This story has been contentious from the first article we published. Is Aaliyah Bedwell a three year old tot being sexually and otherwise abused, or is this a figment of the mother, Connie Bedwell’s imagination? It is a good question, and a very valid question.
One common view about this case is that it is bogus. Everyone from the Judge, to CPS, to the local police department are either ignoring it completely or skillfully avoiding looking into the allegations.
Auburn and Roseville, California are relatively small communities and as such, could it be possible that some families have more sway than others?
I know that that concept is one that many people will say ‘Oh it doesn’t work like that, we are not reliving The Dukes Of Hazard’. Well let me tell you a true story about my wife. At age 18 she was brutally attacked by a local business owner. I won’t go into the details, that is for Jan to share if she ever wants to. Her attacker was a local businessman and a ‘pillar’ of the local community. Broken, bloodied, and bruised, she could get no one to take her seriously. Two black eyes, and multiple contusions, still no one did anything. It could not be Mr ‘X’ he would never do such a thing was the story she got from the cops.
Jan was a victim, yet could get no one to pay attention. Could this happen today? You can bet your bottom dollar it could! The evidence is overwhelming.
Jan and I are not knights in shining armor, we are just regular folks. We run BNN because we believe in the concept of the little guy having a chance to say what he or she has to say about the items in the news. We use the term ‘Citizen Journalist’, that sums it up quite well. A couple of examples, Matt Drudge was an unknown, yet he was the guy that broke the Clinton, Lewinsky story. More recently we have the John Edwards scandal, the MSM were well aware of the allegations, but would not touch the story with a long pole. The official breaking organization is the National Inquirer, however the actual source is a good friend of mine. Randy just ran out of resources, and the Inquirer had some money that they were able to throw at the problem.
Another (much missed) friend is Sean Krause, his dogged following of the Caylee Anthony case is nothing short of amazing. Sean lost his fight with cancer, which was was huge loss to journalism. Without Sean, the whole Caylee Anthony story would likely have been buried.
We Citizen Journalists do have a big advantage over the MSM (Main Stream Media) we don’t have a boss telling us what we can and cannot report on. We report on what we care about! Sometimes we ruffle feathers, often our views are different to what the MSM would like. That does not mean that we do not do our research.
The case of Aaliyah Bedwell is a great example. We have not launched any article that we have not researched. We have waded through documents, we have talked to the people involved. We do our homework.
There has been a good deal of comments on our coverage, personally I could care less. If you think that Jan and I are talking BS, just don’t read the article. I for one do not like the supermarket tabloids, so I do not buy them. I do not like most TV programs on the big networks, so I do not watch them. I have no problem with people that do, and I certainly would not plow into an attack on them. If you love American Idol, or Dancing With The Stars, it is fine.
So folks, here is the deal. We at BNN want the truth, our methods may be strange, but we care. We do not make huge amounts of money, in fact Jan and I just make just enough to cover paying the rent and pay our bills.
The Aaliyah Bedwell story has grabbed us. If we are wrong we will take the flack, and it would be richly deserved. If we are right, what then?
The one thing that I would ask you all is to be civil in your comments. You might not agree with Jan and I, and I’m a big boy, if you want to launch into me that’s fine. I’ll even give you the email addy bnneditor@gmail.com
Here is what we need, we need people that are willing to share their stories and recollections about Aaliyah Bedwell. We are hitting a brick wall right now. But we are used to this, brick walls can be demolished. And we are good at the demolition business! A number of organizations seem to be avoiding talking to us. Why might that be? If we are on a wild goose chase why not tell us?
Oh, and I will add this. Jan and I are fed up with the bickering in the comments. Please stop it. We love to get feedback, but I, as the senior editor for BNN will not put up with personal attacks, and bickering. Think before you comment – Simon
Simon and Jan Barrett
116 users commented in " Aaliyah Bedwell – Some Background On Why We Are Following This Story "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackI’m so glad this is being taken seriously…even though there could be a wide varieties of situations would could possibly be dealing with.
All I’ve recollected from this entire story is Aaliyah is DEFINATELY A REAL PERSON. Any person in their right mind can tell from this circulating Youtube video. I just don’t understand how I hear (on the local news almost every month) about Youtube videos being investigated and people actually being confronted and prosecuted.
I’m familiar with a few of them; the babysitter who thought it would be funny to lauch a baby in mid air and post the video on Youtube (he is doing time in prison!) sticks out in my mind…
How is Aaliyah’s case any different??
Someone CLEARLY is against this entire story altogether…and posted on the petition site for Aaliyah. Comment #165. But something feels funny. The comment is completely biased and only focuses on bad mouthing the mother (Connie). I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if this is friends or family of the father…or even…the pedephile himself.
Simon great article. You say you are not knights in shining armor. I would bet you can’t convince this little girl or her
mother of that.
No man ever stood so tall and when he stooped to help a child.
Thank you Simon
I saw the Aaliyah Bedwell video and read through the website. I have serious concerns regarding that little girl. I have also experienced small-town injustice with attorneys and judges having each others backs. I hope someone can get to the bottom of this story and help Aaliyah. I don’t believe it’s a hoax. I don’t believe she was coached. My gut tells me something bad is going on.
I know that the FBI is now finally getting involved. That’s great news to me!
What is the link for the Youtube video? I can’t find it on the website?
just go to http://www.saveaaliyah.com. There is also a phone interview with the mother and CPC.
KarenCCC: Sitting on pins and needles here. How do you know the FBI is now actively involved?
The mother sent a letter to the FBI and she actually spoke to an agent today, face to face.
A Tim Bedwell from Alaska posted in regards to some of the negative signatures on Aaliyah’s petition. Saying the ISPN for all of the negative remarks (including #165) were all traced to near & in the small town the father lives in! And that comment #165 was the pedophile’s attorny.
That may explain the completely biased point of view…
(KarenCCC) That is GREAT NEWS for sure!
n ramierz, I just read his post. He is the mother’s father. I thought #165 was the pedophile himself. It is great news!
n ramierez, I’m goint to say good night. Welcome to BNN! I’ll be here in the am.
As far as I’m concerned…any attorney willing to stand up for a pedophile might as well be a pedophile himself! So I’m taking that is who Connie ran away and stayed with when she first attempted to vanish with Aaliyah? Her father? That would explain the Alaska part…
Thank you and goodnight KarrenCCC! I will be a regular until this matter is hopefully resolved!
I just wanted to say that I’m glad you and Jan are out there (and all others like you) and I respect what you do and what you stand for. I read all your articles. I have never commented before but I do care, too. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for your kind hearts and compassion.
Any doubters should definitely listen to the mothers interview with CPC.
http://childprotectioncommunity.com/blog.asp?action=details&page=41327&int_blogid=350
Thanks AnneA and KarenCCC for putting up with all the flack when trying to bring this to everyones attention, you are good hearted people and didn’t deserve it.
Thank you so much for seeing this through to the end we need to know, this child needs help.
Dear God
Please protect little Aalyiah, keep her safe until the truth in this matter is uncovered. Bless and wrap your arms safely around her.
Amen
I do not have personal knowledge about the circumstances surrounding this situation, but have very strong feelings about what I have seen and read. With many others, I have taken action to draw people’s attention to this case. I have done so because I am APPALLED AND OUTRAGED that allegations of abuse(even if they turn out to be false) are not being given adequate consideration and investigation, ONCE AGAIN! There are thousands of children being taken away from their families on false and lesser allegations everyday! The mere fact that abuse of a child is SUSPECTED (whether true or false) warrants thorough investigation. It sickens me that authorities (police, CPS and even judges) pick and choose which they feel is worthy of investigation. ALL children deserve this protection and it is these very authorities who are responsible for doing so. Thousands of children die every year due to the neglectful inaction of the child protection agencies in this country. I know this first hand having lost my own grandchild for this very reason, despite reporting and warning! His mother tortured and murdered him! And although many, many people warned them of what was going on, CPS did NOTHING to prevent his death! Is this precious child, Aaliyah going to be another victim – not just of her abuser, but of this neglectful system? I pray not! God bless you, any and all who will bring this case to attention, hopefully before it is too late. I want to see this child saved, but I also want attention brought to the fact that this is JUST ONE OF THOUSANDS of children who are being failed by a completely inadequate system.
Jesus said anyone who hurts a child would be better of if he had a rock tied around his neck and cast into the sea.
Now THAT would bring attention!!
