Kaitlin Rose
I met Audrey probably 10 years ago and have been a spectator in her life since then. I only heard about this after Audrey was convicted of a crime she did not commit. I say a crime she did not commit because there is quite literally not a single question in my mind that you have convicted the wrong person. You have convicted a woman who has been a bright light among friends and one of the best mothers I know. There is not even a doubt in my mind or the minds of the many people she has befriended over the years that she did not do what she is accused of.
I firmly believe if Audrey were an un-tattooed skinny blonde on the PTA, that I would not be in the position to have to write this letter. But she is not a blonde PTA mom, she looks weird, she creates art, and her life is lived in a way that looks scary to someone who has not experienced it. But I was there when she was watching over hers and others children, making sure they were careful to hold the sparkler the right way on 4th of July. I was there when she crooned about being pregnant with her daughter after a house full of boys. Before that I was there when she met her favorite author and I watched her proudly introduce her son to the flattered artist she partially named him after. I was with her on her birthday when she made sure heavily drinking friends had a safe way home. I was at her recent wedding put on with a shoestring budget by a hundred creative friends who love her and her family. I watched her daughter run up to her while she tried not to cry through her wedding vows and grab her legs like any baby wanting mommy's comfort.
The funny thing is I could go on explaining those moments forever they are so numerous. Audrey has a kind soul and has the same dreams for her family and life that that PTA mom has. She is not a drug addict, she is not a bad mother, she is not a thoughtless person, she is not a malicious person, she is not a deadbeat, she is not a thief, and she DID NOT do what she is accused of.
Audrey does look different however and while I respect your decision I also know this woman and can tell you, your decision was wrong. More than anything else Audrey is the victim of false impressions, false accusations, and false profiling. Think about how little evidence she has been convicted from, the fact she can be placed at a event (with MANY witnesses) the same night she is accused of committing this crime and put yourself in her shoes for a second, put one of your family members in her shoes for a second? Please do not make another mistake and take this young mother, new wife, and bright person and put her behind bars and into a system that will not serve to improve hers, her families, or anyone else's lives. She is not dangerous, she is an unfortunate victim of something I hope none of you ever experience.
What has happened already makes me physically ill and sick to my stomach and is a stark reminder ANYONE including you can be convicted of a crime you did not commit, as Audrey now has been. Please let that be the only mistake made and keep this beautiful woman with her family where she belongs.
Sincerely,
Kaitlin Rose
May 12, 2016