Amber Dubois and Chelsea King

I feel compelled to take a break from my normal "art" post to bring up something that is happening in my community.

February 13, 2009 at about 7:04am in the morning 14 year old Amber Dubois was walking to school (she lived on the same side of the street as her school, about 5 blocks away). Amber never made it to school that day. There was initial speculation that she ran away with a boy, but her parents knew better. Amber was very excited about going to school that day. She had saved her money and was about to purchase a lamb as part of the school's FFA (Future Farmers of America) program. There was never any doubt that someone had taken this shy, quiet girl who loved animals and books. At around the same time that day, I was driving my 15year old daughter to the same school. I wish I would have noticed something was wrong.

Fast forward to a little over a year later...

On February 25, 2010 not far from this High School (the next town over), 17 year old Chelsea King drove her car to a local park. This park was next to a lake and had many trails for hikers and runners. Chelsea, a straight A student, peer counselor and long distance runner for her school often went running on these trails. This day she left on her run and didn't return. When she didn't return home, her parents went looking for her and found only her car.

Not again...

A massive search was launched to find Chelsea and the community came together in support of her family. Almost a week later, Chelsea's body was found not far from where her car was parked in a shallow grave. A registered sex offender who's mother lived by the park was linked to Chelsea by DNA and was arrested.

Chelsea's story had brought about new questions and light to Amber's story. At the time of Amber's disappearance, this registered sex offender lived not far from where she disappeared.

About a week after Chelsea was found, the police, acting on a tip, found Amber's remains. She was located about 10 miles north of where she disappeared, in a remote location. The police are looking at Chelsea's alleged murderer as the same person who murdered Amber.

This sex offender had been in jail for 5 years for attacking and molesting a 13 year old girl. And other's have come forward saying this person also attacked or tried to attack them.

We need to change the current laws in place to protect our children from these violent predators. I do not personally feel that these people should have more than one strike. If you agree with me, please take 1 minute to help get the Dubois-King Act set in place. I have included the link here

Rest in Peace Amber and Chelsea. We will do all we can to bring you justice and keep your lights shining.