't matter all you are trying to do drag their name through the mud. Ashley and Keith Reaves are wonderful parents. Accidents happen every day. If you were in their shoes would you like being talked about like your talking about them? Nope didn't think so. Instead of throwing dirt someone else's direction you need to uplift this family in their time of grief! They are dealing with enough as it is without you irrelevant comments about the family.

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  5. Only someone who has no ounce of humanity or compassion could make these comments about a mother who is suffering the loss of her child. How do you sleep at night? Just shut up. How you haven't been charged for slander is beyond me. Be a decent human being and let this family grieve without opening your gossip, hungry mouth.

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    1. First, we think you mean libel, not slander. Second, the only error that has been pointed out to us has been corrected. Again, what is so hard to understand that no one would ever have criticized this woman had not charges been brought against an INNOCENT couple...much more innocent than the mother...but you don't seem to care for real guilt or innocence, do you?

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  6. Regardless, of libel being printed word and slander being spoken word. You're still dragging peoples' names through the mud. I said nothing about the other couple. And I don't even know what you mean by real guilt or innocence. That's unintelligible banter. I simply stated to shut your mouth and let this poor family grieve the loss of their child without you trying to pin families up against each other. Your hateful words aren't helping anyone. So, just shut up.

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    1. We mean the real guilt, if guilt has to be assigned, lies with the mother. It does not lie with a couple who have done no wrong, at least in connection with this child's death.

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  7. This article needs to be removed and you, Shoalanda.. should be forbidden to EVER write anything else again!!!!!!

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    1. Not familiar with the First Amendment, are you? We're standing with the young couple and will continue to stand by them. We cannot fathom why they've been thrown under the bus by individuals who seemingly once claimed to be their friends.

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  8. Disgusting view of this wonderful family. They coached my daughter's ball team and they are very attentive, concerned, caring, and living people. I have never seen them be neglectful to their children.I'm absolutely appalled. They are not bad people. Ashley never lets those babies get more than a few steps away from her. Everyone has to make calls and take calls. Many families have large families with multiple children. Some of those families suffer traumatic loss of their children and some do not by the grace of God. Thing is if it were not time for God to bring little Robert home to be his angel it would not have happened. You should be ashamed that you didn't keep your sorry mouth shut.

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  9. Your very disgusting . as soon as that baby entered the house that door to gun should have been locked or gun put up . it could have easily been their own baby that died . gun safety should be a priority. And yes that family is libel because anything that happens at your house your responsible for . blaming the mother for thinking she's at a responsible person house is ridiculous unless she's psychic she would have no clue that family was irresponsible. And that family didn't bring charges they can't only a DA can instead of spreading your hate filled reports on ppl try researching home owners laws in Alabama.

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  10. I pray for both families involved. It was and is a tragic situation. We all know kids will get into things. While i have my opinions on gun control, its not my business how one controls it in their own home. I agree, if the DA feels the need to hold the homeowners responsible' then the mother of deceased child should also be held responsible. If you come to my house, you will watch your own child. At all times. The mother is just as guilty since she knew they had loaded weapons in bedroom and she was in room at same time. It was a tragic accident that both families will have to endure the rest of their lives. However, my question is, how did this get pushed up so fast?? The grand jury next month?? When some have to wait over a year? Whats the rush? Im glad the Whitfields have two great lawyers. Because this is crazy. Do i agree with guns laying around? Certainly not! I hate guns period. Everyone involved knew their were loaded guns in that room. For a reason, but as i said it was an accident that both families will have to endure. Pray for both families. Please.

