NEW INFORMATION RECEIVED OCTOBER 25TH, SCROLL DOWN TO ENTRY DATED OCTOBER 26, 2007 – MEGAN INTERVIEWED BY ABC
A candlelight service will be held for Megan Williams on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, in the same community where police say the 20-year-old woman was tortured, raped and beaten by a group of people for about a week. The vigil comes a day after a trust fund set up by Chase Bank started taking donations for Williams.
The service will be held at 6 p.m. at the Church of God in the Name of Christ Jesus in Big Creek, less than two miles from the trailer of Frankie Brewster, 49, and her son, Bobby Brewster, 24.
The vigil is being sponsored by the Logan County Improvement League and the American Friends Service Committee’s New Empowerment for Women Plus. Members of the two groups plan to meet at the Logan County Public Library at 5 p.m. and form a caravan to the site. Johnny Meade, pastor of the Church of God in Big Creek, said he offered the use of his church for the vigil after the groups originally planned a march in the area. “People around here just want folks to know that most people in Big Creek are not like the people involved in this,” he said. A spokeswoman for Chase Bank said that donations to the trust fund for Williams can be made at any Chase Bank. The donations can also be mailed to:
Welana Megan Williams Trust Fund Donation Account
707 Virginia St. E.
Charleston, WV 25301Source: Charleston Gazette
44 Comments
October 3, 2007 at 7:20 am
Logan vigil held for Williams
(Residents support community, say rape-torture was isolated incident)
By Gary Harki – Staff writer
BIG CREEK — There were about 40 people at the vigil held at a Logan County church Tuesday evening for Megan Williams.
Gone were the national representatives of organizations such as the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Those that showed up Tuesday night at the Church of God in the Name of Christ Jesus in Big Creek were mostly from Logan County.
There were plenty of reporters and cameras. But most of the people who came to the candlelight vigil were there to support their community, and express regret about what happened to the 20-year-old woman who police say was beaten, raped and tortured at the hands of six people in a nearby trailer.
Eunice Hairston, a member of the Logan County chapter of the NAACP, said she wanted people outside Logan County and West Virginia to know that what happened to Williams was an isolated incident.
“I don’t want people to think, ‘So things like this just happen here.’ Logan County is not a racist county. … Those people were sick,” she said, referring to the six people charged with crimes against Williams.
Williams was found by police Sept. 9 the trailer of Frankie Brewster, 49, and her son Bobby Brewster, 24. The others charged in the case are Danny J. Combs, 20; George A. Messer, 27; Karen Burton, 46; and her daughter, Alisha Burton, 23. Williams is black; the six people charged in the case are white.
People are concerned about what happened and want to see justice come to those who abused Williams, said Judy Overko, acting director of the American Friends Service Committee’s New Empowerment for Women Plus, one of the groups sponsoring the vigil.
“We just hope we can bring people together to talk about it,” said Overko, who is from Logan County. “We hope it helps heal people’s wounds, those of Megan, her family and the community.”
Cora Hairston hopes that police and prosecutors keep the community informed as the case moves forward.
“The objective is to see justice prevail. And I hope that there are no hidden agendas,” she said. “I feel that right now everything is going OK.”
At the start of the ceremony, Rev. Gerald Dotson, president of the Logan County Improvement League, said it was important to condemn the abuse of Williams.
“We know there are things that need to be bettered in the community,” he said. “But we are not going to condemn the county for the actions of a few.”
Still, some people said that racism does exist in Logan County, and needs to be addressed.
“While we certainly do not believe all white people in Logan condone these reported inhumane actions, the fact that this happened here is not totally surprising to us because we’ve been addressing racial issues in the county and state for many years,” said James Hagood, who read from a statement prepared by the groups sponsoring the vigil.
“We sincerely hope that Ms. Williams recovers from her physical and emotional injuries, and we want her to know that there are many people in Logan County and throughout the state and nation who are sickened by this incident and who pledge to work to see that justice is done.”
To contact staff writer Gary Harki, use e-mail or call 348-5163.
October 3, 2007 at 7:22 am
(The only other article I found on this vigil)
BIG CREEK, W.Va.
Holding candles and singing hymns, about 30 people gathered for a vigil tonight in Big Creek, praying for a black woman who was allegedly tortured for days by six whites.
Reverend Gerald Dotson asked those attending the service at the Church of God in the Name of Christ Jesus to pray for Megan Williams’ mind and body.
The church is about a mile from the trailer where investigators say Williams was sexually assaulted, beaten, and forced to eat animal droppings for days. She was rescued September 8th by sheriff’s deputies acting on an anonymous tip.
Dotson says it’s better to light candles and pray for justice than to curse in the dark out of frustration.
October 3, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I am sending positive thoughts to Ms. Williams…I cannot believe that kind of abuse is still happening in our era…When is it gonna stop??
C.V.
October 4, 2007 at 1:59 am
WATCH THE VIGIL FOR MEGAN IN W.V. ON 10/2/07
http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/10189001.html#
The video is 1:34. There are also 2 photos – Megan was not in attendance at the vigil.
Source – WSAZ News – West Virginia
An urgent press conference is scheduled to follow the preliminary hearing of Karen Burton by Black Lawyers for Justice
on Thursday, October 4, 2007. Malik Shabazz, Esq. is representing the Williams family and Carmen Williams is scheduled
to speak at this conference. Attorney Shabazz is pushing for Hate Crime charges to be filed.
October 4, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Hello Mrs. Dugos,
Myself and a group of ladies from the New York City, Jersey and Connecticut are trying to find out information, as to a significant date to come to West Virginia, if you could please email me back as to a contact person if you know of any.
We have been trying everywhere, therefore it is our intent to just to go West Virginia nad convene where ever we can.
Please, your assisitance would be greatly appreciated. As it look right now we a charter bus that is completely filled and another to be added.
