Dear Kelly,
Thank you very much for your fun letter, which I received on Friday. I especially enjoyed reading your quirky takes on the madness we call modern life. I suppose I must disagree with your self-analyses of not being a "real" writer, though I think our difference of opinion pivots on that trouble word in quotations. Hmm... how post-modern, and I'm still in the first paragraph. Not a good sign. Anyways, for what it is work, I enjoyed the brief trip into the world as envisioned by Kelly. If a bad haircut does indeed lead to a bad relationship, then I must say, under my present conditions, I am rather glad to be going bald. :-)
You are an extremely multi-faceted individual, which is something I enjoy in fellow human beings. I am not sure if taking the LSATs for fun makes you "nuts or a nerd or both" but so what if it does? It will be an interesting experience, and that is pretty much all we have here in God's forgotten ant farm. I've been taking some correspondence paralegal courses for a while, and have often wondered how well I might do myself on these exams. I have a..shall we say"low" opinion of every attorney I've met in connection to this case. So if these idiots can get into law school, surely the two of us would be capable. I have sent over 300 letters out to large law firms in your fair city, looking for pro bono help on my federal write of HC... want to guess how many responses I've received? Hint: It's a number Christians in the Middle Ages believed to be heretical. Bloody lawyers. You wouldn't fit into the club, I'm afraid, though your double-barrelled shotgun blast of wit would be able to write many an amusing article on what really goes on in courtrooms in the country.
Poor James Frey. I actually have something in common with Mr. Frey, in that the both of us have been unceremoniously crucified by that cow Oprah. I used to be somewhat ambivalent towards this cultural icon. Alas, no longer. It is pretty cool you were able to get a recommendation from him for Columbia. That is bound to count for something, though 22 out of 700 are some pretty scary odds. What does the full two-year program cost? You mentioned it was expensive. Surely some form of student aid is available for you?
All of this has fostered a question in my mind, Kelly, and I hope you will forgive me some large measure of bluntness. You seem so very interesting and successful. Why would you waste your time writing some loser convict like me? I have come to grips with the epiphany that most of my pen-pals have lives which resemble trainwrecks, and are simply looking for someone in a comparatively worse situation, so they can feel better about their own fates. Your clearly do not fit into this demographic. Some sort of leftist project? I guess can't see myself as someone who would be interesting enough to hold your attention for long. I am so boring. Some of that is situational--my world is 6X10. Some, however, is just me. There was a time that I would not have asked, but I have grown so weary with the never-ending cycle of here-today-gone-tomorrow friends that I feel compelled to question people's motives. Don't tell anyone I am so desperately lonely, it will ruin my image, ha ha. Sigh.
Anyways, how did you "publicize" being fired? I suppose the whole PR world is interesting to me, because I am attempting to publicize my website/situation. I won't ask for tips, don't worry. I would hate to be so boorish or predictable. Do you ever begin to feel "allergic" to labels or advertisements, not that you understand the mechanics of how all of that works? I seem to possess some very effective antibodies to advertisement. I don't believe I have ever purchased a product based on anything other than my personal sense of aesthetics. I tend to avoid obvious labels, for some reason. Hm...now who is nuts?
What is the addy for your blog? I may get someone to print out portions of it. Would you be opposed if I quoted you at some point? My readership is no doubt paltry compared to your own, but perhaps I could snag you a few new readers. I seem to be stuck in the low-to-mid single thousands per week, sadly. The whole [death penalty] issue is not one most people want to address, though. Who can blame them? It makes the average citizen party to murder. Anyways, to answer your questions about curse words and photographs: I can receive both in my letters. Though it should be noted that the level of sexual frustration has reached truly epic proportions, so bikinis and such are probably not a good idea as I am likely to break some vital piece of machinery in my head upon viewing such a thing. Besides nobody wants some creepy DR [Death Row] guy sending them heart-sick missives proclaiming his love and admiration (just kidding. I would never do such a thing.)
