My nephew Elton, a decorated marine who fought in both Iraq wars, participated in the Jessica Lynch rescue, and worked for the Dept of Energy as a nuclear materials courier, was sentenced to 6 years in prison yesterday for shooting and killing a multiple felon drug-dealing gangbanger Elton found in his garage breaking into his vehicle.

http://kob.com/article/stories/S354606.shtml?cat=516

ELton leaves his wife and 4 year old son - please pray for his safety and his family's provision while he is away. I've known Elton ~18 years now, have talked to him many times over the last year or so about what happened that night. He is not a man who would intentionally hurt anyone, he's a patriot, a decorated war hero and great father.

I'm praying Allen. The article says 2 years prison and 4 probation. Is that a misprint? I'm hoping that two years is the real sentence and maybe he will have to serve less time than that.

God is always Good. \0/

I hate our legal system...completely. It is blatantly unfair and the best lawyer - not truth- or the biggest bankroll-not truth...usually is the deciding factor.

The Law system is backwards. Justice is fading away.

Elton said the man wrestled him for the gun and threatened his family by coming back later with his gang to take care of them. Elton reacted the way he was trained to defend his family. He had people call 911 and directed emergency personell to the man when they arrived.

4 years of the sentence was suspended, meaning he has 2 years with 4 years of probation afterwards. Hopefully he'll get out in as little as 6 months, but even then that is an eternity inside the hell hole that is prison. His wife will have to support the family while he's in prison. Please pray for Elton's safety while there and his wife and son's spirit and support.

Good behavior can get him out in 6 months. Also, his military record will not be ignored, so he should be out soon.

Honestly, I agree with you all. He had every right to do what he did. Have you ever seen American History X? The EXACT same thing happened in that movie. The guy got 2 years as well.

Chasing the guy down would be what any of us would have done. At least I would have. However, according to Johnny Law, we're only allowed to protect our family and let all attackers go. But what happens when the attacker promises to come back? To me, it's as if he never left and is still threatening your family.

Paying the family of the "victim" is downright outrageous. How can they expect him to pay restitution in jail? Is there a fund set up where people can help this guy out?

Will surely be praying Allen. I can't imagine being in the middle of that scenario.

There is a book written by Carol Kent "When I Lay My Issac Down". It is about a Marine that married a woman with two small girls. While he was away, the little girl's dad molested them during an overnight visit. When it came to light, there was a confrontation and struggle and the Marine ended up killing the man. He also went to prison. The story is written by the Marine's mom and how the Marine came to be a Pastor inside the prison and holds church there every Sunday. He is still serving his time in a prison in Florida but God used this awful situation for His good and is still changing lives today.

I'm praying that God will use this awful situation for good as well. All for His Glory! \0/

There is a fund, I'll find out the specifics tomorrow. Their neighbor in Albuquerqe started it.

We ate dinner with Erica and Garrett (Elton's wife and son) this evening, she's doing pretty well. I let her know we're praying for them. I believe they're contacting Bill O'Reilly for him to look into it. I don't know the specifics, but the judge did several things he shouldn't have, like going back on promises re: the plea bargain and other things. I know Elton would have fought the charges had he any idea this was going to turn out like this.

with some public scrutiny, they could appeal and appeal the daylights outta that court and maybe prolong it and turn it over. it has been done. will be praying.

Thank you - Erica has been in contact with the governor's office there. He's considering clemency:

http://kob.com/article/Pstories/S363785.shtml

Bush is near the end of his term. Have him vie for a Presidential Pardon. Those always happen near the end. With his decorations, he has a high chance of getting it.

We would/will, but that will take quite a while. Hopefully the governor will come through faster. Please continue to pray for him and his family daily.

I haven't yet commented but I have prayed.

...and now you've commented...

Still praying and will continue Allen.

Thank you, I talked to Erica today, she said the judge is looking at the case again. The governor has stated he wants to pardon, but is waiting on the judge to do whatever he's doing. Erica and Garrett are doing pretty well, Garrett went on a field trip today to HEB today, they got to eat some food - sprinkles

I'm praying!!!

Thank you everyone who has kept Elton and his family in prayer. I know I thought of him often and prayed for them.

Friday a hearing was held (my parents and others of his relatives attended) and after 4 months in prison Elton was released. \o/

He can't leave New Mexico until Monday or Tuesday, but he'll be home then. He still has 5 years of probation and restitution (just how much would a gang-banging crack dealer have legally made?) to pay, but hopefully the worst is over.

There's lots more to the story (like the NM governor getting involved), but we're just so happy the worst is over. Thank you again. \o/

A few stories:

http://kob.com/article/stories/S483114.shtml?cat=516

http://kob.com/article/stories/S484301.shtml?cat=516

God is always Faithful. \0/

I am so happy for your whole family Allen.

Thank you

He should be home this evening, will get to see his 4 year old boy for the first time in a while. The kids at day care had him convinced his dad wasn't coming back cuz he had left them to start a new family