October 4, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Kina Ellis can be contacted at kinaellis@yahoo.com
in the subject: Megan Williams
October 4, 2007 at 3:24 pm
The latest: Unfortunately, the last hearing in this case for Karen Burton, age 46 is being held, or has been held this afternoon. Following that prelim-hearing there is supposed to be a “press conference” I have heard of no other “rallies” for Megan. The candlelight vigil was held on Tuesday. I’m waiting for press coverage, but we all know we can’t count on the media in this case right now.
The support page for this case is at:
http://nessapublishing.com/meganwilliams.htm
I try to update it as soon as I get new info, which is very slow in coming.
There is also another blog here and info is being posted there as well:
http://pvdugas.wordpress.com/2007/09/12/hate-crime-logan-west-virginia/
October 4, 2007 at 5:59 pm
WACZ News is covering the “rally” for Megan. It doesn’t sound like a lot of people showed up, but here is a link:
http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/10243351.html
There are 8 photos. I really wonder why no one is reporting this!!!
October 4, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Here’s the latest Update on Megan Williams Case
LOGAN, West Virginia: Charges against the sixth suspect in the alleged rape, assault and torture of a black woman in a West Virginia trailer were sent to a grand jury Thursday, while black leaders gathered with the victim and her family outside the courthouse and called the alleged abuse “sadistic.”
Karen Burton and five others are accused of holding 20-year-old Megan Williams captive for days — sexually assaulting her, beating her and forcing her to eat human and animal feces.
A statement from one of those accused, Bobby Brewster, said the N-word was used repeatedly during the alleged abuse. The graphic allegations have reverberated across West Virginia, where 97 percent of the state’s 1.8 million residents are white.
The sixth suspect, 46-year-old Karen Burton, is charged with kidnapping, first degree sexual assault, malicious wounding, assault during the commission of a felony and 13 counts of battery.
Charges against the other suspects, including kidnapping and first-degree sexual assault, are expected to go before the grand jury in January.
Karen Burton’s statement “did not acknowledge her participation at all,” Logan County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeffrey Robinette said.Williams’ mother, Carmen Williams, attended Burton’s hearing but left crying before it ended.
Williams leaned on her parents during a news conference afterwards without speaking, except to nod when asked if she was OK.
The Associated Press generally does not identify suspected victims of sexual assault, but Williams and her mother agreed to release her name. Carmen Williams said she wanted people to know what her daughter had endured.
“It is obvious that this is one of the most sick, horrific, sadistic and evil hate crimes that has ever occurred in U.S. history,” said Malik Shabazz, a founder of Black Lawyers for Justice and legal adviser to the family.
U.S. Attorney Charles T. Miller has said he will not file civil rights charges. Logan County Prosecutor Brian Abraham has said state hate crime charges could be difficult to prove because Williams had a “social relationship” with Brewster going back at least several months
“This case is 100 times worse than the Jena Six, and this case is a case of national interest,” Shabazz said, referring to six black teenagers recently accused of beating a white classmate in Louisiana. “We are not going to leave the Williamses isolated here in the mountains of West Virginia.”
Shabazz said his group plans to hold a march on Oct. 27 to advocate against hate crimes and sexual abuse
Source – Times Herald Tribune 10/4/07
October 4, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Let’s sum this up:
The West Virginia 6 will go to the Grand Jury in January 2008.
Malik Shabazz, Esq. plans to hold a march on October 27, 2007 to advocate AGAINST hate crimes and sexual abuse.
U.S. Attorney Charles T. Miller has said he will not file civil rights charges. Logan County Prosecutor Brian Abraham has said state hate crime charges could be difficult to prove because Williams had a “social relationship” with Brewster going back at least several months
Your comments please……………..
October 10, 2007 at 8:13 pm
DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
J.D. Charles, a staff writer for the Logan Banner wrote an interesting “opinion” article on 9/28/07. It concerned the “police report” for Megan Williams:
Some while back, the Logan Police Department began focusing its officers on what constitutes a good report, and it shows in their reports. I was talking to a Logan officer at Wal-Mart one evening and he told me that in the West Virginia State Police Academy they actually studied a bad police report from Logan County, that led to a suspect having his charges reduced from murder to manslaughter when the original report was deemed inadequate by a judge
This brought to mind when new criminal complaints were filed in Magistrate Court in the infamous Big Creek 6 torture case. The new complaints included some major changes from the original reports filed in the case. Prosecutor Brian Abraham said some of the original complaints filed when the six suspects were arrested were pretty “bare bones.”
That particular 2005 case where a criminal complaint lacked detail which led to a suspect being recharged with lower charges has been a thorn in Abraham’s side for some time. And it’s not the only time a lacking report blew an arrest or court case. Which is why the new complaints on some of the Big Creek six included information and allegations not available in the originals, some of which were very, very brief
For example, the new complaint filed on Frankie Lee Brewster, 49, begins with the same basic information but changes at the point where officers encountered the victim at Brewster’s home. The new report adds “It was also discovered during the investigation that Frankie slept in a chair blocking the only open door from the residence so the victim could not leave. Frankie also kept a padlock on the rear door in order to prevent the victim’s escape. Victim stated Frankie made threats to kill her if she left, and to stay inside as the police were approaching the scene. The defendant did admit to all above acts.
“Frankie had physically beat the victim on three separate occasions between the above dates (8-2-07 to 9-08-07),” and “Frankie also punched the victim in the head as these acts were being performed. Originally Brewster and her son Bobby Ray, 24, were the only ones charged with kidnapping
The new complaint does not have the references in the original that Brewster allegedly told officers that she “did not know how this happened to Megan” that she “had been away with friends and had returned home today to find Megan in this condition.” or the allegation that “Danny Combs cut Megan with a knife at her residence approximately a week ago.”