[Editor's note: To clarify, I sent him a benign article I had written about a free pool in my neighborhood that I got published, but explained to him that I had copied and pasted it into a document in order to print it for him, because the original article had a picture of me at the pool, and I deemed it inappropriate to send to him. I then asked him if he was allowed to get articles that had curses in them sent to him. I know that all mail is read prior to being handed over to prisoners and wondered if foul language was censored. I was not going to write a letter with curses in it, but there was a film review about a new movie about the death penalty that had quotes in it that had curses in them, and I wanted to check prior to mailing it to him if there were language restrictions.]
My main worry would be what would happen if the mailroom hags sent the letter to someone else's cell.
Well, I hope this finds you well. Sorry for my microscopic handwriting---never been told that before. NEXT TIME I WILL TRY SOMETHING ELSE, ok? UNTIL THEN!
Yours,
TBW
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Letters from the Inside, Sarah Jo Pender, #1
Anyone who reads me here often knows I love watching America's Most Wanted. Two weeks ago they did a special interview with inmate Sarah Jo Pender. WHO SHE IS.
.
VIDEO and PICTURES OF HER.
Apparently she killed two of her roommates, was sentenced to prison and then escaped. The interview took place after she appeared on AMW and was re-captured. I found her new prison address and wrote her. Here is her response:
Kelly,
I received your card this evening. Thank you for your interested and reaching out to say hello.
I am interested in the significance of the photo on the card. You said it was of you. It is a professional photo--why were you having them taken? What kind of public relations do you do?
I'd love to read some of your published stories. Do you write short stories like in the New Yorker? or artilce for magazines? I'm very curious. I enjoy writing and have thought about publishing, but do not know how I might go about it or how hard it is to get in the industry. What made you want to write? Would you write full time if you could? or is it a hobby? What subjects do ou most like to cover?
I can see the allure of a dating story column. They are popular stories in Cosmo and other women's magazines. Did the column get discontinued or did you decide that broadcasting the intimate details and guffawas of your personal relationships was no longer goof for your dating life? I mean who wants to go out with someone, regardless of how beautiful and well-dressed, when they know if they don't measure up it will be immortalized in print? First dates are especially awkward. But it does sound like fun.
"FreeBird" is playing on the radio. I like playing this on my guitar and singing-except when it gets to the end, I can't play that--but I kill it on air guitar. :-) (The irony doesn't escape me.)
I love music. It is an integral part of my life and has lulled me through hard times and celebrate my best days--and been the soundtrack to fantastic moments of my life.
What are you read these days? I just finished up a book by Lynne McTaggart called The Intention Experiment and am working through Caught in the Act by Toinette Lippe, a book about living life authentically by removing ourselves from what we do and what we know as being the definition of who we are. I am on a journey of discovering and harnessing my strength, power and understanding of my very being in order to change my life and my circumstances.
One of my favorite books is This I Believe -- a collection of essays from the National Public Radio's weekly broadcast back in the 50's and resurrected in 2000 or so. Famous and ordinary people alike write an essay on a core belief. It made me examine what I believed in and when I looked deep inside myself, one belief jumped out at me. Justice. And so I picked it out, turned it, started at it and put it in my pocket and kept it there until I did something about it.
What do you believe?
Pick any subject and elaborate, or make a short list.
What made you write me?
I look forward to hearing from you. Until then, be well, and give your dachshund a scratch in its favorite place. I love dogs!
Sincerely,
Sarah Jo Pender
***
.
VIDEO and PICTURES OF HER.
Apparently she killed two of her roommates, was sentenced to prison and then escaped. The interview took place after she appeared on AMW and was re-captured. I found her new prison address and wrote her. Here is her response:
Kelly,
I received your card this evening. Thank you for your interested and reaching out to say hello.
I am interested in the significance of the photo on the card. You said it was of you. It is a professional photo--why were you having them taken? What kind of public relations do you do?
I'd love to read some of your published stories. Do you write short stories like in the New Yorker? or artilce for magazines? I'm very curious. I enjoy writing and have thought about publishing, but do not know how I might go about it or how hard it is to get in the industry. What made you want to write? Would you write full time if you could? or is it a hobby? What subjects do ou most like to cover?