I have “been on the fence” about this case. I have tried to do some investigation of my own by calling and emailing the Roseville Police. It would appear more and more that this is an actual case of abuse and we should ALL be throwing our support behind Simon and Jan and most importantly behind Connie and Aaliyah. I know this subject has caused more than a few ripples on BNN. I would hope that everyone will step back, take a deep breath and then give the following some great thought:
Whether it is a hoax or not, what do I have to lose by supporting this mother and child (with letters, emails and phone calls)? Nothing. What has this child and mother got to lose if I don’t. Everything.
For that reason I will be a defender of this cause and continue to “dog” law enforcement, the DA’s office and anyone else I can think of to seek justice. If you cannot find it in your heart to support this cause, please do not chastise those who do. Before you speak, think of how you will/would feel about the comments you are about to make IF and WHEN this is determined to be 100% true? Those words cannot be taken back so think before you speak. The old saying of “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” could not be any more fitting in this case.
AnneA / Karen – I see the FBI is getting involved. Please keep us posted of their progress. Please also let us know who else we can write, call or email in order to keep the pressure on.
Simon / Jan – please keep us posted on your progress as well. Thank you for taking on this case when many others would not. May the truth be exposed and the guilty face the justice they deserve. God Bless you.
And God Bless you Aaliyah. Help is on the way!
Someone really needs to help this little girl!If it were a police officer or another important adult who could defend themselves something would have been done already,so we say we love our country, but really:what kind of country are we if we don’t protect our own children but then we go to fight in other countries for other people!Something is really wrong with the system.Where I live about 2 years ago a little 2 year old was screaming and crying and holding her self down below, saying daddy no bite, and guess where she is?The judge gave her right back to her so called daddy! Sickening!!!
To Julesb65 and anyone who else interested in writing to someone. Here are some links to people I have already written to about this case.
Representative Congressman Tom McClintock 4th District…
https://forms.house.gov/mcclintock/contact-form.shtml
Senator Sam Aanestad 4th District…
http://cssrc.us/web/4/contact_us.aspx
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger…
http://gov.ca.gov/interact#contact
Nancy Grace…
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?81
Dr. Phil…
http://www.drphil.com/plugger/respond/?plugID=9164
I am just SICK about what this precious child is suffering! I’m praying someone with the ability will end her nightmare.
KarenCCC – what finally got the FBI’s attention? It’s about time someone in law enforcement outside that county (which by all accounts that I’ve read online is as corrupt as a jurisdiction could be) got involved.
Also, how was the CPC interview arranged?
Talina, the mother emailed the FBI, they called her yesterday and set up an interview and she spoke to an angent. The mother said they should be investigating it now. I really don’t know the details of how it came about.
Sean, thank you for your wonderful posts and information!
i cannot believe cps or poliece would not investigate at all, along with the fact the mother gave her child back to the abuser, is the reasons i at first did not believe this story(im not trying to offend anyone ) i suppose diffrent people chose to do thing thier own way diffrent from how i would..i hope and pray for the saftey of this child and mother..thank you simon and jan for investigating so we know the truth…simon and jan are very reputibal writers and the stuff they print is true to thier knowlege, i only hope they can remove this child fast…also why didnt cps do a investigation before assuming this was a fals accusation??? the damage done to this child in the mean time sometimes cannot be undone, the pain and suffering shes gone thru at the hands of someone protecting her!!! i hope the mother (after getting her child back) files a lawsuit against, cps, le and anyone else she reached out to for help who did not!!! its totaly appauling and to think these are the people i tell my child to reach out to if in danger, what if they didnt believe her??? and let something go! i hope and pray for the best, please forgive me for assuming it was a hoax!~anna
sean’s voise @7:54 am..what a horrible loss for you and your family. i hope the mother who did this is in jail on death row?? or at least NO CHANCE OF PAROLE!!!!
I didn’t know where to post this, so I will just post it here. I wanted to again apologize for everything. I feel terrible that people are leaving BNN over what happened the other day. I really did not mean to start any trouble and definitely did not want to break up a family of friends. Especially for some being mad at Jan. I asked Jan to step in, I know now I should have just taken what was being said as frustration and skepticism. Seriiously, I apologize and hope that everyone who left will come back. Thank you to all that has thanked me for coming here and bringing this to Jan and Simon’s attention. I appreciated all that everyone is doing and has done already. I truly believe from all of our efforts, Aaliyah will be safe and soon.
Monkey – I wondered the same things as you state in your post. From what I recall reading on this case, the mother was ordered by the court to turn the child over to the father when a new judge was put on the case. The “then” new judge has some sort of family ties to the father’s lawyer – again according to what I’ve read posted. This after a previous judge had restricted his visits or something of that nature.
As far as why nothing was done by authorities or believed of the mother’s allegations – I’ve looked up whatever I could find on this county seat and it is absolutely appalling what appears to go on jurisdictionally in this county – not just as it pertains to this case but a number of others as well. Interestingly enough, this same judge’s name appeared on several of the articles or blogs I was able to google, which by the way were totally unrelated cases and several went back several years.
It’s a mystery to me why this county has not been thoroughly investigated by the justice department.
seansvoice, my deepest sympathies go out to you for your loss. I looked at your website and I have to admit it made me cry to see your grandson, he was so adorable.
I have to thank you for your comment because it might make some see that this kind of thing does happen in our world today as well as it did when I was attacked and raped myself.
Our system does tend to fail us at times as horrific as that may sound and it could happen to any of us, even if it isn’t involving a child. But when it does involve an innocent child they can still fail us. I guess this is something none of can imagine ever to happen until it happens to one of us or to someone else we know. To rule this case as to being a lie strictly based on no one listening to her story is not fair. Rule it a hoax if that is proven is how I look at it.
The problem is that too many try pulling things like that only to be a hoax and that makes it harder for the victims to be taken seriously.
I have tears in my eyes just typing this. My heart goes out to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers. Once again thanks for taking the time to share your story with us, may God bless you
Jan Barrett
jan, when i was younger and lived a diffrent lyfestyle i was in a car with a man on the third floor of a parking garage, he tried to assault me it was the middle of the night the police heard my screams all the way down from this 3d floor they did respond but apon seeing me i was the one interrogated, the poliece let this man go (with a ticket) another officer came to my house in the following day’s took pic and stuff…but because of who i was at the time(undesirable citizen)(to them) no charges were ever pressed against this man, even tho the le and my parole officer knew what had happened!! i suppose i find it unimaginable they would not investigat when a child has been asaulted, similar to sandra cantu, the le in that town figured the mother was undesirable so even tho they had doctors saying her child was drugged they failed to investigate, figuring the accused(sunday school teacher) was the better person! could have saved sandra’s life if they hadnt judged someone!!!
ps i still have a pic of me after that happened…black eye’s bruised..never did get my clothes they took for evedince either!!!(they wouldnt fit me now but still they had evedince)!
in my opinion every case involving a child being abused ao not should be investigated…everycase should be investigated no matter who the persons are(and no matter what they do)!
Monkey Girl, I am sorry that you had to go through that too. It only proves my point though. we are all taught that the system is to protect us but exactly who is it there to protect. Do they list you in a certain class in order for you to qualify for their attention. It shouldn’t have mattered who you was or what you did at the time, you deserved the right to press charges. My problem was when I was only 18 years old and had nothing so they compared me to him and automatically went for him because he was known locally and owned several businesses in town.
You do bring up a good example with the Sandra Cantu case. That little girl’s life might have been spared had they not judged the mother of the other little girl so quickly.
Something needs to be done to stop all this. Our voices need to be heard and that is another reason Simon and I are fighting this. If this is all a hoax then at least we will know. Until then how are any of us to know better.
Thanks again for sharing your story with us too. It makes me feel that all this is worth even more for what we are trying to do.
Monkey Girl!!!(anna), That is so terrible! I am sorry that you and everyone here that has ever been through something so horrifying. You are all so brave.
Jan, it is a horrible fact that LE and CPS have to sort facts out as well. They don’t think these things don’t happen, they are overwhelmed with the reality that they do. The people I’ve met (a few) have been sincere, concerned, overloaded and underpaid, and I imagine if they stay in their field they become very jaded with time. I’m glad you are investigating this tragic little girl and hope it ends well. I was skeptical of the way her plight was presented and the facts that were provided, so my comments were meant to be cautionary to good hearted people who may be too quick to trust. Again, it is wonderful that you have taken this on to make sure this child doesn’t slip through the cracks.
We all often teach our children of the “stranger danger” but sadly enough, many times it’s not a stranger at all.