Four other new criminal complaints contain extra details not included in the original criminal complaints, which could help establish probable cause on the arrests and kidnapping charges
George Messer’s new complaint states Messer allegedly “poured scalding hot water on the victim, forcing her to bathe outdoors in a trash can,” and he “punched the victim while forcing the victim to drink from the toilet,” and “beat the defendant with a flyswatter” and “shoe.” It also alleges Messer “would guard the victim during the night to ensure the victim did not leave” and “blocked the door with a dryer so the victim did not leave.” Messer’s original criminal complaint had far less information.
Alisha Burton’s new criminal complaint alleges that Burton beat Williams with a flyswatter as well as punched her and beat her with a shoe. It also alleges that Burton “would guard the victim during the night so the victim could not leave,” and coerced the victim to perform sex acts as well as striking her and beating her. It also contains significantly more information than the original.
Karen Burton’s new criminal complaint states that Burton allegedly punched and beat Williams and struck her with the flyswatter and allegedly “guarded the victim at times through the night to make sure the victim did not leave,” as well as coerced Williams to perform sex acts. It contains significantly more information than the original
Danny J. Combs’ new criminal complaint alleges he also “refused to let the victim leave by keeping guard on the victim.” Other than that it is fairly similar to the original.
Unfortunately the source article has been archived and is now being offered for a fee.
October 11, 2007 at 9:12 am
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan sent a delegation consisting of Attorney Abdul Arif Muhammad, editor-in-chief of The Final Call newspaper, Student in the Ministry Abdul Khadir Muhammad of Washington, D.C. and Final Call Contributing Writer Ashahed M. Muhammad to Charleston, West Virginia to determine the facts of the case, and also to minister unto the family of the young woman who was the victim of this heinous and barbaric attack.
What follows is an exclusive interview with Megan Williams and her adopted mother, Carmen Williams, conducted on Thursday, October 4, 2007, at their home. For the first time here you will see, in Megan Williams’ own words, the description of this repugnantly vicious assault.
The Final Call (FC): We know this was a difficult experience for you, but in order for the public to know the full truth of what happened, you have agreed to tell us in this interview. We want you to go as slow as you need and if you have any questions, or feel uncomfortable, just let us know. Tell us the story. Tell us what happened.
Megan Williams (MW): When I first went up there, a girl I knew named Christa, she took me up there, she said we were going to a party.
FC: When Christa took you there (the trailer home in Big Creek in Logan County) what did she do?
MW: She said she had to make a run and she would be right back. She didn’t come back.
FC: Do you believe Christa was involved in arranging this?
MW: (Nodding.)
Carmen Williams (CW): Yes, it was a setup, she left her there. When Megan was in the hospital, Christa called and I answered the phone. Christa was asking, ‘how is my friend?’ I told her that she wasn’t a friend of Megan’s because she left her. Christa then hung up the phone.
We have not seen or heard from Christa since that time. The police investigators say they are trying to locate her for an interview, but have not been able to find her.
FC: There were some news reports that you had a relationship with one of the defendants, Bobby Brewster. Is this accurate?
MW: We were just friends. It was nothing like that.
FC: No dating relationship between you and defendant Bobby Brewster?
MW: No. They kicked me in the head with steel toed boots, they hit me in the head with several objects, I remember seeing a knife, and they tried to cut my foot off. They told me that is what they did to Kunta Kinte when they cut his foot off so he couldn’t run and that is what they were going to do to me.
FC: When exactly was this?
MW: It was like in August. When she (Christa) dropped me off up there, that’s when they started beating on me, and calling me names. When they were hitting me and stabbing me, they called me n—-r, they said ‘this is what we do to n—-rs up here’ and they said they were going to kill me.
They didn’t feed me, didn’t give me no water, they said when they came back they were going to finish me off. They made me eat rat poop, dog poop and human feces. I had to do it to stay alive. They were taking my head and drowning me in a toilet, taking it back out and putting it back in (starting to cry).
They were stabbing me in the leg, and I was screaming for my mom, and they would cover my mouth up.
They made me pick green beans out of the garden, they made these switches into a braid and they were whipping me as I was picking the greens. They made me pick weeds out of the garden and they were calling me n—-r and said they were going to take me out to a creek and cut my throat and throw me in a river. All I was saying is I wanted to get back to my mom, and they were like, ‘you ain’t ever going to see your mom ever, ever again, never.’ I wanted to get back home so bad.
FC: When they were forcing you to go out into an open field was this a secluded area where no one could see you?
MW: Nobody seen me, nobody knew where I was at; it was a wooded area.
FC: At any time did you try to scream for somebody to help you ?
MW: Yep, they kept kicking me and stuff and saying that if I screamed again they were going to cut me and all kinds of stuff.
FC: Describe what was going through your mind when you first realized that Christa might not be coming back?
MW: I was scared and frightened.
FC: Megan, you went with an associate to this place for a party, did you know where she was taking you?
MW: No.
FC: When you got there, did you know where you were, did you know the house?
MW: No.
FC: After you got to the “party,” how long was it before you realized that Christa was not coming back?
MW: A couple of days. She said ‘I’m going down to my friends house and I’ll be right back’ two days went by and she never came back up, I got worried and then they said she wasn’t going to come back and get me, and that no n—-rs were allowed up there, and they were going to kill me.
FC: What kind of party did you see?
MW: They were just up there doing drugs, it was not a party.
FC: What kind of drugs?
MW: They were making Meth. (Methamphetamines)
FC: Anything else besides Meth?
MW: Crack.
FC: They were actually doing these drugs, were they trying to make you do drugs?
MW: No. I wouldn’t.
FC: Did you start praying to God for help?
MW: Yes, I was asking Him to get me out of this. The only thing I was thinking about was my mom.
FC: Did you ever try fighting back?
MW: I did. I fought back when they would cut me, and they had me taped up with duct tape around my neck, my hands and feet, and when they left to get drugs and stuff, they said they were going to finish me off; they were going to take me down to a river, cut my throat and throw me in it, and I would never get to see my family ever again.