I can see the allure of a dating story column. They are popular stories in Cosmo and other women's magazines. Did the column get discontinued or did you decide that broadcasting the intimate details and guffawas of your personal relationships was no longer goof for your dating life? I mean who wants to go out with someone, regardless of how beautiful and well-dressed, when they know if they don't measure up it will be immortalized in print? First dates are especially awkward. But it does sound like fun.
"FreeBird" is playing on the radio. I like playing this on my guitar and singing-except when it gets to the end, I can't play that--but I kill it on air guitar. :-) (The irony doesn't escape me.)
I love music. It is an integral part of my life and has lulled me through hard times and celebrate my best days--and been the soundtrack to fantastic moments of my life.
What are you read these days? I just finished up a book by Lynne McTaggart called The Intention Experiment and am working through Caught in the Act by Toinette Lippe, a book about living life authentically by removing ourselves from what we do and what we know as being the definition of who we are. I am on a journey of discovering and harnessing my strength, power and understanding of my very being in order to change my life and my circumstances.
One of my favorite books is This I Believe -- a collection of essays from the National Public Radio's weekly broadcast back in the 50's and resurrected in 2000 or so. Famous and ordinary people alike write an essay on a core belief. It made me examine what I believed in and when I looked deep inside myself, one belief jumped out at me. Justice. And so I picked it out, turned it, started at it and put it in my pocket and kept it there until I did something about it.
What do you believe?
Pick any subject and elaborate, or make a short list.
What made you write me?
I look forward to hearing from you. Until then, be well, and give your dachshund a scratch in its favorite place. I love dogs!
Sincerely,
Sarah Jo Pender
***
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Film From the Inside
Film from the Inside
I wonder if people thought this guy was crazy for doing this. Sounds like a very interesting project/film.
I wonder if people thought this guy was crazy for doing this. Sounds like a very interesting project/film.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Three Interesting Things I've Noticed:
- Five out of six inmates I'm writing to use emoticons. I immediately discount anyone in my real life who sends me smiley faces. I, of course, have to be more tolerant of inmates that do so, as I want them to keep writing. Still, interesting thing to note.
- The handwriting of all of the inmates that write to me is extremely legible and neat. There are no cross-outs or mistakes on the page. One could speculate that this is because they have not had access to a computer or typewriter in so long that they have concentrated on their actual handwriting. Makes me sad to think that actual letter writing is such a lost art. Thinking about it, there are some very close friends I have, that I have no idea what their handwriting even looks like. We primarily deal with each other through email, texting and other electronic means. What does this say about us as a society?
- Again, five out of six inmates I am writing to are extremely well-read, educated and like to quote literature and/or movies. (Amongst them are a doctor, teacher, writer, and businessman.) Those same five out of six are extremely complimentary and charming. Those same have been classifed in the press as sociopaths.
- The handwriting of all of the inmates that write to me is extremely legible and neat. There are no cross-outs or mistakes on the page. One could speculate that this is because they have not had access to a computer or typewriter in so long that they have concentrated on their actual handwriting. Makes me sad to think that actual letter writing is such a lost art. Thinking about it, there are some very close friends I have, that I have no idea what their handwriting even looks like. We primarily deal with each other through email, texting and other electronic means. What does this say about us as a society?
- Again, five out of six inmates I am writing to are extremely well-read, educated and like to quote literature and/or movies. (Amongst them are a doctor, teacher, writer, and businessman.) Those same five out of six are extremely complimentary and charming. Those same have been classifed in the press as sociopaths.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #3
Hi KK---
Well, this time your letter came through unscathed. Very glad to finally year from you---so much to talk about:
Your questions on rules & procedures here are right on point--so let me answer those first, as I am very interested in reading your articles/stories and blog.
>Obviously, your typed letter is just fine. If I had regular access to a typewriter I would certainly use it as well. Even though I am a bit out of practice--my typing is faster than longhand.
>You can send printouts from the next 2-3 pages at a time---but your method of pasting them into the body of your letter is far superior. I have a few friends who send me info/items off the net from time to time--and they have all adopted that method.
: Your letters can be as many pages as needed with articles, etc. simply incorporated into the letter as you did.
