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"I tell him I tried. I tried to keep memory alive; I tried to fight those who would forget. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. There is so much injustice & suffering crying out for our attention. We must take sides. We must interfere. -E.W.

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You are here: Home / News / Austin Vantrease Parole Hearing: My Account (Part 4)

Austin Vantrease Parole Hearing: My Account (Part 4)

September 3, 2012 by Ryan's Rally LLC 16 Comments

After (Pattie) Gale Vantrease finished her statement to the Parole Board, the families were excused while they deliberated. I have no idea where the Vantrease family was taken, and I really didn’t care as long as I didn’t have them in my field of vision. Kari (my daughter) and I were taken just outside the hearing room. 

Again, this is my personal account of this portion of the parole hearing. Perhaps others see it differently? This post is filled with my opinion and how I perceived events. I believe it to be entirely accurate, but make no such claim. Not that I care what the Vantrease family thinks, but I certainly don’t want the Parole Board upset with me and think I’m embellishing anything.

Time seemed to drag as we waited. It seemed like an hour. I could practically hear some sort of cosmic clock ticking in my head. In reality, it was probably somewhere between five and ten minutes. The Huttonsville Prison Victim Advocate filled us in on what was about to transpire, and it helped keep my mind focused. When they finished, I put my arm on Kari’s shoulder and waited, not saying much. I was planning how I’d handle the decision and concluded that I would act the same no matter. Did I really have a choice anyhow? Fact is, I knew all along I’d remain silent and expressionless (as possible). It was out of my hands. Still, this futile exercise allowed my mind to not worry.

The hearing room door opens. A guard informs us the Parole Board made its decision. I feel my stomach sink. It’s the same sensation as being on a roller coaster when the negative g-forces pull you from the seat at the top of a hill. I take a deep breath, exhaling entirely too long and find Kari’s shoulder again. I give her gentle hug.

As I’m embracing my daughter, I’m looking behind her; into the parole room. I think, “Hugging is the best way to watch each other’s back“, and make a point of remembering this epiphany to share with you. I’m amazed at just how clever it makes me sound! Seriously though, isn’t it true on several levels?

We walk in together. I feel numb.

Now, I don’t recall if the Vantrease family was already in there or not. They meant nothing to me. I was entirely focused on the setting of the room. I immediately noticed Austin Vantrease, sitting where he had the entire time since he shuffled out of the holding cell just off the hearing room. The difference now being the posture of the guards. They had him circled. Tightly. Much more than before, that was clear. They were watching him closely; ready to act, if needed.

I took this as a good sign.

Then I started to wonder if, instead of potentially needing to control him, they might be protecting him… from me? Is this possible? Yes, I suppose it is.

I searched the room for more clues to the forthcoming decision. It’s so void and stark that it had nothing to offer. It was the “poker face” of all rooms. I looked to the Parole Board, but they were painfully neutral. I returned my attention to the guards.

They are facing Austin Vantrease, bending at the hips ever so slightly. They’re not actively monitoring the families. This is good, right? I decided it was and felt the relief sweep over me… actually, more like “up” me. It truly felt like it came from the ground and worked its way up, then through, my head. Like I was overflowing. Weird.

The Parole Board didn’t waste any time. They immediately said his parole is denied. From where I’m sitting, behind and to the left, I see no change in Austin Vantrease’s demeanor. The Board continues. Quite bluntly, because Austin Vantrease “is not ready for society.” He is also reminded of the four write-ups on his recent prison record. He is told he should strongly consider getting a prison job. “At this time, we don’t feel letting you out today would serve the public, and the main purpose of this board is public safety”.

I held it together until then, but the relief was too much. At first my eyes began to well-up. Then leak. I tried to cover this by making it seem as though I was tending to insatiable eye strain. Just imagine how you rub your eyes after reading for a very long time if you want to get an appreciation for what I was faking. Kari noticed it right away though, and it confused her.

Kari, always by my side, as the “guilty” verdict was given in July 2010.

She leans into my ear and whispers, “What’s wrong? This is a good thing, right?”. I nod, squeeze her hand (that I just then realized I was holding entirely too tightly) and failed at my first attempt in whispering back to her. I silently clear my throat. “Yes, it’s a very good thing”. She then scolds me for scaring her and we both sneak a smile at each other. I love that she holds me accountable and I am again reminded of just how well she turned-out. I appreciate that she looks out for her “Pops”. Her loyalty to me and our family never waivers. Like Ryan, she’s as strong as they come. Fortunate is the person who earns her love and respect, as her loyalty is a derivative. I love her so much. She makes me proud to be her father. Yes, they are both made of the right stuff.

A Parole Board member begins speaking and I snap out of my trance.

Austin is, essentially told to get it together (again, my opinion). The guards escort him from the room and I watch him go out of sight. Next to leave is the Vantrease family. This is going according to the protocol the Victim Advocate explained earlier; they want to get the losers out first because they are deemed higher risk. I’m happy it’s not us! I’m delighted to wait for them to leave the prison grounds before we can go.

After all, they have a history of loitering about and causing chaos after unfavorable outcomes.