FC: There were several people involved. Who was the most vicious?
MW: All of them passed the knife around when they were stabbing me, all I remember is that when they were stabbing me, I passed out, and I guess that’s when they quit because I passed out, because I lost so much blood. I had noticed the stab wounds and they were this big and my meat was hanging out (shows the location on her left thigh). All I can remember was the knife, and I wake up every night now. That’s the only thing I see when I close my eyes is that knife.
FC: Ms. Williams (Megan’s mother), you told me since this happened, she has nightmares?
CW: I sleep with her actually, because if she doesn’t feel me near her, she’ll wake up and scream out in the middle of the night hollering ‘Mom! Mom!’
FC: At the point you realized after one or two days that you didn’t hear from your daughter—is it customary for her to be absent for long periods of time without checking in?
CW: Yes, she’s 20 years old, so she goes when she wants to and comes back when she wants to. At the time, she didn’t live with me. She would call me every now and then, but at the time, she was not living with me.
FC: How did you find out that something had happened to Megan?
CW: Logan Hospital called me and they asked me if I had a daughter named Megan Williams, and I said yes. Then they proceeded to tell me what happened to her, and they asked me how soon we could get up there.
FC: Megan, while you were being held there, can you tell us more about what happened?
MW: Yes. Bobby kicked me in my stomach a few times, kicked me in my back and my face and all I remember is that they hit me with several objects, a cedar stick, a fly swatter handle, a belt, a shoe, and you know the gloves with the lead in them, they were smacking me in the face with those. Both my eyes were black and every night, they made me sleep outside.
FC: While they were doing all of these drugs, what were you doing?
MW: I just wanted to get away. I asked one of them if they could let me go, they said no because ‘ain’t no n—-rs allowed up here,’ and they were going to kill me. One day, I was asleep in the room, one of them came in and was kicking me and said ‘hey n—-r, we got a noose out there for you, want to come look at it? We’re going to hang you, come on.’ I got really scared. I just wanted to get out of there. I was fighting for my life.
FC: You said that they cut your hair?
MW: As they would cut it, they were literally pulling my hair out, and pulling it out in patches. They were all sitting on the porch drinking beer, and they had that knife out. Bobby made me lick his mom’s bottom at knife point, and then he made me suck her toes. They were laughing and calling me names. One of them held me at gun point with a 9 mm.
FC: Now where did they have you sleeping?
MW: In the shed. They told me there were no n—-rs allowed in the trailer.
FC: What male members of the group raped you?
MW: Danny (Combs) and Bobby (Brewster).
FC: Do you know who made the anonymous tip to the police?
MW: Yep, it was a boy named Eddie that was up there. He lived a couple of houses down. He was walking and saw my hands out the window and went for help.
CW: He said he heard her holler for help, he ran back down the street and called police. I spoke to him on the phone and he said ‘ma’am, I’m the one that made the call.’
FC: Since this ordeal have you been harassed or received any threats?
CW: No. We haven’t been staying here. We just came home about a week ago.
FC: Have you received any support from the Religious Community?
CW: Yes, my pastor Bishop James Carter has been to every pretrial hearing that they have had, and he is going there today; and Allen Hill and Emanuel Heyliger.
FC: How are you feeling now Megan?
MW: I feel a lot better.
FC: If there was one thing you could get across to people who hear about this case, what would it be?
MW: There are dangerous people in the world and everybody needs to keep an eye on their kids so that their kids will be safe.
FC: What do you hope happens to the people who did this to you?
MW: I think they need to be put away and never get out again. They should never again see daylight.
CW: I just hope they get what they deserve. I hope they get life. I don’t wish nobody dead, because that’s not my belief, but they should be in prison for the rest of their lives.
© Copyright 2007 FCN Publishing, FinalCall.com
There are actually two articles – here is the link
October 19, 2007 at 2:11 pm
So the plans are moving forward for the March scheduled for November 2nd, November 3, 2007 in Charleston, West Virginia. Black Lawyers for Justice have updated information on their site for anyone interested in attending the march.
October 23, 2007 at 9:24 am
U.S. Attorney Charles Miller agreed to meet with the Black Lawyers for Justice Tuesday morning October 23, 2007. He says if their rally can help change laws that is a good thing, but he says right now the way the laws are written he just can’t see how he could push forward with a federal hate crime charge.
“The charges pending against these individuals now are quite serious and could result in lengthy prison sentences, if not life in prison,” Miller said. “We’ve tried to use federal statutes as creatively as we can, if it fits the facts. But we can’t make a statute fit something it wasn’t intended to do.”
Source – WSAZ – News, Charleston – October 22, 2007
Update: National Hate Crime March to Help Megan Williams (INCLUDES VIDEO)
October 23, 2007 at 5:38 pm
For those interested in what the West Virginia Hate Crime law statute states, here it is:
§61-6-21. Prohibiting violations of an individual’s civil rights; penalties.
(a) All persons within the boundaries of the state of West Virginia have the right to be free from any violence, or intimidation by threat of violence, committed against their persons or property because of their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation or sex.
(b) If any person does by force or threat of force, willfully injure, intimidate or interfere with, or attempt to injure, intimidate or interfere with, or oppress or threaten any other person in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him or her by the Constitution or laws of the state of West Virginia or by the Constitution or laws of the United States, because of such other person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation or sex, he or she shall be guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
(c) If any person conspires with another person or persons to willfully injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate or interfere with any citizen because of such other person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation or sex in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him or her by the Constitution or laws of the state of West Virginia or by the Constitution or laws of the United States, and in willfull furtherance thereof to assemble with one or more persons for the purpose of teaching any technique or means capable of causing property damage, bodily injury or death when such person or persons intend to employ such techniques or means to violate this section, each such person shall be guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
(d) The fact that a person committed a felony or misdemeanor, or attempted to commit a felony, because of the victim’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation or sex, shall be considered a circumstance in aggravation of any crime in imposing sentence.