>you can send an actual newspaper article cut-out, but again--only 2 or 3 at a time to be safe. Once again - if they can be scanned and put into a letter, so much the easier & better.
>Insofar as content of your relationship column or anything else you've written-- absolutely no problem with any "curses" or risqué material....or more...Again, no problem. So please send when you can. A "darker Sex-and-the-City-type thing sounds like a welcome relief from the sometimes way too saccharine content of the original!
>Finally, as mentioned above but to repeat--I would not mind at all if you would share your blog [redacted] with me.
If you do wish to editorialize or comment on your blog [about my letters], that is fine with me.
And since I know that finding time to write can be difficult, feel free to simply send me some blog pages & with a "Hi Michael" at the top, in lieu of a full letter, etc.
So-there it is. Appreciate your acumen in asking those questions.
* * *
Now - turning (finally) to content :)
I have no problems answering questions about my situation here. It is what it is--and I can assure you, is far better than any image you might have- Truly.
You might be surprised that my days here are very busy by choice. Your card intrigued me when I received it, but I do not answer every letter because there is only so much time to write in any given day or week. A few details: I have a TV- so I am able to keep up on news & politics, etc. It was amazing following Obama from the very beginning, before he even ran for Illinois senator in '04.
There is a modest library with books--but subscriptions to magazines & newspapers are allowed; and paperback books can be sent in--so long as they are sent directly from Amazon.com/B&N.com/a bookstore/or the publisher. Amazon.com gives very reliable & fast delivery.
Obviously, since we just met :-) I would not ask you for anything now! However - should you ever run across or know about a book [or magazine article you can't get off the net] that you want to share with me or think I would benefit from - feel free to have it sent. Thanks!
I know of two friend in the hinterlands who literally (almost...) would "die for" the chance to see all the newly released films, which more & more is possible only in New York and L.A.
Thank you for your comments on "The Wrestler". You are actually the first person I know (besides the TV & print critics) who has actually seen the film. Clearly, the critics got it right, from your comments. As previously mentioned, I have been a huge Mickey Rourke fan for as long as I can remember. Even during that long stretch when he was a Hollywood pariah. By the time you receive this, we will know if he won the Academy Award on Sunday (z-zz). The cognoscenti say it's between Rourke & Sean Penn in "Milk".
Do give me your capsule comments on "Revolutionary Road" and "The Reader" if and when you see them.
And if you see "tons of movies"; then we have tons to talk about. you mentioned that you just finished watching "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" Talk about a good year (1967) for films: Besides "Dinner", "In the Heat of the Night", "Bonnie and Clyde", and "The Graduate."
I recently saw two outstanding films from 1973: "Save the Tiger" and "The Last Detail".
Since you see films via NETFLIX-may I ask you to order a particular film when you get the chance--and tell me what you think: "PRIMER" 04.
This is a film made on a shoestring budget/78 minutes/ but a highly original film about time travel which takes place in a corporate business park & self-storage facility! I have seen it once- but without the benefit of multiple viewings and the chance to review certain portions. Whatever you think it might be like, it's not.
Anyway - if you get the chance, perhaps between "The Conversation" (1974) and Nashville" '75 or whichever classic you have reached by then!
The pool story was hilarious. I can totally see the insane battle for 12 lounge chairs. "I considered 'roiding up" - love it.
Did not get to travel destinations and Africa (my years there) - but will in my next letter. Must get this in the mail so it goes out today. However- if I were a travel agent: the first four places in Africa I would recommend: Egypt (Giza); Cape Town; Zanzibar; Djibouti. [Rationale to follow!]
We didn't get to the econony, either. That's another fascinating story. I've watched developing these 3-4 years. Hope your business manages to weather the bad times. Keep me posted.
Take care, KK, and hope to hear from you again son. Again, look forward to reading your blog, any articles, and definitely your "life stories" in your "darker-version-Sex-and-the-City" column.
As you have probably gleaned, I am quite direct - no subject is off limits. Life is far too short to not talk about whatever you want. So ask away as you wish..
Take care & talk to you soon.
