The beautiful little blond girl, with the heartwarming smile who was loved so much in life, that her death inspired a law intended to protect the children of Oklahoma will never have her killer found guilty for her callous murder.
A little more than a year ago, I was browsing the news sites, when I stumbled upon the most heartbreaking of stories.
Lance Briggs and his ex-wife, Raye Dawn Porter had had a rocky marriage to say the least, it ended with their divorce, but it also lead to the birth of a charming little girl on December 28th, 2002, who could capture hearts with just a simple smile. Kelsey Briggs spent the first years of her life surrounded by the love of her extended family, who would soon learn just how fragile Kelsey's life really was.
Allegations of abuse began, and it wouldn't be long before Kelsey was removed from her mothers care, and put into the custody of Lance's parents. As for Lance, well- he found himself serving his country overseas, and little did he know that back home there was a war waging that would cost him his daughters life.
After a series of bruises and broken bones, the judge on the case who was suppose to have the best interest of Kelsey in mind, released her back into the custody of her abusers.
Kelsey's Story can be read here, where I have spoken about it before.
Kelsey, and those who loved her best, lost the battle to protect her, when she was beaten to death October 11th of 2005, just months before her birthday. Lance had been on his way home, after being injured in Iraq, when he learned of his only child's death.
Kelsey's mother was charged with enabling child abuse and child neglect, her husband Mike Porter was charged with murder in connection with her death. Only, he most likely will never face a judge or jury for that charge, as news has been released that he was offered, and is planning to accept a plea deal lowering the charges to a lesser charge which would net him 30 years in prison.
Kelsey's family, those who struggled to save her, and then fought for a law that would prevent this sad story from replaying in the lives of other people have created a website and forum in Kelsey's memory. You may visit it here.
A little more than a year ago, I was browsing the news sites, when I stumbled upon the most heartbreaking of stories.
Lance Briggs and his ex-wife, Raye Dawn Porter had had a rocky marriage to say the least, it ended with their divorce, but it also lead to the birth of a charming little girl on December 28th, 2002, who could capture hearts with just a simple smile. Kelsey Briggs spent the first years of her life surrounded by the love of her extended family, who would soon learn just how fragile Kelsey's life really was.
Allegations of abuse began, and it wouldn't be long before Kelsey was removed from her mothers care, and put into the custody of Lance's parents. As for Lance, well- he found himself serving his country overseas, and little did he know that back home there was a war waging that would cost him his daughters life.
After a series of bruises and broken bones, the judge on the case who was suppose to have the best interest of Kelsey in mind, released her back into the custody of her abusers.
Kelsey's Story can be read here, where I have spoken about it before.
Kelsey, and those who loved her best, lost the battle to protect her, when she was beaten to death October 11th of 2005, just months before her birthday. Lance had been on his way home, after being injured in Iraq, when he learned of his only child's death.
Kelsey's mother was charged with enabling child abuse and child neglect, her husband Mike Porter was charged with murder in connection with her death. Only, he most likely will never face a judge or jury for that charge, as news has been released that he was offered, and is planning to accept a plea deal lowering the charges to a lesser charge which would net him 30 years in prison.
A published report says a man accused in the death of a Meeker toddler has agreed to enter a plea to a lesser charge and receive a 30-year prison term.
The Oklahoman says Lincoln County prosecutors have agreed to drop first-degree murder and child sexual abuse charges against Michael Lee Porter.
The 26-year-old would instead face a charge of enabling child abuse for the October 2005 death of Kelsey Smith-Briggs. Porter was scheduled to go on trial February 12th.
Kelsey's family, those who struggled to save her, and then fought for a law that would prevent this sad story from replaying in the lives of other people have created a website and forum in Kelsey's memory. You may visit it here.