I mentally break the parole hearing into three segments. The first is related to the offender, Austin Vantrease. This comprises the beginning and conclusion of the hearing, which I’ll write of the ending in a future post. The second is my time speaking where I provided the “Victim Impact Statement”. The last segment being (Pattie) Gale Vantrease, who should have been speaking on behalf of her criminal son, but was off on a tangent… namely, me.
For today, I’ll write about the offender’s part of the hearing. To be clear, this is my personal account. It includes my thoughts and opinions. Although it still confuses me about how it’s possible, I suspect the Vantrease’s processed the information differently. This is my version of what went down.
I met up with my daughter, Kari, just outside the prison gates. We went through the first security point together and made our way into the prison. After clearing the next security station, they escorted us to an area behind the guards station that would keep us separated from the Vantrease contingent when they arrived. They waited in the general seating area. Prior to entering the hearing, I was given the options of: 1) Just attending, but not speaking, 2) Speaking, but with the inmate removed, or 3) Speaking, with the inmate present.
I opted for the having him there. I had a few things to say that I wanted him to hear.
We were taken in first. We introduced ourselves to the Parole Board and took a seat on the left (facing the parole board). The Vantrease’s did the same (attorney in tow), and sat on the right. Dressed in a white prison jumpsuit, several guard escorted Austin Vantrease into the room. He shuffled from the holding area — just off the front of the room — keeping his head down the entire time (he was probably told not to maintain eye contact). He sat in front of the families with his back to us, facing the three-member Parole Board, precisely in the center of the room. Guards flanked him at all times.
It didn’t start well for Austin Vantrease. No, not at all. It was so bad, in fact, I briefly debated the pros and cons of foregoing my presentation. Then the Board spoke (and I’ll paraphrase, but I think I remember it), “Mr. Vantrease, community sentiment is strongly against your parole.” The Board Member holds up a stack of letters that I estimated to be at least six inches thick. He lifts them above his head a waves them a few times. “You see this? These are letters that have come in opposed to your parole. In fact, there still coming”.
He continues.
“This is the largest file we’ve every compiled. This is probably the thickest folder that will be in the back room”.
I swallowed the urge to celebrate. Then I swallowed the urge to cry in gratitude to all who write for Ryan. Instead, I imagined myself beaming my gratitude to everyone who circled around Ryan and my family. It went out to you in an electric-blue streak, like a laser, but wider. In my mind’s eye, it resembled the shape of sunlight (albeit ultra-blue) that made its way through the clouds after a storm. Now the silly part (if it can get sillier). In this beam were icons, like you might receive via a text message — like a heart…<3, a big smile… :D, and big hugs… ({}) — going at ethernet speed. I suppose, in the world that is my mind, I felt sending these as data packets might help the cosmos get my thoughts to you.
The Board Member put the letters back on the table. The thump from their collective weight actually echoed in the room!
It continues to get worse for the felon. Again, I’m paraphrasing based on my recollection.
Board: How many write-ups do you have?
Austin: Three.
Board: Three? Or, four?
Austin: I thought it was three, but it could be four. I’m sorry, I don’t remember.
Board: What makes you think you can come before this Board with four write-ups? You know you can’t have any leading up to this.
It’s a rhetorical question, although I think Austin actually tried to reply but the Board had already moved on to the next item. Mainly, having Vantrease provide his account of the night he attacked Ryan. He offered nothing I didn’t already know. Sure, he did his best to soften the actual violent nature of his acitons, but came off looking evasive and mentally clumsy (again, I’m offering my opinion). In the end it was the same. He kicked my son in the head. It was a reaction. I think to myself, has anyone else since the beginning of humanity reacted to a defenseless man, lying unconscious and prone, by kicking their head? Let alone, use it as an excuse?
Then the Board asks him, “Is there anything else you would like to say?”
I wonder, will he make an apology to improve his chances of parole or will remain absent of remorse? Yes, he’s in a hell of a predicament, so he hedges in two ways. First, in the level of sincerity. He keeps his tone neutral. Second, in his words, “I’d like to apologize again for the Diviney family. I’m sorry for what I did. I wish I could go back in time and change it but I know I can’t.”
Did you catch it? He didn’t apologize to us. I know it was reported that he did, but that’s not what I heard and will never be convinced otherwise.
Beyond this, what’s up with him saying “again”? There’s no “again”. As far as I’m concerned, this still isn’t even the first time.
Now, I do believe him when he says he’s sorry for what he did and he wishes he were a mystical time-traveller. It landed him in prison and with a felon’s life upon release. Of course he’s sorry… for himself.
Want to keep reading about the parole hearing? Continue on to Part 2, where I recount my presentation to the Board.