Yours,
Michael
Well, this time your letter came through unscathed. Very glad to finally year from you---so much to talk about:
Your questions on rules & procedures here are right on point--so let me answer those first, as I am very interested in reading your articles/stories and blog.
>Obviously, your typed letter is just fine. If I had regular access to a typewriter I would certainly use it as well. Even though I am a bit out of practice--my typing is faster than longhand.
>You can send printouts from the next 2-3 pages at a time---but your method of pasting them into the body of your letter is far superior. I have a few friends who send me info/items off the net from time to time--and they have all adopted that method.
: Your letters can be as many pages as needed with articles, etc. simply incorporated into the letter as you did.
>you can send an actual newspaper article cut-out, but again--only 2 or 3 at a time to be safe. Once again - if they can be scanned and put into a letter, so much the easier & better.
>Insofar as content of your relationship column or anything else you've written-- absolutely no problem with any "curses" or risqué material....or more...Again, no problem. So please send when you can. A "darker Sex-and-the-City-type thing sounds like a welcome relief from the sometimes way too saccharine content of the original!
>Finally, as mentioned above but to repeat--I would not mind at all if you would share your blog [redacted] with me.
If you do wish to editorialize or comment on your blog [about my letters], that is fine with me.
And since I know that finding time to write can be difficult, feel free to simply send me some blog pages & with a "Hi Michael" at the top, in lieu of a full letter, etc.
So-there it is. Appreciate your acumen in asking those questions.
* * *
Now - turning (finally) to content :)
I have no problems answering questions about my situation here. It is what it is--and I can assure you, is far better than any image you might have- Truly.
You might be surprised that my days here are very busy by choice. Your card intrigued me when I received it, but I do not answer every letter because there is only so much time to write in any given day or week. A few details: I have a TV- so I am able to keep up on news & politics, etc. It was amazing following Obama from the very beginning, before he even ran for Illinois senator in '04.
There is a modest library with books--but subscriptions to magazines & newspapers are allowed; and paperback books can be sent in--so long as they are sent directly from Amazon.com/B&N.com/a bookstore/or the publisher. Amazon.com gives very reliable & fast delivery.
Obviously, since we just met :-) I would not ask you for anything now! However - should you ever run across or know about a book [or magazine article you can't get off the net] that you want to share with me or think I would benefit from - feel free to have it sent. Thanks!
I know of two friend in the hinterlands who literally (almost...) would "die for" the chance to see all the newly released films, which more & more is possible only in New York and L.A.
Thank you for your comments on "The Wrestler". You are actually the first person I know (besides the TV & print critics) who has actually seen the film. Clearly, the critics got it right, from your comments. As previously mentioned, I have been a huge Mickey Rourke fan for as long as I can remember. Even during that long stretch when he was a Hollywood pariah. By the time you receive this, we will know if he won the Academy Award on Sunday (z-zz). The cognoscenti say it's between Rourke & Sean Penn in "Milk".
Do give me your capsule comments on "Revolutionary Road" and "The Reader" if and when you see them.
And if you see "tons of movies"; then we have tons to talk about. you mentioned that you just finished watching "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" Talk about a good year (1967) for films: Besides "Dinner", "In the Heat of the Night", "Bonnie and Clyde", and "The Graduate."
I recently saw two outstanding films from 1973: "Save the Tiger" and "The Last Detail".
Since you see films via NETFLIX-may I ask you to order a particular film when you get the chance--and tell me what you think: "PRIMER" 04.
This is a film made on a shoestring budget/78 minutes/ but a highly original film about time travel which takes place in a corporate business park & self-storage facility! I have seen it once- but without the benefit of multiple viewings and the chance to review certain portions. Whatever you think it might be like, it's not.
Anyway - if you get the chance, perhaps between "The Conversation" (1974) and Nashville" '75 or whichever classic you have reached by then!
The pool story was hilarious. I can totally see the insane battle for 12 lounge chairs. "I considered 'roiding up" - love it.
Did not get to travel destinations and Africa (my years there) - but will in my next letter. Must get this in the mail so it goes out today. However- if I were a travel agent: the first four places in Africa I would recommend: Egypt (Giza); Cape Town; Zanzibar; Djibouti. [Rationale to follow!]