(e) Nothing contained in this section makes unlawful the teaching of any technique in self-defense.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to make it unlawful nor to prohibit nor, in any manner, to impede or to interfere with any person in conducting labor union or labor union organizing activities.
October 24, 2007 at 12:24 pm
This is an absolute tragedy, these six “animals” should receive the death penalty. How can anyone have this much hate directed at an innocent person? They are nothing but filthy, redneck hillbillies, thank god I do not live in West Va, it sounds like hell on earth. I hope they all get what is coming to them and god bless Megan Williams. I hope she can recover from this the best she can and go on with her life. I wish her all the best.
October 24, 2007 at 1:00 pm
I, too, am horrified by this story. I just hope that some day those horrible people get what they deserve as punishment. White trash people like that do not deserve to be citizens of the United States….or of the Earth for that matter. They have a special place in hell. Hopefully she can recover. Sending Megan love from Tennessee.
October 24, 2007 at 5:52 pm
I really do not understand how anyone can do this to someone else.It is absolutely scary and disgusting that people would do that.
I am sending my prayers to Megan and her family…
October 25, 2007 at 8:08 pm
My heart hurts for her. No one should ever go through what this girl had endured.
Unfortunately, the death penalty isn’t offered in VA, but that is what all six of them deserve. I truly believe that people who commit such vile crimes deserve to die.
Some people think that race isn’t an issue anymore, including some students at my school. This is an example that it still exists today.
I hope they find her “friend” and punish her too. She is just as guilty in this as the others. Friends don’t leave friends in danger!
Megan Williams and her mother are courageous and brave for sharing their story. I was deeply moved while reading the metro on Wednesday. It brough me to tears.
My heart and prayers are with you,
Ruth-Anne
October 26, 2007 at 11:45 am
I don’t know how many of you have seen the ABC News video interview (the unedited version) with Megan Williams, but here is the link:
Megan Williams unedited video
My heart aches for this little girl. You can see the innocence and naivety as she recalls what happened to her. My God!
October 26, 2007 at 3:41 pm
Black Ministerial Alliance will not endorse March
Source – Charleston Daily Mail
October 27, 2007 at 7:15 am
Leader says they are honoring wishes of abuse victim’s family
The NAACP, the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance and the West Virginia Council on Churches announced Friday they will not endorse a march planned for November 3rd.
The Nov. 3rd march is supposed to pressure prosecutors to bring hate-crime charges against the six Logan County residents. But the issue of how to best prosecute the Williams case should be left up to law enforcement, Hill said.
Members of the Black Ministerial Alliance say they will not support next weekend’s march against hate crimes and they won’t encourage anyone else to support it either.
The Rev. Lloyd Hill, president of the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, said at a news conference Friday that Megan’s father, Matthew Williams, is asking that plans for the Nov. 3 march not go forward.
The black community in Charleston has sought guidance from its ministers on whether to march, Hill said.
“We felt like we needed to answer that question,” Hill said. “After our discussion, we believe our responsibility is to the community. If anyone is going to be leading them it should be us.”
A march against hate made members feel like the real issue, the well-being of the Williams family, was being forgotten, he said.
“There is a lot of dysfunction in this family because of [the march],” Hill said. “They need this community to rally behind them instead of someone coming in to rally.”
“We sent a message together with the family [to Shabazz], ‘Thanks, but no thanks,’” Hill said. “I talked to Mr. Williams and this is his sentiments. He hopes that they would not come and that they would allow us to take care of it ourselves.”
He said there are concerns about the motivations of Shabazz and Black Lawyers for Justice.
“In some ways [Shabazz] misrepresented himself to some pastors in the city,” Thaxton said.
Shabazz is on a hate-crimes watch list on charges he made anti-Semitic rhetoric. Shabazz’ reputation is not the only factor clergy members cited as cause for concern.
The local black community will hold a community meeting on Sunday night at the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. The meeting is aimed at finding ways for the local community to support the Williams family, rather than be orchestrated by an outside group. That meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will include a detailed break down of state and federal hate crime laws.
Source – Saturday Gazette Mail Charleston – State Journal
October 27, 2007
October 27, 2007 at 7:58 am
I knew this would occur. I wondered when the Williams family would wise up and realize Malik Shabazz was only interested in Malik Shabazz. People need to realize there are no hate crime charges in this case. Megan was with Bobby Brewster since June according to the reports I’ve read. She went back and forth to the trailer and this is documented. It’s difficult to read about the six calling her the N word and stabbing her and telling her they were doing it because she was a N* but it’s fact.
This march is not going to change the facts of the case so why hold a march? She looks well in the videos I’ve watched. She seems to be healing and is staying close to her parents. It’s time for this family to heal. The ministers in West Virginia are what this family needs and we should all support them.
God bless Megan.
October 27, 2007 at 11:11 am
Hey Shondra,
I’m not 100% certain this march has ended. Malik Shabazz says he can’t stop it because people have already been set in place. I would think in the next six days notifications can be made, but I honestly don’t believe its final. What a mess this is all turning out to be! I 125% support the family here, but not the march. I honestly believe that Megan Williams is being exploited and its not like the D.A. in this matter has not done his job.
I believe the march may go forward, but I don’t believe it will have the “numbers” Malik Shabazz is hoping for.
I found a link regarding the Al Shaprton Anti-Hate Crime DC March which reportedly is scheduled for November 16th, but I believe I also read a date of November 11th. So I’m not 100% sure, but I imagine word will travel.