My daughter at the age of 10, who is now in her 20s, was very close to being a victim of a child molestor. She came home one day during the summer and I noticed some ink on the inside of her thigh pretty high up – barely peeking out of her shorts which were too short to begin with I might add. I asked her to please not write on her leg like that and to go wash it off. As it turns out, she is not the one that had written on her leg. She told her her friend’s dad had done it. I jerked her up on the counter pulled her shorts up and looked to my dismay at this drawing of what started on the upper inside of her thigh and went all the way up to the beginning of her panty line. Blaring rockets went off inside my head.
I started calmly washing it off and telling her not to let “xxx’s” (not going to use names here) dad ever do this again cause ink is not always easy to get off. I tried to turn the conversation into quizzing her about what prompted this artwork on her leg without alarming her or getting upset in front of her so that she didn’t think she was in trouble.
As the conversation went on, I discovered that this girl’s dad had a little game he would play in the bathroom with not only his daughter but her friends as well. The lights would be off and groping would go on with the game being to identify what you were touching. He would also spend time in the hot tub with these girls. Thank God, I noticed the drawing on her leg when I did.
I immediately called some of the other girls parents who frequented this little girls house. We all individually talked to our girls and then colletively we reported everything we had been told by our daughters to the school principal and counselor. Within days, this father was in jail. He had not made it as far as molesting any of his dauther’s friends at that point, but it turned out he had been molesting his daughter for several years and she told the school counselor everything. This particular man was also a well known businessman and came from a family who owned several businesses in the city where this happened. Her mother also worked at the school all these girls attended.
I honestly do not know how the mother did not know this was going on. I asked my daughter where the mother was when the dad was in the bathroom with her drawing on her leg and she said in the kitchen. Excuse me?
Something very similar happened with my other daughter and it was with the dad of some young children that she babysat for when she was in high school. Thank goodness she had the awareness about her to let her know something wasn’t quite right and she quit babysitting for them. Within a year of that happening he had 3 different charges of child molestation against him and is now serving two 20 year consective sentences.
I’m unsure whether or not this is more rampant than it used to be years ago or if it is just being confronted and not swept under the carpet.
I feel that many people have either themself been victims or personally know someone and this has touched so much of us that the more people that speak up, the more incidences we all hear about.
Sad, but true.
The last statistic I heard was 1 in 4 women will be assaulted in their lifetime. I wonder what it would be if it were all reported? Women and children are not safe in this society, where they are expected to fend for themselves and are left vulnerable.
Talina, that story is so horrible. I am so happy that nothing happened to your daughter. I just can’t imagine all this…..it’s just so wrong!
Val, you are so correct. Women and children are not safe…..
Talina, thank you for sharing your story. A lot of the time we just don’t want to BELIEVE this is going on but 1 in 4 women is a big statistic…
My husband’s reaction to all of this was that that the mom was lying…and this was without ANY knowledge of the matter. It broke my heart but my response was “regardless of what Aaliyah is going through…THIS IS GOING ON EVERYDAY! It’s just behind closed doors…”
In the mother’s blog, if I’m correct she mentioned the ped threatening to kill her and the young girl if she “doesn’t back off”. My biggest fear is this man snapping…the pressure is on surely. It’s very obvious how inconspicuous the mother is trying to be with the GAG on her back…yet still trying to maneuver her way around it with the help of her sister (Cara I believe), boyfriend and father…and now a wide variety of worried people across the US made aware by internet…
I just feel that this is going to be big in a short time…and I hope that as well because if it’s too prolonged…the last thing we need is this ped reacting and “shutting everyone up”….
Sean’s Voice – Thank you for all of the contacts. I have composed a letter and sent it to each of those listed. Together we will get help for this little girl. If nothing is going on then I’ve only given up a little of my time to make some calls, send some emails and letters. If it is all true, then together we may have saved this child’s life. I could not live with myself if I stood idly by if there is even a CHANCE this story is true.
Thank you again for the list of contacts and God Bless.
Ontop of contacting officials…I am also spreading awareness through e-mail, myspace and the website Cafemom.com … what else can one do to help?
My brother-in-law, Darrel, began telling my husband about Aaliyah’s situation over a year ago. My husband would get off the phone and tell me what Darrel told him, and my heart would break for Aaliyah. At one point I told my husband to tell Darrel that Connie and Aaliyah could come stay with us.
Even back then, just hearing the story, it sounded to me like something awful was happening to Aaliyah. As an adult survivor of severe abuse in all forms that was NEVER taken seriously, I knew all too well the pain Aaliyah could be going through.
It was just a little over a month ago when Connie, in desperation, began to speak out as she is doing now. I saw the video, and though I have not actually met Connie or Aaliyah, I truly believe that Aaliyah is not being coached in the video.
As for APD, Placer County, and the court system doing nothing to help and possibly being corrupt, I don’t doubt it. In small towns, even now, sometimes the courts don’t do their job right. I know first hand. (though never dealt with APD or Placer County personally.)Thank you.
Thank you Denise! And welcome to BNN.
Where did Darrel hear about her? I’m glad your brother-in-law is such a compassionate person and brought it to your husband’s attention.
I am Cara Bedwell, Aaliyah’s Aunt (the one in the video). There is so much to say and I don’t even know where to start. I worked in the afternoon at the time and Connie worked in the evening so a few nights during the week I would watch Aaliyah make her dinner, give her a bath and put her to bed. The Pedophile had visitation with Aali and would take her for 1 to 4 hours and bring her home. Aaliyah had grown to have a relationship with him throughout his supervised visitation. Approximately May of 2007 he had knocked on the door and she ran away, so I picked her up and opened the door. I handed him the baby bag and she was crying, as I tried to hand her over to him she was screaming, digging her nails into me, fighting to get away from him and was holding on for dear life! I looked at the pedophile and every ounce in my body was telling me not to give her to him because she had never acted that way before! He grabbed her from my arms and left.
Almost everytime he had come to pick her up after that time she has screamed, dug her nails into us, pulled out her eyelashes while crying and running away to not have to go to him. Most of the time she wouldn’t even look at him. We even have some of these exchanges on video.
A little over a month later I was giving Aaliyah a bath one night and found three bruises on her. That was the first out of 11 cps reports.
From that moment, up to the time they took my niece away from my sister, Aaliyah has done and said all that i am about to tell you.
* Multiple times she has stated daddy and grandpa give her owies and hit her. She has stated where they hit her, and how they are always mad and angry.
* Aaliyah has put a pillow over my lap, sat next to me and put pillow over her lap and said, “We need to be safe from daddy.”
* She has told me multiple times her dolls and stuffed animals are crying, scared, bad and dead. Her whole world revolves around being safe.
* She no longer wanted to use her potty after we had already gotten her out of diapers even to this day she is in diapers from his abuse towards her.
* Aali stated multiple times daddy hurts her pee pee and her butt hurts.
* She has horrific nightmares that last all night long sometimes. She screams and doesn’t want the light off or even want to sleep in a bed. She uses a flashlight to protect her in the dark and would tell us it is safe with the lights on.
* She constantly would cry and say she didn’t want to go to daddys house and that he was bad, mad and hits her. She would come home brainwashed thinking he was a parrot and spoke of grandpa how had two split personalities that she called grandpa and papi.
* When we got Aali back from his house she never wanted her pants changed or her clothes taken off for her bath. She had never use to do that. She use to love bath time!
* She came home with a bruise on her lower back and forehead. She explained to me twice how daddy kicked her and she acted out how she flew and bonked her head on the table!
* She is scared of men because of the abuse.
* When she falls down she starts crying and runs and hides like she’s in trouble or like someone did it to her.
* She has been afraid of worms because of the abuse we just didnt understand why until later when she made disclosures about daddy’s one eyed hairy worm.
* She has told us to kiss her baby with our tongue. She would lick us when she would come home from him.
* She would tell us how daddy hits her and he had to hit her but she is not supposed to tell mommy but she is supposed to tell grandma.
*She has told us that grandma doesnt love her anymore because she watches grandpa(the mean personality) hit her and she doesnt help her. She has explained that after he hits her grandma cries and says sorry to her. She has mentioned her little cousin cries also.
* I’m sure most of you have watched the “Worm”
video. That should say enough in itself. There have been numerous times of her complaining how daddy’s worm hurts her tongue. She has said he doesnt like her boobies because their too small. She has tried to stick objects up her vagina. She would state gross in pee pee and daddy hurts her under her poo bear diaper.
There is so much more I can’t even begin to explain…it has been going on for two years now this May. There is so much intricate detail to this situation and the authorities dont seem to care to even talk to a single person who has witnessed all of Aaliyah’s behavior, bruises and statements. Aaliyah was never coached, she would be telling us right out of his arms and in the car on the way home from the exchanges.