We didn't get to the econony, either. That's another fascinating story. I've watched developing these 3-4 years. Hope your business manages to weather the bad times. Keep me posted.
Take care, KK, and hope to hear from you again son. Again, look forward to reading your blog, any articles, and definitely your "life stories" in your "darker-version-Sex-and-the-City" column.
As you have probably gleaned, I am quite direct - no subject is off limits. Life is far too short to not talk about whatever you want. So ask away as you wish..
Take care & talk to you soon.
Yours,
Michael
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Something Interesting Transpires RE: Richard Allen Davis
Several people have expressed interest and concern about why I am writing to prisoners. I tried to explain in my first entry, but something happened today that will illustrate what my rationale was originally.
Letters from prisoners singly may not be considered an art or literary project. But I was hoping, that held cumulatively and over a course of time, some sort of unexpected narrative would form. Of course there was no reason to know for sure if this would happen, but I had the sense that somehow this could be made into an art show or book. The project is still in its infancy stage, so who knows. Right now I'm just a woman who writes to a certain type of inmate, never offering any support for what they did and hopes that some sort of narrative will emerge eventually.
People are inherently interested in what makes others do heinous things. If they weren't, CSI, AMW, 48 Hour Mystery, etc. would not be so popular. I find that friends are particularly interested in seeing the handwriting of various inmates.
When writing to Swango I signed myself KK not realizing until I researched him further later that he had a fiance he tried to poison called 'KK' who eventually killed herself. See? A bit of an interesting unexpected "narrative." Narrative isn't the exact right word here, but I'm hoping you will see my point.
Anyway, yesterday I posted Richard Allen Davis' letter to me. A fellow blogger--who I don't know and hadn't heard of--sent me an email last night. I post it, my response and her subsequent reply here. Turns out she was best friends with Davis' young victim.
***
K,
Just signed into [my blog.] You're on my favorites list & the title of your most recent entry caught my eye, "Letters from the Inside, Richard Allen Davis, #1."
Davis abducted my best friend Polly in October of 1993. On December 4 of that year, my 13th birthday, it was announced that he had, in fact, killed her.
With that said, I am morbidly curious about the letters you've exchanged with the guy. If you're not going to allow me onto the favorites list, I totally get it, just... Could you please email me entries including him?
Also, if you're skeptical of me or anything, I have attached a photo of me and Polly from June of 1993... This one is from our 6th grade pool party.
Thanks so much,
[redacted]***
My reply:
Hi. My God! I'm so sorry to hear that. Were you at the slumber party that the abduction occurred at?
I only have gotten one letter from him and frankly, out of all the ones I have written to, something is just so off about his--although not outwardly--that I don't think I will write to him again, although if there are any things you want me to find out from him, I certainly will. Seeing that I already have some sort of a rapport going with him, I'd gladly try to ask him any questions you'd like.
I will past in the entry into a separate email. You can feel free to share it with any family or friends of Polly's.
KK
***
K,
You're right on the money when you say there's something off about Davis... I mean, obviously, right? Definitely one sandwich short of a picnic!
I was not at the slumber party the night Polly was kidnapped. I was recovering from a cold at the time, so my mom said no. I found out Polly had been abducted by calling her house the next day to find out what I'd missed. I did testify at the trial as to what she and I had done in the summer of 1993, though, in order to firm up a stalking or premeditation charge. I am not positive of all the special circumstance charges but there were many.
You know... I don't think there's anything Davis could say that would bring me peace or clarity. I believe much of what he says are lies in order to entertain himself. I don't blame the guy, really, because I'd be bored in prison, too. My hope for Davis is that he falls asleep each night and is haunted by Polly's beautiful smile. I'd like him to live a long life, actually, and to be haunted by the decision he made to kill my friend.
If you'd like to post my emails to you, that's fine. I don't mind if you keep my diary name and name on there... I have most of my entries favorites only, so no biggie.
Thanks for sending the letter from Davis in a separate email.