October 27, 2007 at 11:30 am
I thought I had posted this address, but realized I posted it on my website, but not my blog. If you want to send a card or letter to Megan, the address is as follows:
Megan Williams
c/o General Division
501 Morris St.
Charleston, WV 25301
Megan’s mother commented in an interview that Megan cries every time she receives something in the mail and has received gifts from as far away as Iraq. So if you’d like to show your love, this is the address.
October 28, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Just checking in to see if there is any word on the march yet??
October 28, 2007 at 11:47 pm
Yes Ma’am there is news. THE MARCH IS STILL ON AND WILL GO FORWARD ON NOVEMBER 3RD.
The meeting held at the church in Charleston between Malik Shabazz and the Black Ministerial Alliance got very heated! You can watch the video by clicking this link.
Malik Shabazz commented “It was awesome the way the people rose and rebeled against the black ministers who are trying to get them not to march.” I can’t believe this man. Huey Newton has got to be turning over in his grave.
October 30, 2007 at 12:45 pm
“I can’t believe this man. Huey Newton has got to be turning over in his grave.”
Indeed.
The so-called “New Black Panthers” are not worthy of wiping spit from the shoes of the original Black Panthers.
This my first visit to your blog, Phyllis. Very great site and very insightfull.
I came across your site while googling for more information on Ms. Williams.
If you do not mind, I would like to link to your blog, as I feel you have much to say on this issue. Also, I would like your permission to link the addresss of Ms. Williams in one of my update posts on her.
I have already linked to your site you created for Ms. Williams; hope that was alright with you.
Thanks for all you do.
Yours always in the fight.
October 31, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Hey-Hey Ann, I enjoy your blog as well. We’re all in this together and we have to keep this story alive until Megan Williams receives JUSTICE! It’s become a personal interest project for me. I’ve wrote letters, emailed and called the media, and have spoken to many people involved in this case. I’m working on an article right now entitled, “Megan Williams – A Legal Perspective” for my website. I hope to have it finished by the end of this weekend.
I honestly feel she is being hell-a exploited and that truly sucks. The sad part is that from a psychological aspect this will one day all die down and fade into the woodwork. It is then that she will really need a lot of support because she is going to be on an emotional downward spiral. We have to keep this family in strict daily prayer.
Welcome!
October 31, 2007 at 5:25 pm
BREAKING NEWS………..
October 31, 2007
Prosecutor advises Megan Williams not to walk in march
The county prosecutor has advised a black woman who was allegedly tortured by six whites not to walk in a hate crime march planned for Saturday in her honor.
A rally, which will also serve as a fundraiser for Megan Williams, will be held at noon Saturday on the front steps of the Capitol before the march to the federal courthouse in Charleston.
Logan County Prosecutor Brian Abraham said he told Williams and her family that participating in media events, including the march, could potentially foul up his case. Abraham is concerned the exposure could taint jury pools and give defense lawyers more material to quiz Williams on.
“I have certainly discouraged them from speaking to media, and ask for patience in allowing the legal process to continue in this case,” Abraham said today.
Abraham said he met with the Williams family Tuesday for more than two hours.
“The family have never expressed any claims to me that they want to see hate crime charges filed,” Abraham said.
Megan Williams and her mother, Carmen, told The Associated Press last week that they were strongly in favor of hate crimes charges being filed.
Malik Shabazz, the family’s legal adviser who spoke on their behalf, said he spoke to the family today, and they have not changed that stance.
“I don’t think any prosecutor should be in the business of asking victims of hate crimes not to exercise their First Amendment rights and assemble and march to have their grievances redressed,” Shabazz said.
“Abraham should understand that this march is helping his prosecution, it’s helping ensure that the wheels of justice will turn in favor of Megan.”
In addition to Saturday’s march, organizers plan a Friday night vigil at the trailer in Big Creek in Logan County where Megan Williams was allegedly held captive.
Logan County Sheriff W.E. Hunter said he had not been contacted about the vigil, but that he would increase patrols in the area Friday evening.
He said participants should stay on the public road, and those going to the trailer could disturb a police site and would trespass on private property.
“In law enforcement you have to be prepared, so we’ll be prepared,” Hunter said.
Shabazz vowed that the vigil would stay along the public road and would not violate any laws.
“I have worked with the Rev. Al Sharpton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and others around the country, in urban and rural areas, and they have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that political action and support in these cases, like Megan’s, increases the likelihood of convictions, increases the likelihood of national oversight of this case, and increases the likelihood that the jury pool will be very conscientious of the stakes involved in allowing these suspects to be let free,” Shabazz said.
(See my comments below)
October 31, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Malik Shabazz should have his got damn bar license revoked.
Mr. Shabazz said:
“I don’t think any prosecutor should be in the business of asking victims of hate crimes not to exercise their First Amendment rights and assemble and march to have their grievances redressed,” Shabazz said.
“Abraham should understand that this march is helping his prosecution, it’s helping ensure that the wheels of justice will turn in favor of Megan.”
———————————————————————————————————————
Megan marching in this march, as well as interviewing in the media is only damaging the state’s case. WHY IN THE HELL CAN’T MALIK SHABAZZ SEE THAT? I’ll tell you why. Because he doesn’t give a damn about Megan Williams, or the William’s family. This march is about him and his own personal agenda. When I saw the interview (edited and unedited) of Megan Williams and they had the photo of her with her pant leg pulled up so her stab scars could be seen coast to coast – I was appauled.
The interview done by Final Call was a sympathy plea to get the public to jump on board this march. People -wake – up and smell the coffee – it’s strong!
In any legal case, the first thing you are told is – DO NOT DISCUSS YOUR CASE WITH ANYONE!
This is not rocket-science. Stevie Wonder can see this was a set-up. If you look at the timing of the ABC interview, it was right around the time Black Ministers and the NAACP met with the Prosecuting Attorney and reported they were satisifed with the way the case was being handled.
For the 10th time – Brian Abraham said he was not definitive on hate crime charges being filed. He just didn’t see how they could be with the facts of the case.