That video is just a speck of what Aaliyah has said. I have seen the changes in her character from never wanting to go to the pedophiles and now she is now stuck with him. Connie has every right as a mother to protect her child when her baby is saying and doing these things! I have seen so much and have been disgusted with this so called “justice system” not stepping in to help or talk to anyone who has seen my niece’s cry for help and instead giving my niece to an alcoholic who has a long history of abuse. He used to be on supervised visitation for his alcohol abuse and abuse towards Connie and abuse towards Aaliyah when she was 4 weeks old. He even has a previous criminal record. Connie is a great mother and puts Aali’s needs before her own and will stand up for the truth no matter what.
It is heartbreaking that she is 3 yrs. old and has to go through more trials than most people do in a lifetime!
I want to thank everyone who has been supportive and has helped spread aaliyahs story to try to bring my sweet little niece justice. Please continue to pray for her safety! Thank you both for taking the time to investigate and give us witnesses a chance to be heard for Aaliyah’s sake.
– Cara Bedwell
Thank you, Cara, for being brave enough to come here and share this. My heart is now even more broken. With all that everyone, everywhere, has done and is still doing, I have every bit of faith that Aaliyah will be home to Connie soon!
And Darrel is my sisters boyfriend. The pedophile started abusing Aaliyah because he found out through stalking my sister at our apartment that she began dating someone else. Abusers think their victims are their possessions. In the pedophiles mind Connie and Aaliyah are his property that he thinks he can do whatever he wants with and that they are his to control. Aaliyah is all he has left of Connie to use to try to control her. I actually believe in his sick mind he is molesting Aaliyah because he thinks in his own twisted way he is having a sexual relationship with Connie. He is obsessed with her. He told her when she was pregnant that he hoped she would get stretch marks all over her entire body so that nobody would ever want her again. The pedophile is like another Scott Peterson that charms the heck out of everyone. He threatened to kill Connie while she was pregnant with Aaliyah. This guy is a complete utter sicko. Most of the outrageous lies started around the internet are straight from the peds mouth. He is an extremely skilled liar and has managed to fool people that he isnt abusing her even when her bruises were right in their face. He has managed to talk his way out of the worm video. When she came home with the bruises the first time that were in the shape of a hand grabbing her and a larger bruise across her thigh and hip were so obvious as to how she would have got them. The bruises from when he kicked her in the back were obvious there were two opposite forces hitting her. She had one bruise across her back that she complained about for almost two weeks. We thought he had broke her tail bone because she kept grabbing it saying it was hurting. He wants to talk like we just had her x rayed for no reason. You cant get your child x rayed unless a doctor does a referral which Aaliyah’s pediatrician did luckily she didnt have any broken bones. He is sick, sick, sick, and he is good at keeping it behind closed doors. After everything he has done I hope the truth is exposed to a point he cant deny the facts and play off of all of the “professionals” here in Placer County that dont have the brains to keep up with the games of pedophile.
The saying is so true… where there is smoke there is fire!! The entire nation should be able to see the smoke coming from the whole State of California because the whole County of Placer is on fire!!
I would like to thank Cara and Denise for standing up for Aaliyah and Connie. Cara, Simon and I would like to talk to by phone if that would be OK with you. If you could email me at jannyo@gmail.com and let me know when a convenient time to call you tomorrow if possible. I would appreciate it. God bless you all. My prayers will be with Aaliyah and Connie.
It sounds like the Pediatrician would have extensive suspicious injuries on file for your case. Doctors are really conscientious about reporting suspected abuse.
Here is Connie’s boyfriend Darrel’s signature off the petition…
# 412:May 2, 2009, Darrel Payne, California
In response to #165– As you said there are parts of the story that the mother has not shared… First off- how she had to move to Alaska with her family a few weeks after her daughter was born because the father abused the mother WHILE she was holding their newborn baby- or how he pulled a baseball bat out on her and would not let her leave with her baby. She also forgot to mention that she tried to let the father have a “normal” relationship with his daughter- but when the daughter started returning from him with bruises on her arms and legs she became worried. Or when suddenly the daughter would start screaming and run away from him the instant she saw him or heard his voice, how she would pull her eyelashes out screaming while digging her nails into her mothers back holding on with every ounce of strength she had to not go with him. She forgot to mention how her daughter would NEVER look him, or her grandpa in the eyes when they exchanged custody, she would always look at her mom or stare at anything but him. She never mentioned how his attorney is married to one of the two family law judges in the county that is hearing the case- that his attorney knows everyone in the county and is friends with them and they have never once looked at the evidence before making a judgement against her. She must have forgot to state how many times her daughter BEGGED and PLEADED not to go to his house, how she would always ask me to go to my house instead of his! She also forgot to mention how her daughter was seeing a psychologist for play therapy after you-oops I mean him- started molesting his daughter- and that the psychologist said that there was definitely abuse going on with the father. It’s a plain out lie on your part about what the professionals said about her… Im sure you have read the psych report as well as I have, and NOWHERE in it does it ever say she is diagnosed as narcissistic, delusional, and borderline schizophrenic– but it does say that she is in the top third of intelligence in the nation, and COMPLETELY FIT TO BE A MOTHER. For you to twist and lie about that is completely dishonest- but what would we expect from someone who is “friends” (I say friends because I’m sure that this is not the sick father himself writing the comment…) with someone who thinks its ok to abuse women and molest children, especially their own child! Why would you spend so much time writing this comment trying to make her look bad- but spend only one quick second saying anything about the video? Is it that the fact a two year old who says her daddy puts him worm in her mouth and it makes her cough… and it tastes yucky, and he HAS TO WIPE IT OFF WITH LIKE A NAPKIN!!! SOUNDS LIKE YOU KNOW THERE IS NO WAY TO FIGHT THAT IN COURT AND YOU ARE GOING TO DO ANYTHING YOU CAN TO KEEP THAT VIDEO OUT OF COURT! Anybody with half a brain can CLEARLY see what this sweet little girl is talking about- it’s funny that you can offer no excuses for it! Im sure that your comment is out of desperation, trying to get anyone on your side- but you are realizing people are not blind and the truth will come out eventually and you will get what you deserve… I am not scared to use my real name as I know I have seen the truth and am speaking the truth- as I have been dating the mother for over two years and have witnessed everything the daughter has told us, and I have witnessed how AMAZING of a mother she has been, and how your daughter completely changed attitudes towards you about the time the bruises started showing up… Ohhh and I looked up the name Ann Cloter from texas- she died a few years ago- thats pretty low to use a dead woman’s name…
When APD sees all of our testimonies then maybe they will realize they all need new jobs because they dont have a clue how to
I N V E S T I G A T E!!!!
