One Year Later, Questions Abound

One year to the day that the bodies of Gerri Faye, Jessica and MacKenzie Butts were found in their trailer home in Atlanta, their deaths remain as much a mystery as they were that dew-filled Monday morning.

This afternoon at 5:30 p.m. a candlelight memorial service for the Butts family will be held in downtown Atlanta at the gazebo. Persons are urged to take part by bringing a candle and sharing a few moments of reflections about the lives and deaths of Gerri Faye, Jessica and MacKenzie.

One year later, no one has paid for the senseless acts of violence against the trio.

One year later, a judge and grand jury have concluded that there was not enough evidence to hold the one person, Kevin Hailey, that the Atlanta Police arrested for the crimes.

One year later, questions remain about how the investigation was conducted at the scene of the crime, and presented at the habeas corpus hearing.

One year later, the Butts family and friends continue to mourn their loss, while Kevin Hailey and his family and friends try to learn to deal with the stigma that will follow him the rest of
his life.

One year later, rumors persist about other suspects -- but no one is behind bars.

One year later, the national media continues to sniff around the story. Inside Edition plans to air soon an interview with Hailey. And Michael Cortez of Maxima LTD has purchased Hailey's media rights. A TV movie is in the works.

The CBS news magazine 48 Hours was in town on Tuesday talking with Hailey, his mother Kathy Weaver, and Atlanta Police Chief Mike Scott. The 48 Hours camera crew is supposed to be in town today, too, and is expected to stay for the candlelight
memorial.

One year later, Gerri, Jessica and MacKenzie are mem- ories in the minds of their family and friends.

One year later, justice is still undone. Sorrow and grief, and anger and confusion, prevail.

One year later that Monday morning in January races through the minds of those who have been touched by this tragedy.

One year later, three young people are gone --and we are no closer to knowing who committed the crimes, or why, than we
were on Jan. 2, 1992.

Even if you choose not to make the candlelight service, stop for a moment and say a prayer for those three souls, their family and friends, and for those whose lives are changed forever
because of the tragedy.

One year ago today.

Does time heal all wounds?
Sonny