As an attorney, Malik Shabazz should know better, and I believe he does. He just doesn’t give a damn and will do whatever he has to do, even to the point of telling bold faced lies to get what he wants.
If these six twisted basturds get lesser sentences, it will be on the shoulders of Malik Shabazz. How can you even think of taking this young woman BACK to the site of her torture? I can’t understand how her mother would want to go there, let alone have Megan any where near there.
I feel for the Williams family so much. They are not being advised properly and it’s going to cost dearly! You mark my words!
Sorry all – this has really got me heated. I’ve worked in the legal field since 1984. Wrong is just wrong!
Here’s an interesting read: There Is No New Black Panther Party: An Open Letter From the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation
October 31, 2007 at 6:12 pm
The Student Government Association at West Virginia State University announced Wednesday that they are sponsoring an anti-hate rally on Nov. 17 on the school’s Institute campus, according to a release from the school’s Student Government Association.
In the release, they questioned the motives of those organizing a march set for Saturday. The Black Lawyers for Justice will be holding a rally in Charleston to show support for Megan Williams.
“Mr. Malik Shabazz is sponsoring an anti-hate march on November 3, 2007, which the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance will not endorse. It is the position of the Student Government Association to support that decision,” the release said.
Austin Moore, State’s Student Body President said, “Mr. Malik Shabazz is an ardent and outspoken leader; however, his rhetoric is inflammatory and exemplifies the hate for which he is marching against. As a community we should be responsible for condemning hate and sponsoring a rally ourselves. Mr. Shabbaz is here today, but he will not be here tomorrow to view the consequences.”
Also in the release, Moore said, “we will ensure the greatest sensitivity to Megan Williams, but this rally is also a condemnation of hate and intolerance directed toward women, disabled Americans, Asian-Americans, Native Americans, Jewish Americans, Muslim Americans, and Christian Americans. Our rally is all-inclusive representing the plurality of our society. We have a moral obligation to protect all of our neighbors against hate.”
(Amen!)
November 1, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Against advice, family to march
Rally won’t help Williams’ case, Logan County
By Gary Harki – Staff writer – November 1, 2007
Despite the advice of the prosecutor handling her daughter’s case, the mother of Megan Williams said she and her daughter will participate in a march Saturday to call for hate crimes charges in the case.
Logan County Prosecutor Brian Abraham said he advised Megan Williams, who police say was raped, tortured and kidnapped by six Logan County residents, not to participate in the march.
“I met with the family [Tuesday] and advised them that any media attention does not help the case,” Abraham said. “The courtroom is where she will get her justice, not on the TV set.
“They did say they were going to the march and we advised them that it was not beneficial to their case,” Abraham said. “And they seemed to understand.”
But he added, “They didn’t say directly whether they are going or not going.”
Carmen Williams, Megan’s mother, said earlier this week that they would participate in the march. She reaffirmed that in a brief telephone interview Wednesday.
Abraham said he also told the Williams family that they should not do any more interviews, and discouraged them from bringing more media attention on the case.
“Being in the news doesn’t help one bit, good or bad,” he said. “It’s going to affect my jury pool.”
Abraham said none of the attorneys for the six people accused of abusing Williams have said they want their trials moved out of Logan County, but he wouldn’t be surprised if it happens down the road.
He also said any defense lawyers could exploit discrepancies in Megan Williams’ story.
“The main concern I have is with [Megan Williams] being interviewed,” Abraham said. “Any time she would say anything in the media, it is something that could be used to attack her or impeach her if she said it a different way [in court].”
Abraham also said that all of Williams’ medical bills are expected to be paid for by the West Virginia Crime Victims Compensation Fund.
“Federal authorities have offered funds for her medical bills. We are going out of our way to make sure those are provided for in full,” he said. “Anyone making donations for her personal, future care, that is one thing.
“But anyone out there representing as a group taking donations as for her medical bills, I think that is going to be covered,” he said. “I don’t think that would be a fair thing to seek contributions for.”
November 1, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Okay, I was working on an article called “Megan Williams – A Legal Perspective” but after this latest media release from the WV Gazette, the Prosecuting Attorney says everything I had planned on writing about. Several people (at my website) commented about the rally and fund raiser to be held at the end. After all, Matthew Williams, Megan’s father set-up a trust fund for Megan and according to Carmen Williams “people have been very generous.”
As for her medical bills, my only child was murdered at the age of 18 and I was horrified when I thought about the costs involved as he was in surgery for approximately 15 minutes before passing. I expressed my concerns about the bill when the District Attorney told me, “The Victim’s Assistance Program” will cover those charges. They also paid a portion of his burial expenses.
I know for a fact each state has a Victim’s Assistance Program, so when Malik Shabazz made the statement about the rally to raise money for medical expenses, etc. I saw it as a yellow flag. I think he said he wanted to raise $10,000.00.
As for Megan and the media, it’s not a good thing. Just as we are reading and watching these videos the defense team are too. We don’t want to think of these six career criminals even having a trial, but unfortunately they are entitled to one. I don’t want to put it out there verbatim, but there are already more than a few descrepancies in Megan’s story. The defense attorneys are going to use all of this information to build a case FOR their six clients. It’s their job as Public Defenders. They took the same oath as Abraham’s took to defend and uphold the laws of the State of W.V.
Megan Williams is being exploited to the max by Malik Shabazz. Every time he opens his mouth, he’s causing more and more trouble for this woman, her family and this case. If they do march, it will be at his insistence.
I really miss Johnny Cohran. I would have loved to see him handle this case or at least advise the family.
November 2, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Plans for March moving forward
November 2, 2007 – Charleston Gazette
As Saturday’s march supporting Megan Williams nears, police and organizers are discussing logistics and more groups are deciding whether to march.