Here is mine and Connie’s dad, Aaliyah’s “pop pop”‘s statement off the petition and I am sure they will be writing you more…
# 676:May 4, 2009, Tim Bedwell, Alaska
PEDOPHILES attorney wrote #165. – Her twisted, distorted misrepresentations and outright lies aimed at the mother on behalf of the pedophile and his family. With this in mind, readers should examine its veracity in light of one having to have your attorney write their slur, clandestinely in the shadows, so the Pedophile clan could post under numerous false names including the name; ANN CLOTER a woman whos been dead for two years in Texas. Pedophiles attorney resides in Placer County, California. This letter originated from there and was posted to various sites. Pedophile clan, are you people so ignorant that you dont know your ISPN # is traceable? (GIVE THAT SOME THOUGHT) Isnt that right, Mermaid, Dave, Ann Cloter, youareliars, itdoesnotmatter Iamamotheroftwo and #675 and all the other various lying, rumor spreading posts? All of which come from only five people. Further poof, compare the writing styles of the five compared to ANN CLOTER #165, you can clearly see the pedophile clan collectively, are not capable of such methodical writing. Each of their posting to discredit the video and the mother, traces back to the city where Pedophile lives, written by the Pedophile and his family clan and friends. (what a shocking surprise!) Which leads us to; If what Pedophiles attorney is saying about the mother is the truth, why didnt Pedophiles attorney put her real name on the petition to stand up and be counted for her “innocent client”? Could it be because attorneys are held account able for what they say and do by the California Bar Association. This brings to mind the saying; How do you know an attorneys lying? .THEIR LIPS ARE MOVING! Pedophiles attorney tells the tale from the shadows, crafting the spin of diversion. When attorneys cant speak to the facts and specifics of the evidence, they change the subject from evidence of the crime, to attack, malign and destroy the credibility of victims and witnesses ITS THE ALWAYS PREDICTABLE STRATEGY OF THE GUILTY! Pedophiles attorneys attempts to shift the readers thoughts from the appalling retched disgust of the pedophiles acts of sexual molestation of his 26 month old baby daughter, through a spin of twisted, distorted misrepresentations and lies for false perception of the mother rather than address the evidence. All designed to discredit the mother, bring support to the idea that the baby was coached to say all these things. COMMON SENSE SHOWS THAT TO BE IMPOSSIBLE! Pedophiles attorney presents no evidence whatsoever to back up her deceitful spin! She hopes youre unaware that all evidence submitted to the court is served to opposing parties. She to would have possession of evidence that shes misleadingly requesting from the mother. A correct question to her and the pedophile is; WHERE ARE ALL THE HOURS UPON HOURS OF VIDEO THAT SHOWS THE MOTHER COACHING THE BABY THAT YOU CLAIM EXISTS AND THE COURT HAS REJECTED AS BEING COACHED??? If it exists as she so adamantly claims, she should have a copy or can get a copy from the court. When you find your copies, be sure to post it on the internet and prove us ALL liars! You know and we know it doesnt exist so quit the spin and dispute Aaliyahs accusations with facts not fallacious fantasy! If you cant dazzle them with brilliance Baffle them with B.S. The rule the pedophile clan operates under! . SO BACK TO THE DADDYS WORM VIDEO EVIDENCE I ask the DADDYS WORM VIDEO viewers to give careful, examining, detailed thought to how one would go about coaching a 26 month old child to describe; a penis, how her DADDY has her touch it, all the descriptive sequential acts of fellatio even describing how DADDY cleans up her mouth and face after the fact, in 27+ minutes of uninterrupted video? This in conjunction with Aaliyahs symptomatic nightmares and fears related to her described traumas. Explain how that would relate to what the baby saying, DADDYS WORM hurts my tongue_ DADDYS WORM hurts my mouth_ DADDYS WORM hurts my throat_ DADDYS WORM makes me cough_ DADDYS WORM tastes yucky_ DADDY wipes it off with like a napkin, all in the context of DADDYS WORM How is it that she can accurately describes male genitalia, It has one eye and hair like on my head. NOT like Baby Einsteins two eyed, green and orange worm! Ask yourselves, what has caused her to be so terrified of Baby Einsteins worm and now all worms! She NEVER once says it Baby Einsteins worm that does any or all these horrific things to her! She consistently says its DADDYS WORM! Explain her intense dislike of father and grandpa? Yes the professionals say she has a good and healthy relationship with her father. Have any of these professionals ever considered that shes been beaten into submission and non disclosure, by people 3 time her size and 100 times her strength, with no one she can look to for protection? Not even grandma! Of course while under threat shes going to perform to her fathers dictates. Why at every visitation does she beg her mother, take me home with you to your house. This sweet, beautiful, innocent baby has been mentally, physically and sexually abused for over two years now. Thats 2/3rds of her life! The pedophile is doing everything he can do to silence her through physical abuse, threats and indoctrination to confuse, intimidate and silence her crying out for help. AALIYAH WE STILL HEAR YOUR CRIES and were fighting for you with all our might and with all we have! We love and miss you Pooky, youll be coming home to Mommy & Darrel soon, with many thanks to THE THOUSANDS OF GOOD, DESCENT, DISCERNING people who hear your cries too. I love you and miss you. Pop Pop. PLACER COUNTY THIS CHILD IS IN A REAL AND PRESENT DANGER OF GREAT BODILY HARM, FAR GREATER THAN WHAT SHE HAS ALREADY BEEN SUBJECTED TO! REMOVE THIS CHILD FROM OUT OF THE HANDS OF HER ABUSERS IMMEDIATELY & FOREVER! AFTER THEIR CONVICTIONS, PROSECUTE THEM TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW!
There has been a group of us trying to contact anyone we know to get her case brought into the public. if you go to saveaailyah.com you can find more info on what is being done now and hear the mothers accounts through other links.
I would like to point out that I am in no way related to the people involved. I do not know them, and you can have Jan Barrett trace my ISP. I have contacted Simon, and described my situation.
I am guilty of nothing more than not knowing all the details of this case, and making an uninformed statement of my OWN OPINION.
How dare you make accusations about me?
Not everyone who has an opinion you do not agree with is related to this case!! You need to get a grip, and focus on getting the important facts of this case out there, and stop pointing fingers at people who can help you.
I have written letters on behalf of this innocent child to Placer County officials, and the State Attorney General. I figured since I live in California, my complaints would carry a bit more weight because I am a resident.
I have brought the message of this abuse to several websites and furthered your cause.
Do not make me regret it by further baseless accusations. Do the research before you slam people who are not your enemy!
7:54 SEAN’S VOICE
I have been crying here, looking at that beautiful, beautiful child, your Grandson Sean.
WHERE IS HIS MURDERER – in JAIL? I HOPE “IT” IS! I hope Sean’s sister is far away from her – forever! I saw her picture in the background … disgusting creature.
Prayers are coming to you and yours, and your baby from the Pacific West Coast.
I am so glad you found us .. WELCOME! Simon and Jan are sooo wonderful! WE are all lucky to have found them, and blessed to have them in our lives. All Angel’s don’t have wings … …
I am so sad I can’t even think right now.
Simon and Jan have a radio show on Sundays. In fact, you can hear last week’s show ( Was GREAT!) because it’s in the “can”. Do tune in, and call in if you want.
We will all continue working here for the babies.
I was told to take it easy now … was in the Hospital 2 weeks ago. Tests still going on – outpatient basis, so far.
Peace with with you … Little Sean will not suffer, ever again!
Heart <3
Here is a link to send an inquiry directly to the Crime Victims Services of the California Attorney General’s office. It is the fastest way to ask for help for this child at a state level, including an investigation of judicial malfeasance/misconduct:
http://ag.ca.gov/victimservices/contact.php
Here is the info to contact the Placer County District Attorney to request an investigation:
Bradford R. Fenocchio
Placer County District Attorney
10810 Justice Center Drive Suite #240
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 543-8000
(916) 543-2550 fax
bfenocch@placer.ca.gov
Here is how you can contact the California Judicial Review Board about the Judge in this case-
Read the link Simon provided- this county has a real problem with it’s Judicial system!
Complaints must be submitted in writing. The Commission cannot accept complaints over the telephone or submitted by e-mail.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE:
Commission on Judicial Performance
455 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 14400
San Francisco, CA 94102
This child needs help, and it only takes a few minutes to write a letter, or send an email, or send a fax. Please, all of you that live in California, make the extra effort to contact these officials, and the other’s listed in previous posts on this page. Out of state contacts are also welcome, but politicians pay attention when constituents write!
The judge’s name and case number are available in other posts. As are the names of the people involved.
Here is the link to the story Simon had on the other article…about the judicial system in Placer County:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/43819/placer_county_judicial_system.html?cat=17
Thank you all for sharing your stories. I am writing letters as well. Cara, thank you for sharing. Jan and Simon are courageous warriors for our innocent children who have no voice. Rest assured that they will fight for Aaliyah and not give up until justice is served. There are a good number of people that write and read this blog and listen to the radio show. The word is getting out there. God bless you all!
I just wrote to the lawyer that is going after octomom…..
KarenCCC – isn’t there a court date today for something? I seem to remember that but can’t remember if it is actually today and what it is for?
Talina, yes there is. The pedophile is trying to extend the restraining order against her.
We can hope that this day in court has a happier outcome, as there is a new judge hearing the case right?
Blues, that is what I am told. I hope so too. Especially this judge. She resided over the first case and put a restraining order on the ped! So, I am praying….
Does anyone know why there is a new judge on the case?
Talina, I went back through my emails, because I thought there was an expliation for that. But I couldn’t find anything. I don’t know.
This sounds like another case where the stepdad was abusing the three year old girl Kelsey Briggs that died from being slammed to the floor while her mother was picking up her step son from school. Multipul calls made Dr. appointments and nothing was done. That beautiful little girl died at the hands of someone that was to care for her. There is a great video out there call “Kelsey Briggs” God please watch over this child. LEAVE OUR CHILDREN ALONE!!!!!!
Teresa, that’s exactly the case I was speaking about that made me jump on this Aaliyah one! She actually wasn’t slammed to the floor, what Mike Porter did was punch her in the stomach when she started screaming for her mother while he was sexually abusing her. Sick!
Teresa, and the mother was picking up her step daughter.
Do you have an update on the court appearance that was scheduled for today?
Bay, I haven’t heard anything yet. I don’t know if I will today. But, if I do, everyone here will know.
I keep on forgetting, too, that they are three hours behind me. So, they are still in court now.