Be well,
[redacted]
Letters from prisoners singly may not be considered an art or literary project. But I was hoping, that held cumulatively and over a course of time, some sort of unexpected narrative would form. Of course there was no reason to know for sure if this would happen, but I had the sense that somehow this could be made into an art show or book. The project is still in its infancy stage, so who knows. Right now I'm just a woman who writes to a certain type of inmate, never offering any support for what they did and hopes that some sort of narrative will emerge eventually.
People are inherently interested in what makes others do heinous things. If they weren't, CSI, AMW, 48 Hour Mystery, etc. would not be so popular. I find that friends are particularly interested in seeing the handwriting of various inmates.
When writing to Swango I signed myself KK not realizing until I researched him further later that he had a fiance he tried to poison called 'KK' who eventually killed herself. See? A bit of an interesting unexpected "narrative." Narrative isn't the exact right word here, but I'm hoping you will see my point.
Anyway, yesterday I posted Richard Allen Davis' letter to me. A fellow blogger--who I don't know and hadn't heard of--sent me an email last night. I post it, my response and her subsequent reply here. Turns out she was best friends with Davis' young victim.
***
K,
Just signed into [my blog.] You're on my favorites list & the title of your most recent entry caught my eye, "Letters from the Inside, Richard Allen Davis, #1."
Davis abducted my best friend Polly in October of 1993. On December 4 of that year, my 13th birthday, it was announced that he had, in fact, killed her.
With that said, I am morbidly curious about the letters you've exchanged with the guy. If you're not going to allow me onto the favorites list, I totally get it, just... Could you please email me entries including him?
Also, if you're skeptical of me or anything, I have attached a photo of me and Polly from June of 1993... This one is from our 6th grade pool party.
Thanks so much,
[redacted]***
My reply:
Hi. My God! I'm so sorry to hear that. Were you at the slumber party that the abduction occurred at?
I only have gotten one letter from him and frankly, out of all the ones I have written to, something is just so off about his--although not outwardly--that I don't think I will write to him again, although if there are any things you want me to find out from him, I certainly will. Seeing that I already have some sort of a rapport going with him, I'd gladly try to ask him any questions you'd like.
I will past in the entry into a separate email. You can feel free to share it with any family or friends of Polly's.
KK
***
K,
You're right on the money when you say there's something off about Davis... I mean, obviously, right? Definitely one sandwich short of a picnic!
I was not at the slumber party the night Polly was kidnapped. I was recovering from a cold at the time, so my mom said no. I found out Polly had been abducted by calling her house the next day to find out what I'd missed. I did testify at the trial as to what she and I had done in the summer of 1993, though, in order to firm up a stalking or premeditation charge. I am not positive of all the special circumstance charges but there were many.
You know... I don't think there's anything Davis could say that would bring me peace or clarity. I believe much of what he says are lies in order to entertain himself. I don't blame the guy, really, because I'd be bored in prison, too. My hope for Davis is that he falls asleep each night and is haunted by Polly's beautiful smile. I'd like him to live a long life, actually, and to be haunted by the decision he made to kill my friend.
If you'd like to post my emails to you, that's fine. I don't mind if you keep my diary name and name on there... I have most of my entries favorites only, so no biggie.
Thanks for sending the letter from Davis in a separate email.
Be well,
[redacted]
Friday, February 20, 2009
Letters from the Inside, Richard Allen Davis, #1
He is probably the scariest of them all. He is in San Quentin. Read about him: Richard Allen Davis
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DEAR KELLY,
HELLO BACK! I JUST GOT YOUR CARD AND THANK YOU, FOR THE PERSONAL TOUCH AND THE THOUGHT AND CONSIDERATION. THOUGH I WANT TO SAY THAT YOUR CARD IS VER NICE AND NOT JUST WITH YOU YOURSELF, THANK YOU.
YOU WORK IN PUBLIC RELATIONS, WELL I HOPE THAT THINGS ARE GOING GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR COMPANY.