Good luck Ryan and his family . We will keep you in our prays . I am sorry you should have not went through this.. Best wishes to All of you I signed good luck …
…justice is served for another year.
Thankful the Parole Board heard the message loud & clear!
Sending letters to them ALL THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ~ brilliant idea!!
Prayers for continued stength & healing.
Donna
Perhaps those who sent in letters can follow up and thank the Parole Board for keeping this jackwad in prison. Based on what Ken said about Austin’s four write ups is more reason to keep him there!
So HAPPY to be able to help RYAN and YOUR FAMILY… but I also want to praise YOU- your words
“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. We must interfere.” were brilliant, right on and motivating beyond meaure.
THANK YOU for helping me to do what was right.
With love and in prayer,
Keri, MY FRANKIE and Family
The whole YGR prayer group is still here standing with the Divineys and thankful for the decision. I encouraged all of our partners to send letters which would have come from people all over the USA–so hopefully some of our letters were in that pile!
Glad the Board accumulated the letters and used them to demonstrate the overwhelming public opinion. Documentation is a key component in any litigation.
Haven’t written in a while because I’ve been at a loss for words until today. THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!! But Ken, you’re such a tease!!!!! We want to know the rest of the story. I actually felt giddy when I read this. So happy for your family and Ryan. SHSP in Morgantown
Hi Ken, my heart is filled with so many emotions I don’t know where to start. I guess just the fact you and Kari had to go through those prison gates and have to face this — I know you both willingly did this for Ryan but still, it took a lot of mental and physical strength and courage. Also, the description you penned of your gratefulness = extraordinary.
Your last sentence hit me with the full measure of its truth. Narcissists and sociopathic type personalities try to care or pretend to care about others, but something inside of them prevents them from genuinely doing so. When they get mad or sad, it’s not because of what they’ve done — it’s for one reason only, and that’s getting caught, just as you said.
Can people change? Most people are capable of it I suppose. But people who in their nature are narcissistic and lacking in a moral compass — I’m not so sure. Suffice it to say I am so very relieved that at least for this year, none of us have to worry about AVT being outside the prison’s walls. Thank you for making sure of that.
Love, hugs, prayers today, always
Paula
I love to hear that the letters are still coming! I hope they continue throughout the coming year : )
Ken,Don’t know why he went up for parole. Seems he had nothing in his favor ,no letters,no support,nothing but 4(write ups)aginst him.
And Ryan had and will always have the support of SO MANY.Just the stack of letters alone show how much we all care!Thanks to all of us who wrote and will do anything that will help Ryan, and thanks to you ,Sue and Kari for your unending care and love for Ryan,SHSP
love Gail Thanks for updates on hearing.
Still Here Guys!
Wow, only three (or four) letters asking for Austin to be paroled vs the thickest file in WV parole board back room.
I take away a few questions from those numbers.
Where are his gang of friends when he needs them? Does his mom get it now that society does not view Austin’s behavior as “boys being boys”.
Thanks to everyone who wrote a letter for the Diviney family, don’t forget to send a quick Thank You note to the Parole Board letting them know they made the right decision.
Actually, it’s even worse than you thought. The four write-ups were for violations he committed while incarcerated, not letters written on his behalf. You make a good point, where was his support? His brother, Cody Vantrease, wasn’t even there. Hmmm… wonder if he ever resolved that arrest warrant or if just had more pressing matters? As I recall, it was just the parents and sister, if you don’t count his attorney.
I’m curious to know what his “write ups” were about. Were they violent in nature?
I’m so glad the letters helped! Will write again next year!
The Parole Board didn’t comment on the severity of his write-ups, only the quantity. Now you have me curious.
I just texted my son at WVU who along with myself, sent letters opposing Austin’s parole. His comment was “Good! I’m glad the @#$%$* isn’t getting out”, but he also commented that he was sad because Ryan’s attack was senseless and shouldn’t have happened for those letters to even be needed. Ken and family, our family thinks of yours and Ryan every day. Prayers to all of you.
I’m glad that you, Sue and Kari felt all the love behind those letters, and I’m convinced that Ryan feels all of yours. The power of love will always be greater than the forces of evil. Coming back at you with another emoticon <3
Just one more thing, Mrs. Vantrease. Was your son, Austin, always a bully? I was just wondering… …
Thank God there are so many who care enough to take time to write letters! It made a difference for sure! Thank you one and all! We knew, of course, that Ryan’s Rally would come through for Ryan. We don’t expect anything less! Ryan’s Rally — such a blessing — each and every one!
Thank you, Ken, for all you do. We can never do enough for you to show our love and appreciation for all you do for Ryan and your family! You are: The Greatest! Love and prayers.
Thank you to everyone who sent letters on behalf of Ryan, and the Diviney family. God Bless You.