Has anyone heard anything from Aaliyah’s family about court?
Cara and family,
I have posted your information from your post on our message forum for Aaliyah on brokenchild.org. We are the sister site to Kelsey’s Purpose, named for Kelsey Briggs (mentioned above). Our members are praying for you and will do whatever it takes to help ensure Aaliyah’s safety. You are in our prayers.
Simon and I are going to be talking them tonight. Hopefully we can find out how it went in court today
Thanks Jan and Simon, please keep us informed. I have been reading the blog for a few days now, finally getting a chance to post 🙂 Thanks to KarenCCC who pointed this case out to me on May 1, and the Child Protection Community who reinforced the call to action!
I do know Connie and her family. She and I discussed certain options long ago. Do you know the cost of going underground? How do you get work? You must have identification, social security numbers, birth certs. Do you know how to get these things? I don’t. I assume also that they would not come cheap. If she did become a vigilante the baby would go to the parents of the father, NOT her family members. If she took her and was EVER EVER caught, even ten years from now she would go to jail and the pedophile would take custody and then there would be no one left to oppose him. Think about ALL the ramifications and what it would take for TWO people to really vanish, it is romantic and wonderful like winning the lotto, but generally impractical, especially withoug skilled experienced help, and such people don’t advertise. The risk would be huge and it is against the law.
REMEMBER: Sexual abuse is about power and control. Studies show that sexual offenders who have been chemically castrated move on to more heinous crimes such as murder to fulfill their disfunction. It is not simply about physical gratification. This does not make these men stupid. They are skilled and evolved liars. You can not see them from a mile away. Church elders, doctors and lawyers etc. can also be pedophiles. The majority of children who suffer from sexual abuse are abused by a relative or close family friend. This does not happen because the parents left the children with people they knew they couldn’t trust, just the opposite. It does happen, and needing help to stop it does not make it a hoax. Connie has had no positive reinforcement for her honesty. She has nothing, has sold her car, her furniture, her household items to finance the visitation and try to save for a retainer for a good lawyer. She has lost more and more custody of her daughter, had devoted her life to fighting for her daughter. Her relationships have suffered, she fights off despair nightly wondering if her daughter is asleep or being forced to perform sex acts on her own father. Sleep does not come easily for Connie, let me tell you. So what is the gainn for Connie? She has not had much effect on the pedophile and has lost her daughter. This kind of thing is not something people do in their spare time.
[…] Aaliyah Bedwell is a three year old girl who lives about 40 miles from Sacramento, California. There is convincing evidence that she has been sexually abused by her father. Jan and I have talked at length with people who know this child, and there is no doubt in my mind that there are grounds for some real concern for this girls safety. Rather than investigating the claims local law enforcement and the courts have totally ignored the allegations, in fact they have given full custody to the accused man. […]
The only thing I want to state is that unless the mother appropriately sets up a TRUST WITH AN ACCOUNTANT AND LAW FIRM – there should be no one donating to her personally. If this turns out to be a fraud / hoax, then you are out your hard earned money that you will never reclaim. She asks for money but will not go out of her way to explain to whom specifically it is going to or exactly how the money is being used. That makes me sit on the fence to the motives here. Make a trust for the child where we can see the banking information to confirm that it is going into trust for Aaliyah and ONLY Aaliyah and then maybe I’ll change my tune more.
I hope something happens to save that little girl, I’m following this story
Im Aaliyah’s Aunt Christen. I would like to appologize to mermaid and anyone who feels like they were being attacked. You have to realize that this case is so covered in lies and the truth is burried. And that we have been fighting lie after lie after lie, and the case gets side tracked to focus on Connie and not Aaliyah. Lies such as, Connie is coaching Aaliyah to say things, and that this is detrimental to the child, that the nightmares are only happening at connies house, and that aaliyah is so happy to be with her father. Connie had full custody when she started reporting the bruises and the things Aaliyah was saying. This whole thing got turned around on connie because she didnt have an attorney and a complete moron for a judge. They turned it into a custody battle when it wasn’t. Sometimes emotion gets thrown into it and things come off wrong. Thank you for everyones help in this situation. If you dont feel like you want to donate, dont. The web page was thrown together to get outside help in anyway possible. I didnt know about setting up a trust for Aaliyah or what we should do. Ill look into it. I have friends that have donated because they know what we have been fighting for so long. Thank you to everyone who has helped in any little way. Prayers are probably the biggest help that we can get.
With love to all the helping friends,
Christen
The video should be proof enough. You have to understand the shock that we went through when she started saying these things too. Its hard to believe someone would do this, but the proof is there. No one is listening or even bothering to hear the evidence.
There are also postings on the petition that are bashing the mother, dont believe them. What would you do if your child was going through this? I would fight til death.
Thank you for your kind words.
I have added Aaliyah’s name to a group that prays at noon and midnight every day. I can understand the frustration, and the need to be heard. I have been through problems with small town court systems, and I can truly understand what a battle it is to keep trying when the deck seems stacked and none of what is going on makes sense.
There is no pain greater than the fear your child (any child)is suffering, and no gift greater than a child. There is always hope, and I have read that your family is held together with love and faith.
We will all keep pushing for justice, and help for you and your sister and your beautiful niece. There is nothing more I can think of to do besides pray and write letters. I have asked everyone I know to do the same.
Know that you are not alone in this fight for Aaliyah. Blessings to you and your family in these trying times.
Carol Smith this is to put you on the spot… Why on earth would you give a hoot if the money was in a trust??? What do you care? Sounds kind of controlling to me! The funny thing about even saying something like that is extremely off the wall given the fact that the ped clan has suggested the same thing so the father could have access to the money to once again CONTROL everything. It apparently isnt fraud. The money is going to be used for exactly what it says it is for and if it is not then the police can do their job. Until then I would love to hear your rediculous reasoning for even stating something like that. The money has not yet been touched and is going to exactly what it says it is going towards…AALIYAH’S DEFENSE (It wasnt raised for the pedophile to control.)
Let me ask you do you give money to a bum and tell him what he can do with it?
You must not know how to read because It clearly states what it is for and nobody is asking for you to donate a thing. The fact you seem so stuck on the money (more than the people even trying to raise it) is sending some RED FLAGS to me.
But who am I to know what I am talking about…
Just CURIOUS…
Everyone has a right to give their opinion on this site. If you don’t like it then don’t read them!
I-CALL-IT, I agree with you, but you are fighting a losing battle. It is true that everyone has the right to their own opinion, and we shouldn’t really be trying to get anyone to believe Connie. I tried that, it’s useless. I mean, there are some that now do believe her….but the most important thing is that MOST believe that Aaliyah is in danger….that’s what we need! We need all of these voices for Aaliyah. I know how hard it is to see Connie being attacked….I have stayed out of that side of it since last Sunday. I am just so happy that people are trying to do all they can for Aaliyah now…..she needs us the most.
I-Call-it-like-it-is:
You need to read some of the other posts here on other articles on this subject.
This person Carol Smith is actually trying to GET a lawyer to represent the mother in this case. A pro-bono lawyer that will not cost this mother anything!!
Not everyone who posts something you do not like is related to the father’s side. Attacking posts
made will not help this mother get the help she needs. Focus on the ways to help this beautiful child, get the facts out there, tell people about it, tell people how to help.
Asking questions, or making suggestions do not equate to being part of the problem or being pedophile supporters. Some people are trying to help and are being attacked for it, tends to make them stop wanting to help. If having the money go into a trust fund will make more people comfortable and willing to donate- would this not be a good thing? Trust funds are very common in the banking world as a place to receive public donations. The bank can help the family set this up. There is no charge for this service that I have ever run into for this.
I believe this child is what is important, and these types of negative comments are not keeping the focus where it needs to be.
WE NEED TO FIND WAYS TO HELP THIS CHILD!
I work for a CPS in a different state and I know that where I work has different regulations/laws but I just have a few questions/comments.
First off, is the mother only allowed supervised visitation? And if so, why is that? The only way that where I work makes visitation supervised is if the parent is inappropriate/unstable or if we have taken the children from the parent(s).
Also, in regards to “CPS not doing anything” you need to understand a few things. Now bear in mind that I am in no way defending them because I do not know what they have or have not done. I am just throwing out my opinion as a fellow CPS worker from another state. Where I work, CPS cannot use any hearsay information. We need to hear from the horse’s mouth or see the actual injury (if there is one). Not that we do not take what people state to us into mind but we cannot use that as being the absolute truth. Unfortunately, that is because we get calls all the time (and I stress ALL THE TIME) from exes, family, friends, neighbors stating all sorts of things that turn out bogus because there is a custody hearing coming up, their dog pooped in their yard, they stole that person’s boyfriend/girlfriend, etc. That is just the unfortunate truth of the job. I will also be the first to tell you that the system is not perfect. I see that every day on a first hand basis. But I would say that most of what I go out and see is completely false/bogus/malicious allegations.