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  11. I pray for both families involved. It was and is a tragic situation. We all know kids will get into things. While i have my opinions on gun control, its not my business how one controls it in their own home. I agree, if the DA feels the need to hold the homeowners responsible' then the mother of deceased child should also be held responsible. If you come to my house, you will watch your own child. At all times. The mother is just as guilty since she knew they had loaded weapons in bedroom and she was in room at same time. It was a tragic accident that both families will have to endure the rest of their lives. However, my question is, how did this get pushed up so fast?? The grand jury next month?? When some have to wait over a year? Whats the rush? Im glad the Whitfields have two great lawyers. Because this is crazy. Do i agree with guns laying around? Certainly not! I hate guns period. Everyone involved knew their were loaded guns in that room. For a reason, but as i said it was an accident that both families will have to endure. Pray for both families. Please.

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    1. Your question of the quick nature of the grand jury is very interesting. Graham did the same thing when Grant Campbell died. Presumably in both cases, the family placed pressure on the D.A.

      Thank you for pointing out the mother's guilt as well. The child's safety was the mother's responsibility...except to her personal friends. We've always heard, "When a child dies, someone has to pay." That, in a nutshell, is what is happening here with this lynch mob.

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  12. Disgusting . they should sue you for libel and slander. The innocent couple you referring to left a cocked loaded gun laying in reach for a baby which makes them criminal and civil responsible. And your remarks about that families other children when they are going through a nightmarish situation. And you are making it worse for them.DA presses charges the family doesn't. You really should be ashamed of your self blaming a mother for losing her baby because she went to a friends house thinking her baby would be safe inside the home. A true friend would have put up the gun or locked the door as soon as they walked in the door .and anything that happens at someone's home makes them responsible for everything that happens inside and outside their home .

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  13. I would think most mothers would consider their child's safety their responsibility no matter what. BTW, it can be libel or slander, but it can't be both.

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  14. All I see on here is people hollering how good of parents to Reave's were. Okay they are good parents but that doesn't mean that she wasn't watching her child and someone else's home you can't blame that person for having their going out on the nightstand and that child getting a hold to it because the parents should have been watching the child in the first place knowing that they weren't at their own home. I am a mother of five children and everytime I go to my friend's house I make sure I watch my children and know exactly where they are every moment of the time because you have no idea what your friends are doing what they may have laying around or anything else so you have to be aware when you have children and you have to supervise them. No one should be being blamed for this it was a horrible mistake a horrible accident that claimed the kids like they need to learn from this and move on. And when I say move on I'm not talking about the parents of that child because I know they can't just move on because their baby is gone but the public needs to move on and leave this alone because no one is that blame.

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  15. The truth hurts. When you are at someone else's home and you have your children with you they are YOUR responsibility not the homeowners. You don't take your children to Walmart and lose them and blame an employee when they climb a shelf and fall. It's the same logic. Watch your kids. You made them, you're raising them, you watch them. That's what's wrong with the world today, parents are so engrossed in phones and social media that they forget their children and let them run wild. This mother should have been watching her child. This couple has no children. No reason to lock away their guns. This couple didn't know the child was coming again, no reason to lock away their guns. The truth is a real bitch sometimes. There is no way in hell this couple is at fault. It's negligence on the mothers part. Period. Place the blame where the blame is due. Pay more attention to your children. They are no one's responsibility but your own.

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  16. Why does it have to be any bodies fault! This is exactly what is wrong with the world everyone has to have a say so a reaction or an opinion its sickening on both ends to me! A tragic loss for both sides an accident why can't it be just that!

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  17. Well once the homeowner seen the child was with his mother, It was the HOMEOWNERS responsibility to put away the gun, which they failed to do so. There is no possible way a mother or father can keep their eyes on a child every sec of every minute of the day, all Parents should know this. 2 Years olds are fast get aways, In a blink of an eye they are gone. Regardless if the homeowners had children or not they should be practicing gun safety all the time. NO ONE should ever leave a loaded and cocked gun laying around like that for common sense which it clearly shows the homeowners has none. One of them could have been cleaning or bumped the table making the gun fall causing it to go off and shoot one of them, IT'S COMMON SENSE. What happens at a homeowners house is the homeowners responsibility, If you come to my house and fall and break a leg you can sue me for it. Unless there is a signed agreement that I am not reponsable for happens to you on my property. If the homeowners didn't want to be sued or held accountable for what happened then either don't let people come to your house, or learn to be responsable gun owners. If they would have learned and practiced gun safety this family wouldn't have lost their baby. It's people like them that is causing all of the control laws. EVERYONE NEEDS TO LEARN AND PRACTICE GUN SAFETY POINT BLANK.