YES, IT DOS GET FRUSTRATING AT TIMES TRYING TO STAY IN THE LOOP WITH FAMILY. THEN AGAIN MY FAMILY NEVER WAS "CLOSE" WITH EACH OTHER. WITH THE YEARS THAT HAVE PASSED, I MIOSTLY ONLY STAY IN CONTACT WITH A NIECE. THOUGH SHE'S MARRIED ADN WITH A CHILD, LIVING HER OWN LIFE. SO I DO UNDERSTAND WHEN CONTACT HAAS A LONG DURATION.
AS TO FRIENDS, WELL I UNDERSTAND GOOD INTENTIONS. BY THAT I MEANT THAT SOME SAY WITHIN A YEAR THEY LOSE INTEREST OR -LOL- FIND THEMSELVES SOMEONE MORE INTERESTING. I CAN'T BLAME THEM, NOR DO I HOLD IT AGAINST THEM.
I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU AND IT WOE NICE TO GET SOME STORIES WRITTEN BY YOU. I DO WANT TO SAY THAT I AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH YOU HAVING BEEN PUBLISHED.
NOT THAT I AM TRYING TO RUN SOME SCAM ON YOU. i GET ALL THE PAPER-ENVELOPES I NEED FROM MY ATTORNEY, THOUGH I COULD USE SOME STAMPS, IF YOU COULD.
I DO NOT EXPECT THOUGH THE LIMIT IS 40 STAMPS, WHATEVER YOU CAN HELP ME WITH IS GREATLY THANKFUL.
I DO SEND MY BEST THOUGHTS AND WARMEST WISHES TOO YOU, ALSO I HOPE YOU HAD A DECENT PAST WEEKEND OF THOUGHTS.
MAIL DOES TAKE ABOUT TEN WORKING DAYS TO GET TO US, SO PLEASE HAVE PATIENCE.
SENDING MINE TOO YOU SINCERELY,
RICHARD
***
***
DEAR KELLY,
HELLO BACK! I JUST GOT YOUR CARD AND THANK YOU, FOR THE PERSONAL TOUCH AND THE THOUGHT AND CONSIDERATION. THOUGH I WANT TO SAY THAT YOUR CARD IS VER NICE AND NOT JUST WITH YOU YOURSELF, THANK YOU.
YOU WORK IN PUBLIC RELATIONS, WELL I HOPE THAT THINGS ARE GOING GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR COMPANY.
YES, IT DOS GET FRUSTRATING AT TIMES TRYING TO STAY IN THE LOOP WITH FAMILY. THEN AGAIN MY FAMILY NEVER WAS "CLOSE" WITH EACH OTHER. WITH THE YEARS THAT HAVE PASSED, I MIOSTLY ONLY STAY IN CONTACT WITH A NIECE. THOUGH SHE'S MARRIED ADN WITH A CHILD, LIVING HER OWN LIFE. SO I DO UNDERSTAND WHEN CONTACT HAAS A LONG DURATION.
AS TO FRIENDS, WELL I UNDERSTAND GOOD INTENTIONS. BY THAT I MEANT THAT SOME SAY WITHIN A YEAR THEY LOSE INTEREST OR -LOL- FIND THEMSELVES SOMEONE MORE INTERESTING. I CAN'T BLAME THEM, NOR DO I HOLD IT AGAINST THEM.
I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU AND IT WOE NICE TO GET SOME STORIES WRITTEN BY YOU. I DO WANT TO SAY THAT I AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH YOU HAVING BEEN PUBLISHED.
NOT THAT I AM TRYING TO RUN SOME SCAM ON YOU. i GET ALL THE PAPER-ENVELOPES I NEED FROM MY ATTORNEY, THOUGH I COULD USE SOME STAMPS, IF YOU COULD.
I DO NOT EXPECT THOUGH THE LIMIT IS 40 STAMPS, WHATEVER YOU CAN HELP ME WITH IS GREATLY THANKFUL.
I DO SEND MY BEST THOUGHTS AND WARMEST WISHES TOO YOU, ALSO I HOPE YOU HAD A DECENT PAST WEEKEND OF THOUGHTS.
MAIL DOES TAKE ABOUT TEN WORKING DAYS TO GET TO US, SO PLEASE HAVE PATIENCE.
SENDING MINE TOO YOU SINCERELY,
RICHARD
***