Also, in regards to pictures/videos it is hard for my agency to use them in a CPSinvestigation because they can be easily altered. For instance, in the “worm” video (and this is just a comment so please do not throw stones) you can barely see Aaliyah and you cannot see her mother or aunt. Anyone could take that as “oh you are whispering to her what to say” because it is hard to make out what her aunt/mom are saying to her. I am not saying that the aunt and mom are doing that I’m just stating what someone could possibly think!
In my state, we have a physician who specializes in looking for sexual abuse in children. The actual exam is very easy and children just veiw it as a physical. Is there a doctor in your state that specializes in that? I think that would definitely be something to look into!!
Once again, I am not saying that this did or did not occur to this little girl (though I really hope it did not!!). I’m just trying to give some advice from someone who works in the CPS system and hopefully it will help!
Confused, have you gone to http://www.saveaaliyah.com? If you haven’t, go there and read the “about us” part of the site. Also, there is an interview with the mother and CPC right under the video. All I can answer is that the baby was taken away from the mom because she was making sexual abuse allegations, the court would not take her evidence into account. They say that CPS was involved 11 times (at least) and at times said that the bruises weren’t visible enough to determine what happened, even though the baby said what had happened. But, if you read the site, “about us”, maybe some of your questions will be answered….or maybe someone else can be more of help?
It isnt accusing Carol about being on the fathers side it is about asking her to clarify why she would even say what she is saying. There shouldnt be a problem with her answereing a simple question. Like it says on there I am curious…not accusing. It is a matter of fact that the ped clan is saying the same stuff (maybe a coincidence?? the clan has certain motives)… my question is why is that her opinion. And exactly everybody has a right to their own opinion…
Bashing the way saveaaliyah.com set it up isnt helping Aaliyah. That is my point in asking why she would be directing people away from helping. I just find it strange.
Aali needs an attorney to present the evidence to the system or she needs a psychologist to explain that these games she is playing means her life is being threatened.
My point to all of this is Aaliyah is in great harms way. You are either helping or your not. My personal opinion…somebody saying such things- is that really helping Aaliyah??
Just posing questions and intentions…
KarenCCC-I have been to the website which is how I found this site. And I know once I saw this I will be blackballed but….in regards to bruises (and once again this is where I work in another state) they have to cause SEVERE pain, injury or impairment regardless of how it happened for us to step in. For instance, a kid has a bruise on his arm and says that his dad grabbed him. Dad admits to grabbing the child because he wasn’t listening. Child denies pain, injury or impairment of his arm. We cannot keep that child from his father.
That is just an example. Like I said before, obviously I do not know what CPS has or has not done. I do not know what this child has or has not said. I do find it hard to believe though that a judge would just be like “oh mom you’re crazy for thinking your child is being sexually abused” because those are serious allegations whether they are true or not. But I’m in a different state and cannot speak for who this judge is because he/she could very well be a wacko 😀
I see it, I totally agree with you….totally. That’s why I don’t respond to anythiny anyone says that is attacking Connie or the validity of the site, video or whatever….Carol Smith said she wanted to find a lawyer, that’s what I responded to. Nothing anyone says will sway me from thinking that all of Connie’s friends and family, and Connie herself, is stating the truth. NOTHING. I said the same thing last week, either your here to help or not…I got chewed an new one….just trying to save you I guess LOL!
Confused, I am sorry, but your policies SUCK! I have read so many abuse stories in the last three months to make me freaking vomit! The policies need to change! I have been told that people such as you are underpaid, overworked and sometimes just so jaded that things slip through the cracks. When I saw this video, I said to myself, “I am NOT going to let this baby be murdered and then hear the freaking crap that comes out of CPS after they fail her.” I have one question, why after 11 times they did not take the baby out of the house and do an investigation? Why is it that the baby has to be put in a hospital before it is recognized as abuse? I can’t sit here and listen to this…..these policies need to be changed.
The judge that told her that she was crazy is the husband of the “father’s” attorney….can you understand it now?
Confused, sorry….I don’t mean to direct my anger at you…really, I know you see and hear a lot from what you do for a living. But how does it not infuriate you? Or does it? I just can’t stand the fact that children in CPS’ care (and not) are being brutally beaten, starved, sexually and physically abused and they say they can’t do anything about it unless its EXCESSIVE…..I just can’t fathom this!
KarenCCC-trust me I know the system blows. I deal with it everyday. And like I said before, I do not know what the policies/regulations, etc are for the state that these people live in. There regs/laws may be different then ours. I was just trying to offer what little help I thought I could.
The CPS that I work at has had numerous reports of families as well and nothing can be done because our hands are tied unfortunately by the laws. It’s just the unfortunate part of the job.
It’s awful that I try to offer some advice/suggestions and get bitched at for it. I’m just stating what could be taken from any side. When you try to collect evidence you need to be cautious about how you do so. That’s the bottom line.
I’ll stop trying to offer advice since obviously it’s not getting through to some people that I do this for a living and may be able to offer some advice on how to handle the situation.
And if that judge was the father of the father’s attorney…..isn’t that a conflict of interest? IT should have been taken to someone else immediately no questions asked.
But hey, what do I know right KarenCCC?
It’s what we have to do though. I’m not above the law….no one is. It does sometimes piss me off but I’ve learned to deal with it. There isn’t much I can do about it. But you must understand that it does not always get to be EXCESSIVE before anything is done. Every situation is different and every child is different. For every abuse case you hear on the news that the child was beaten so severely that it had to be life flighted to another hospital, there are about 10 or more other abuse cases that were not as significant but are still being done. I am only 1 person and carry a caseload of approximately 35-40 families…..please just keep that in mind. We do all that we can but if we get nothing from the families and children there is not much that we can do!
Sorry about my post appearing to be angry with you as well. It’s just very hard for us CPS workers to hear the agencies getting slammed in the mud for everything because we do do as much as we can and we are not allowed to defend ourselves to the media.
Thank you for your insight Concerned. I for one appreciate your comments, and want to encourage you to continue to post.
I think it is important to understand all the components and facets of this case, and not just the emotional side.
I find what you have to say very helpful.
Confused, please don’t do that….I am just angry at the policies. I apologized for getting angry with you…I know you didn’t put those policies in place. I am just so mad and sad for these children. I feel so helpless. That’s it, really, please don’t stop posting.
And I never said you were wrong about anything. Again, please accept my apology.
It is especially hard in those “excessive” cases that are front pages news because people just bad mouth CPS all the time. It’s hard for me to hear because a lot of them come off as accusing the CPS worker of being the cause of the abuse. A lot of times, the abuse happened before we got involved. People just need to realize that we all try to do what we can.
But I would really suggest looking into a doctor that is specialized in sexual abuse signs.
Plus, with all the websites etc, I would not want this mother to get into legal trouble for trying to protect her daughter. That would be the last thing she needs
The laws and structure you have to work with are not easily changed.
Cases like this and information from people who do the job help raise awareness.
It must be incredibly difficult to work at CPS. Your compassion has to be held in check when the laws do not work.
It is the laws and the system that need to be changed.
I will accept your apology if you accept mine KarenCCC!!! 😀
Confused, thank you for accepting my apology. And you do not owe me an apology at all…I would have reacted exactly as you did. I really am sorry. As I said, I just feel so helpless.
I do believe that calls to CPS are used as tools for neighbor disputes, custody issues and other people who are out to cause problems.
This has to be especially hard to have to waste time on.
I know it happens because I have seen it done. Sadly I became aware of someone I knew (past tense- I wrote them off afterward) doing this very thing.
It really does not help the efforts of those who are in need of CPS intervention when people play these games.
Hang in there Concerned- what you do is important!
Confused, I was just talking to my 17 year old daughter about college. She doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. She is going to go for her core classes first and then hopefully decide what will be best for her. I told her that I wished so much that I had the internet back when I got out of H.S. I knew child abuse existed, but not this bad. I feel so helpless and wish that I had chosen your profession. Really, I am just angry about it all. Some of these parents, as you know, don’t even do any time for killing their child. It’s just so frustrating. I don’t watch the news because of this stuff. I came across Caylee’s story by accident and kind of wish I hadn’t. It got me on the internet and finding story after story like Aaliyah’s. I just wish it would all stop. But all the wishing and praying I do won’t stop it. And I am just so very sad. I am ashamed at how I spoke to you. Really, I am sorry.