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  18. If you are comfortable enough with going into your friend's home to bring your children, that as friends, it seems unlikely you wouldn't know that they are gun owners who have been dealing with crime in their neighborhood. Why bring your child into that person's home without their permission or verifying that it was safe to bring your child over? Parents priorities are always to the safety of the child- especially in someone else's home or in public places. This mother will feel guilty about this for the rest of her life-and to try and lessen her burden of responsibility by placing it on the homeowners is a waste of taxpayers time. This is a tragedy-not a court case.

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  19. Two of the children not nameD Reaves are my 5 year old daughter,and 7 year old son,he was also there when this tragedy occurred.I believe I have as much right to chime in as anyone with that being the case.my feelings on it (and if it had been him I may feel differently I can't honestly say)is there should at no time be a loaded or unloaded gun within the ready reach of a child. My mother slept with a small pistol beside her watered mattes every night that my dad was off working nights but I never touched it because they showed me the dos and donts of firearms....Ashley had my children taken about 2 years ago because I was showing my 5 year old son the same thing I was taught at that age.I instilled the best of my ability that any firearm loaded or not should be treated as loaded,and never touched unless I was there and then only if I was holding it and helping him (it was a cricket .22)and when we were finished they went back up on a gun rack in my bedroom unloaded and the bullets were hidden in a closet. But how are the whitfields responsible? The wife yes should have had enough forward thinking to put the guns away,and while I believe no guns should be unattended,that Ashley is responsible for caring for my children when they're with her and hers and Keiths children..I take my kids to a friends house it MY responsibility and mine alone to watch them,and yes children can get away and out of sight quick,but hadn't there been a phone in her face as I have personally witnessed many many times firsthand maybe she would have saw the gun and had time to remove it or the children. I wasn't there so I do not know,I only know the habits I witnessed during the course of my marriage to her,and I'll admit yes accidents happen but any feelings of she's my x or whatever nonsense aside,the truth is the children were her responsibility, not that of the whitfields

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  20. The 2 children not nameD reeves are my 5 year old daughter and 7 year old son,he was there that day,and even at 7 he deserves privacy so I won't go into detail of what he went through but this tragedy could've been prevented had there not been a cellphone in someones face as is all the rage these days,yes accidents happen buy personally when I visit friends,it's still my responsibility as daddy to watch my children not the people whom I'm visiting,I taught my son firearm safety at a very young age just as my parents did for me,and I was punished when Ashley called DHR for me having our son around firearms.if parents are gonna have guns,the kids need to know,like I did growing up,that if I touched a gun I would tote a tail whoopin,that it was completely unacceptable. But then again my parents didn't run around with Facebook,and twitter,etc. Blurring their vision of were I was. There are many times I look back at my childhood and wonder how I survived cuz any parent knows yes a kid can get away,but of thousands of times it happens it only takes the 1 time for a tragedy like this. So with ANY negative feelings towards my x wife aside,it's just truth,she should have been watching better,if she wasnt watching him,who was watching my 7 year old son?

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  21. I pray for both families but I don't think the couple are responsible. The father was not home nor did he know that a child would be there . I understand him leaving a gun out for his wife incase of a burglar. I have no idea how to use a gun myself I would have to have my husband get one ready for me if there were recent crimes in my area for protection. I also have children who I cant keep my eye on every second. I think its a terrible accident . And it should be dropped . Apparently these two families at some point were friends or why else would the mother and child have been there ? I would not convict if I was in a jury for this trial . SAD situation prayers for all

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  22. Just got around to reading this. Can't understand why mother wasn't indicted too. Can't believe the rude comments about the truth.

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