Nancy Shaver's Eloquent December 18, 2013 Letter to the Record on Justice for Michelle O'Connell

Nancy Shaver being sworn in as St. Augustine Mayor on December 1, 2014 by Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince (left), while Mayor Shaver's daughter (right) holds the Shaver family's 1820 Bible.

Letter: Something for Alexis' stocking

Posted: December 18, 2013 - 3:15pmThe Empty Stocking fund appeal always brings me to thoughts of children, and this year to seven-year-old, Alexis O’Connell, whose mother, Michelle, died of a gunshot in 2010 under circumstances that are at best unclear. At the age of four Alexis was left to wonder why, if the Sheriff’s office investigation were to be believed, her mother who loved her so deeply, and called to say she was on her way to her, suddenly decided to kill herself and leave Alexis alone.

I’ll make a donation to the Empty Stocking fund as many of us will. But this year I’ll also take the time to contact ... the United States Attorney, and ask her to investigate the handling of Michelle’s death. Nothing will restore Michelle to this earth, but clear-eyed justice can give Alexis some measure of peace.

Please consider adding your voice to this request….. A comprehensive and professional inquiry would be a gift not only to Alexis and her family, but also to all of us who look to the law to protect and serve us equally.