Sorry Confused..I typed concerned..but I meant you LOL seems I am the one confused !!
My apologies for taking so long to write this letter about Connie and Aaliyah- as I have been without cell service and internet for a few days now. I have been in a relationship with Connie for over two years now- and have seen everything that has happened in the case. When Connie and I started dating, the pedophile would show up at her apartment to pick Aaliyah up for visitation, and I would remain in the other room as not to upset him by letting him see me with her. At that time Aaliyah was happy to see her dad, she would go to him, leave, and return happy from her time with him. Soon after he met me, and realized Connie was not his anymore- Aaliyah’s attitude changed quickly. She started to run from him, screaming and crying when she saw him, then she started to pull her eyelashes out, and dig her nails in Connie’s back fighting for her life to NOT go with him. She soon changed emotionally, she started to become scared of male figures, regressed in potty training, stopped sleeping in her bed and would crawl to the floor- and several times would wake up with horrible nightmares screaming at the top of her lungs scared. Around this time she came home and Cara (Connie’s sister) found bruises on her arm and leg that were OBVIOUSLY from a hand grabbing her arm- but in CPS’s eyes they were not visible enough to be proof- they were clearly visible, but just not enough for them. Aaliyah started telling us in her limited vocabulary daddy owies, daddy hurts, grandpa owies, she stated she didn’t like grandpa anymore, and she would constantly say she did not want to go to daddy’s. At exchanges (the court ordered to be in the In’n Out parking lot at the time) Aaliyah would cry the minute he stepped out of his car, she would NOT look at him or his father when they took her, and she would always hold onto Connie for life and ask to stay with her- and it was heartbreaking having to hand her over to him knowing what we knew. She came home from one visitation with him and had a LARGE bruise on her lower back, upper butt area that was yellowing (showing it had happened at the beginning of his one week visitation) that was the size of her back. She also had a contusion on her forehead, and after asking her how it happened she explained VERY CLEARLY she was kicked in the back and bumped her head on a huge table. I had phoned CPS and made a complaint with them about him- and where did it go- nowhere. They said thanks and hung up and I never heard from them again. They never investigated and never further looked into the claim.
Connie had given numerous items of evidence to auburn police department- and they did a horrendous job investigating. There sexual abuse investigator had recently quit and moved to another city- so they handed it to a normal investigator who failed to protect Aaliyah like he should have. Over FIVE MONTHS I waited to be contacted by him as I was on the top of his list of witnesses- finally I got sick of it and called him. He immediately gave me attitude and told me there was nothing I knew he needed to know. That’s where i proved him wrong- I told him stuff that if he had done anypart of his job, he would have known for himself- I asked him if he knew that the two people who were standing up for the pedophile and saying Connie taught Aaliyah to say these things were both under investigations from local law enforcements for several things. I asked if he knew they had restraining orders against them and that they could not legally see Connie OR AALIYAH- and for them to say he’s a great dad was a lie. I showed him the evidence where they left me a voicemail saying they would kill Connie, and make sure she would never see her baby again if she went to the police for the forgery they committed against her. He had no idea of this-he also admitted he had not looked at the evidence, and had not called ANYONE on her witness list, he did not even know he had one! He admitted he never even bothered to watch the worm video or the other videos Connnie had given him. How thorough of an investigation can be done without looking at the evidence or contacting people???
I have personally had Aaliyah tell me about daddy’s worm- how it’s hairy and has one eye, how it goes in her mouth and how it’s yucky and it makes her cough- at the same time she was begging me to go to my house, and to NOT GO WITH HIM- she told me she does not like it there, and several times she would get sad and depressed when we told her she is going with him, and we would try and tell her cheerfully to not make her feel worse, but she knew in her heart as well as we did why she was scared to go to his house.
Numerous times when Aaliyah would return home from visitation she would just fall limp on Connie, as if it took every ounce of her strength to spend a week with him- she still does this today in visitation, she will just sit on Connie and cry, and hold on for life when it is time to go back with him. Numerous times she would never want to sleep the night she came home from his house, she would always wake up and start screaming for her mommy- and she would not sleep in her bed anymore, to her it was not safe. When Connie would get Aaliyah back for her week of custody- for the first two or three days, Connie could not go in the other room without Aaliyah getting scared that she was gone. She would follow Connie EVERYWHERE- she was attached to her nonstop until she would finally feel that Connie was not going to leave her side, that she was there to protect her- but then the whole process would start again and the following week Aaliyah would be just as paranoid if her mom was not in eye sight.
I have known Aaliyah for over two years- and it took a while for her to get comfortable with me- but by the time the pedophile gained full-custody her and I were VERY close. I love her as my own- and I KNOW she loves me also- she was very comfortable telling me, just as with her mother all of the sickening things he is doing to her- but NOONE in the placer county court system understands a 2 1/2 year old has limited vocabulary- they dont understand how to explain male genitalia, or how he abuses her, so she does what she can- but for placer county, she does not say enough. What is it going to take for these people to see the truth? If Aaliyah being molested for years and abused in other ways by him and his family is not enough, what is? If worse happens as we hope and pray it does not- may the blood of what happens fall on their hands and I hope they must pay for their ignorance and for their ability to turn there heads on an innocent child when proof is in front of them.
WE ALL MISS YOU AALIYAH AND PRAY FOR YOUR SAFE RETURN SO WE CAN KEEP YOU SAFE AND PROTECT YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
And just to clear up some confusion that I have just read- the judge who previously resided over the case was not the husband of the ped’s lawyer. The ped’s lawyers husband is the ONLY other family law judge in the corrupt placer county. There have been many articles written about how they are a “big club” and only care about making money and keeping people in the system, and only care about helping people who are in “there club”- and his lawyer is in this club as she is married to one of the two judges in this county. Here is a link explaining how corrupt this county is that was written a while back in a local paper–
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/43819/placer_county_judicial_system.html?cat=17
Read it and it will explain what we are fighting against to protect this innocent baby girl!!!
Thank you Darrel
KarenCCC-please do not feel ashamed. If I were not in the position that I am in I would be reacting the same way as you! It is quite disgusting what happens in this world
In regards to the link that was posted regarding the court system, I personally knew both parties in one of the families that they are refering to. What they reported in not true. The mother was a really good mother, her girls were the most important thing to her. The fathers actions towards the girls were questionable and the mother was afraid of what the father was going to do to them and had some evidence of what had already been done. He would yell & threaten her in public. It is very sad that he took his life but that can not be blamed on the placer county courts. He wasn’t a stable person. These other stories may be true, I don’t know. What county doesn’t have complaints? I’m sure that most, if not all do!
Letters from the family
childprotectioncommunity.com/blog.asp?page=41327
It breaks my heart to read that some people or agents would question molestation on a child. We have to listen to our children. When I was about 9 some one in my family tried to rape me. It was christmass eve and every one was getting ready for the party. So every one left and left me and my sister which was 4 years old at the time. This person was well trusted by everyone even my mother they grew up together in the same town. He started pulling me on to the bed touching me and grabbing me. I was screaming but no one heard me except my sister, she was yelling, let her go, she’s not your girlfriend. I got the strength to push him so hard that he fell. I grabbed my sister got her coat because it was winter and I didn’t want her to get sick but I left mine. I ran to my mother she was styling her hair I couldn’t talk I was so scared it took about 20 minutes before they all calmed me down. Then I told them what happened and no one believed me, even my sister at age 4 said he did it. I was astonished I couldn’t believe no one did nothing. When his mother died I was 22 and she asked me at her death bed if what I said was true? I said yes it
did happen. Now I’m an adult but that changed me for ever. I did not trust no one with my children at all. Locks were on there doors, so no one could sneak in, baby monitors, so I could hear everything. I will always listen and look for signs of molestation for all our children. Because there closer than we think.
Alice
Alice, that is horrible what happened to you. Why did they say they didn’t believe you?
He was a well respected man. Uncle of my half sister. The whole family knew him as a good man. But I guess he had a dark side. I know that his wife left him I guess she believed what happened and did not want to take any chances with her children. As to why I still don’t know I asked my mom when I was grown but she just says they’re could have been a lot of problems. I don’t understand it. But I never confided in no one after that. But I look for signs, and most important I listen and have helped those that need it. I really don’t care who they are fathers, uncles, friends. I listen to the children. If I help one or two I’m happy. My daughter told me of one that her father was molesting her, and reported him and he got his. Unfortunately the mother did not believe so I helped till this day she thanks me.
Thank you
God Bless
Alice
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