The Drama Continues . . .

The Jessie Davis tragedy just keeps snowballing. Yesterday afternoon my mostly quiet, modest neighborhood was awash with law enforcement and the media as the Sheriff's Department smashed their way into the apartment of a woman purported to be an accomplice in Jessie's death. It's a mere four blocks from my place. My young neighbor wandered down later to see what was going on despite my telling her that her help wasn't needed. Kids! The young man who lives upstairs from the woman told the police that he had keys and the deputy said, "I used mine." Hmmmmmm Emotions are running very high.

I had to go to downtown Canton this morning for an appointment -- not a big deal. I figured I'd be home well before the arraignments of Bobby Cutts and Myisha Ferrell at 3 p.m. and avoid the media circus. Man oh man, was I wrong! The Court House, City Hall, and the County Office Building are all within a three block area and the sidewalks and streets were jammed with reporters, cameras, various vehicles and assorted satellite equipment -- not to mention crowds of rubberneckers. And law enforcement was out in force. I don't think anyone in the Sheriff's Department, the Canton City Police or our local FBI office have slept since this began. I was stopped by a local radio reporter who I've known for years and he asked if I'd say something about it for his "Man on the Street" thing. I told him to find someone else. I used up my 15 minutes of fame long ago. This is about Jessie and her family -- not what I think.

I went home and turned on CNN and watched the arraignments. Bobby Cutts' bail is 5 million dollars & his alleged accomplice's is $500,000 so neither is going anywhere. They'll be back in court next week. Jessie's mother and sister spoke afterward and again demonstrated the strong faith that I believe will get them through this tragedy.

The Cutts' family, so far, has not spoken with the media and I don't blame them. I can only imagine what they must be feeling. The idea that one's child would do such a thing would set a mother's mind reeling and I'm sure his family is mortified at what he has brought upon their lives.

Cutts was a Canton City policeman and the Department has maintained what our Chief calls "a professional distance" through the investigation while assisting the Sheriff as needed. They were everyhere downtown today doing crowd control. The Chief has also spoken of the blot Cutts has placed on the credibility and integrity of our policemen and that he'll be working to restore it. I believe him. Our force on the whole are pretty good guys who take pride in their profession. How sad that a Bobby Cutts can blacken their reputation.

The effects of this tragedy are far-reaching in this county and will be felt for a very long time. I only hope that there is healing somewhere down the road for all of us. Anyone who is interested can leave messages here for the Davis family.