When I’m certain the felon’s family is out of the room, I begin sobbing. With each heave, it gets worse. It’s relief. I’m angry that I’m doing this, but can do nothing to stop myself. Instead, I continue trying to hide it. I fail… miserably.

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Filed Under: News Tagged With: Austin Vantrease, Beating, Coma, Delaware, Diviney, Jon May, Jonathan May, Newark, Ryan Diviney, WVU

Comments

  1. Roberta Bond says

    July 13, 2013 at 7:40 PM

    my ex husband has come up for parole 5 times I have been there all 5 of them different present first I have to go to Charleston West Virginia Huntsville party town now he’s in St MaryI feel so bad for the travel that you have to do but I feel that as long as you show up they will keep him where he needs to be please keep me updated I feel for you guys and I am so sorry this has happened to youI try to speak out and speak to people about domestic violence

    Reply
  2. Bridgette says

    September 5, 2012 at 12:20 AM

    I am a first time commenter, but I have been following this story ever since the tragedy occured during my freshman year at WVU. I am now a senior and can say that my tears were right along with the commenters while reading this post. I think it shows volumes of your character to provide a disclaimer at the beginning of the post. How honest and true you are! My thoughts and prayers are with you everyday, and just letting you know the students here at WVU certainly have not forgotten about Ryan. I hear about it from various students almost weekly. I am heavily involved within SGA and would love to talk about a possible fundraiser, or anything we can do to help.

    Also, I would love to order a teeshirt, are any more sizes going to be in anytime soon?

    Much love.

    Reply
    • Gail Doyle says

      September 5, 2012 at 7:13 PM

      Go to Positive Tee Shirts and you’ll see the one for Ryan ,I just ordered another

      Reply
    • Gail Doyle says

      September 5, 2012 at 7:24 PM

      Bridgette site is http://positivetees.net/store/rally for Ryan unisex/ Hope you can get one 🙂

      Reply
    • Gail Doyle says

      September 5, 2012 at 7:31 PM

      Bridgette I’ll get it right http://positivetees.net/store/rally-for-ryan-unisex/

      Reply
  3. Paula says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    What has happened in our culture that some kids feel it’s okay to deliberately mistreat and harm others?

    I will never understand it.

    Keep telling us your experiences Ken. It gives us strength, wisdom and motivation to keep on keepin on.

    Thank you for sharing your life with us.

    Love, hugs, prayers from my heart
    Paula

    Reply
  4. Anna says

    September 3, 2012 at 3:03 PM

    Thank You again to the West Virginia Parole Board! Thank you for using the prison system for what it is intended.
    Thank you for protecting the citizens of West Virginia and sending a message that if you are convicted of a crime in WV you will not go back home any time soon.
    Shame on the Vantrease family for wasting the taxpayers money for this parole hearing along with the Diviney’s time, money and energy.

    Reply
  5. Jen says

    September 3, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    Dear Ken, Sue, Ryan and Kari,

    What an amazing team you make! This may be your opinion Ken, but I believe it is also 100% factual. I have an idea….how about we start a pool of how many infractions Austin will receive prior to the next parole hearing and the money raised go to Ryan’s care! Anyone wih me on this??

    Reply
  6. Will Nier says

    September 3, 2012 at 11:56 AM

    And in 46 weeks we get to do this all over again.

    Reply
  7. Ryan's Rally: We Got This via Facebook says

    September 3, 2012 at 11:13 AM

    The “Maureen” commenting continues. See Part 3 if you’re interested in following.

    Reply
  8. Gail Doyle says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:06 AM

    Ken , Your emotions and relief are felt through your post,though we will never know how really deep they are ,we do feel them. Team Diviney is always standing behind you and family and a remarkable family YOU ALL ARE. Thanks for all your updates love Gail

    Reply
  9. Kathryn says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:44 AM

    crying along with everyone else…..so very sorry you have to cry these tears at all….

    Reply
  10. Rita says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:41 AM

    This is why you will always have the admiration and support of Team Diviney. The love and devotion your family demonstrates for one another and your collective commitment to personal accountability are the standards that all of society should aspire to. Like I said before, the power of love will always overcome the forces of evil in the end. We celebrate this victory with your family and are so glad that you had your beloved daughter by your side for emotional support, while Ryan had his amazing mom by his. Together you got this, Divineys <3

    Reply
  11. Carly says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:22 AM

    Tears from Texas as well. I am so happy he was denied. Not just for you and your family, but for all of society. Though I’ve never met you guys, my heart goes out to you all. Think of you often.

    Reply
  12. Jo says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:39 AM

    Ken, I don’t think any of us can read your account here without sobbing, too! As I said in a previous post, I think the human mind is so powerful it can will strength to another who is in need of strength. We are with you in thought and spirit.

    Through our letters and your appearance along with Kari, we made a difference. We sent a powerful message to the parole board, and we will do it again!

    With you in thought, spirit and prayer. Have a blessed day.

    Reply
  13. jenn says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:27 AM

    Trying to finish this thru tears! You are strong yet you are vulnerable. 2 great qualities for a daughter to have as a role model. Both your children are blessed to have you as their father and Sue is blessed too.

    Reply

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