The Rev. Jim Lewis, an organizer of the group, said after the march is over local white and black leaders need to sit down and discuss the issues raised by the Megan Williams tragedy and the march.
An e-mail sent to a local television station alluded to the possibility that white supremacist groups may be coming to protest the march, said Charleston Police Chief Brent Webster. He cautioned that the e-mail was the only sign that such groups might show up.
Sgt. Jason Beckett, special events coordinator for Charleston police, would not say how many officers would be on hand Saturday. He said the march would cost the city about $8,000.
About 24 speakers are expected, including the Rev. Al Sharpton and Minister Hashim Nzinga, chief of staff for the New Black Panther Party, according to an event flier.
Shabazz told police the first time they met that he expected about 300 people, Beckett said.
“Now with all the attention it has gotten, that could have grown,” he said. “I don’t think anyone really knows.”
November 2, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Here’s a link to Hoppy’s commentary for Friday where he says Malik Shabazz wants it both ways
http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=21826
November 2, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Pre-march Prayer Vigil for Megan Williams
By Michael Wooten – Charleston News WSAZ
Folks returned to the scene of the crime including the victim’s own mother. A vigil Friday night was the kickoff to Saturday’s march against hate in Charleston.
Megan Williams’s story has gotten national, even international attention, especially ahead of Saturday’s march, but Friday night was a somber remembrance of what happened just two months ago.
With hugs, tears and prayers more than two dozen people held vigil in Logan County just feet from what’s called a house of hate, the trailer where Megan Williams says she was brutally beaten.
“No person deserves at no time and no woman should have to go through what she went through here, and that’s why we’re here. We have to come out here and just try to get a glimpse or a sense of the pain and the suffering that went on here,” Black Lawyers for Justice’s Malik Shabbaz said.
That’s why supporters made the drive to the site Friday, to shine a spotlight on what happened there
“This is where it all started at, and we just wanted to pray for the family of Megan Williams and show support from all around, so that’s why we felt like it was very important to come here,” Aja Boyd of Charleston said.
This group wants hate crime charges filed against the six white people, who are accused of torturing Megan. This was despite repeated explanations from the prosecutor that it’s not legally possible.
Megan’s mother Carmen thanked supporters, although she got emotional during the prayer vigil she updated everyone on her daughter’s recovery.
“I thank you, and my daughter thanks you and she’s doing well. God is bringing her through this thing. She’s smiling again, and I thank the lord for that,” Carmen Williams said.
The goal for everyone here is to let Megan Williams know she’s not alone.
“Not just because we’re African American, because this is for all people. This could happen to you, your family or anybody else. Megan Williams, we support her. She’s our friend and we support her and her entire family,” Marcus Boyd of Charleston said.
This group is expecting a lot of people to pack into Charleston, but they say even after this weekend, they have a lot of work ahead. They hope Megan’s tragedy can help bring about change and help end injustice. Megan Williams was not able to attend Friday night’s vigil.
Related story:
Some are accusing march organizers of creating a rift in the community and using Megan’s story to stir up controversy.
“When things like this are happening, something’s wrong. It was wrong before we got here so we gotta fix it and they need to look in the mirror themselves if they think something’s wrong with us,” said Hashim Nzinga with the Black Lawyers for Justice, the group organizing the march.
Both police and march organizers say security is top of mind.
“We’re going to make sure all the people are going to be safe and we’re going to get in here and practice our constitutional right, freedom of speech, and leave this beautiful place like it looks,” said Nzinga.
November 4, 2007 at 5:18 pm
FOR CURRENT UPDATES PLEASE SEE:
March for Megan Williams under recent entries.
November 13, 2007 at 11:27 am
After reading the stories about MEGAN WILLIAMS, it seems to me that was their plan from the start, so what if they been friends or whatever, all that could have been a setup( acting like he was her friends or whatever it was only a matter of time) she look friendly and she is a small young woman in size with a big heart. It dont matter how good shes doing today, what happen to her was horrible(theres no if and buts about it) yes they need to find the girl who dropped her off , she knew!!! U cant trust noone these days. I dont know if she has ADHD or a learning problem, (it doesn’t matter) but she was tricked from day one when she met brewster. This world is crazy and i hope they all burn in hell. MaY GOD BE WITH U ALWAYS MEGAN WILLIAMS
November 20, 2007 at 11:58 am
Megan,
Since the morning that I saw your story on the news, I have been following this story online. I am from New England, North of Boston, originally. I moved to Florida 5 1/2 years ago.
Just like there are people who are black and cannot be trusted, yes there are white people also, who dont deserve trust either.
I think I want to say it is safe to leave the future of the Brewster family and aquaintences in Gods’ Hands. He knows the hearts and minds of these people.
You went through a horrible time, and I am proud of you for your endurance. Surely you did believe that they would kill you or maim you for life. Remember in the Bible, it says to FEAR him Who can Kill the SOUL…
God Bless you as you try to establish new goals and new friends on this place we call earth.
Me in FL
February 7, 2008 at 4:55 am
When I First heard About This Horrific Crime, It Brought Tears To My Eyes. I Try Very Hard To Live A Christian Life But Hearing This Stuff Makes It Very Hard At Times. I Had To Receive Prayer For Myself Because I Began To Feel Hatred Generate In My Heart For These Six Sick Individuals And God Knows There Is No Room For Hatred, That’s Simply Not A Part Of My Character. I Want The Williams Family To Know That God Is Watching And He Knows All About It. Please Continue To Stand For Christ. Myself And My Family Will Continue To Lift Your Name In Prayer. May God Bless You !!!!!!! Much Love
February 7, 2008 at 10:46 am
INDICTMENTS ARE IN..click here
July 26, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Bobby Brewster is sentenced in the Megan Williams Case
http://www.loganbanner.com/articles/2008/07/17/news/local03.txt
July 26, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Phyllis, thanks so much for this information. I will post it at my blog with a hattip thanks to you!