Detailed suicide note
Mother describes path to children's deaths
BY ANDY PARAS
Updated 01:36 p.m., August 2, 2007
Mother describes path to children's deaths
The Post and Courier
Sametta Heyward is led into Hanahan Municipal Court on Tuesday prior to a hearing on charges of homicide by child abuse in the deaths of her two children. Police said she left her children unattended in her car while she was at work.
Sametta Heyward timeline
According to police reports, the following is the timeline of Sametta Heyward's movements:
Sunday
1 p.m.: A neighbor says she last saw the children alive after telling their mother she was too sick to watch them while she went to work.
3 p.m.: Heyward leaves the children in a car alone while she cares for disabled clients at the Dana House at 1402 Kentwood Circle, Charleston.
11:30-11:45 p.m.: Heyward leaves work early. Affidavits based on information Heyward gave authorities say each of the children still had a pulse but were not responsive when she apparently tried CPR. She gave each child a bath and then put them in black garbage bags before putting them beneath the sink.
Monday
2 p.m.: A neighbor says she saw Heyward walking back to her apartment carrying one bag and one drink from Arby's.
7:30 p.m.: Police respond to a disturbance call at Heyward's apartment after a relative of her eldest child's father asked him to stop by the apartment to check on the children. Police say the relative was trying to calm her down. He told police the children were beneath the sink.
HANAHAN — Sametta Heyward wrote a suicide note telling authorities she wanted to check on her two children she abandoned in a hot car Sunday but feared she would get in trouble at work.
"I wanted to check on the children so desperately," the note says. "I did not want to get in trouble."
Investigators said they discovered the note Monday after they found the bodies of 4-year-old Shawn Campbell Jr. and 1-year-old Triniti Campbell in black garbage bags beneath the sink of their Remount Road apartment.
Heyward was charged Tuesday with two counts of homicide by child abuse after authorities said she left the children inside the car in 88-degree weather.
Investigators say she left the children in her Chevrolet Cavalier outside of the Dana House at 1402 Kentwood Circle in Charleston from 3 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Sunday while she cared for people with disabilities inside.
She wrote in the note that she had to take the children with her because she couldn't find anyone to watch them.
She left her 15-hour shift at the Charleston County Disabilities Board more than halfway through after telling her employer she had a baby-sitting emergency, Hanahan Police Lt. Mike Fowler said.
Disabilities Board Executive Director Karolyn Payne Elliott would not comment.
Warrants say Heyward found each of the children inside the car with slight pulses but not responsive.
A family member told investigators Heyward tried CPR on the children, but when it didn't work, she drove them back to their small apartment at The Willows on Remount Road, Fowler said. She gave each child a bath, dressed them and then put them in the garbage bags beneath the sink, he said.
Heyward's note said the children died in the car. It also directed investigators to the car.
"The car is at Arby's," the note says. "The kids died in it."
Fowler said they are waiting on an autopsy to determine exactly when the children died.
"Either way she made no attempt to contact any kind of emergency assistance," Fowler said. "The more you find out about it, the more disturbing it becomes."
The note said investigators could find her body at MeadWestvaco Park, but Fowler said they didn't find a weapon or any other indication how she might have tried to kill herself.
The note gave investigators one last clue. "Everything's in the trunk," it said.
Fowler said investigators searched the car Wednesday and found files in the trunk that indicated Heyward gave birth to a son in January and put the baby up for adoption.
The fact that Heyward had another baby was a surprise to even some of her closest family members.
Her aunt, Alice Salters, said Wednesday she thinks Heyward might have been pregnant, but they never talked about it. She also suspects Heyward put the child up for adoption because she wanted the child to have a good life.
Heyward had her own problems, but she was trying, Salters said.
"She was trying to do what was right as a parent with the skills she had," she said.
A neighbor said Tuesday that she had agreed to watch the children but had to back out Sunday because she was sick. Heyward told her she would leave the children with Salters.
Salters said Wednesday she never heard from Heyward. She didn't know Heyward had to work at 3 p.m. but guessed her niece was working two shifts to try to make more money to get her children a bigger home.
Salters said Heyward loved her children but had made mistakes.
Virginia Williamson, general counsel for the Department of Social Services in Columbia, said the department opened a case in June 2004 related to dirty conditions at Heyward's house.
Shawn Jr. was placed in a foster home briefly, but Heyward met all the requirements to regain custody, Williamson said. The case was closed in March 2006.
"We didn't have any suggestion in our involvement that this kind of risk was possible," Williamson said.
To help
Donations to help with the funeral can be deposited in a memorial fund for Shawn and Triniti Campbell at any Wachovia branch.
Heyward has prior arrests. She was not prosecuted on a charge of hindering an officer and found not guilty of criminal domestic violence in 2006.
Family members said Heyward's mother, Dorothy, died when she was young and she never fully recovered. She spent some time in psychiatric care, they said.
But Salters said in recent months Heyward was very happy. She got the job at the Disabilities Board and saved up enough to move out of Salters' house last year. She also bought her own car and earned a degree through Trident Technical College with the financial help of family members, Salters said.
She refused to go on welfare, instead depending on friends and neighbors to take care of her children while she worked nights.
"She wanted to do it on her own," said her uncle, Jerome Heyward.
Court records show she was evicted once. She also sued an ex-boyfriend for child support and he sued back, records show.
The ex-boyfriend, who is in the military and lives in Maryland, is the father of Heyward's oldest child, a 12-year-old boy. He was staying with his father at the time of the deaths, authorities said.
Andy Savage, a Charleston attorney representing Heyward pro bono, said he's not asking that his client attend the funeral Saturday. She is being held in jail in Moncks Corner.
Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or aparas@postandcourier.com.
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MJLowery (anonymous) says...
I just can't understand this. It's getting worse and worse. She bathed her children after they died? Put them in bags under the sink ... so inhumane. She didn't call authorities?
Why? Why? Why ...
August 2, 2007 at 1 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nbaby127 (anonymous) says...
All this sounds fishy to me. Who would take the kids to work and leave them in a car....You would think the five years old would get out of the car.And How can this woman get Andy savage for a lawyer ????
August 2, 2007 at 6:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kma71 (anonymous) says...
It says right there in the article that Andy Savage is defending her pro bono. That's how she got him for her lawyer.
August 2, 2007 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tressaadabo (anonymous) says...
Just like I said yesterday, they will examine her mental health. Just watch her lawyer argue that she's crazy and had sought mental health services. This will come up as a reason for her stupidity. However, she had a back up, her aunt, the kids had a faint pulse and she sought not mecical attention. That's not craziness that's cruelty. She could have left those kids with her aunt but she chose not to. Then she worked a about 7 hours without checking on those kids. She was afraid of her boss rather than being afraid for her children?
Then she bathe them and put them in trash bags. She maybe crazy but there's a difference between being crazy and stupd and stupid she's not.
Mental illness runs in my family and I cna tell you just because someone has a mental illness they aren't dumb, they know right from wrong.
Her mental illness is not excuse, she was aware the kids were in a hot car, they could die and that she could have asked her aunt to babysit.
She should be convicted of murder and sent to prison not a mental hospial.
August 2, 2007 at 7:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GetFocust (anonymous) says...
how indescribable is it to kill your kids by leaving them in a hot car for 15 hours and then take them home, wash, dress them and put them underneath the kitchen sink?! How many babies did she have, really? She needs her tubes tied....badly! She doesn't deserve any more kids. How could she?
August 2, 2007 at 7:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esther (anonymous) says...
I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, examining the kidneys. Jeremiah 17:10
Because Jehovah knows all the facts involved and we do not, we should be modest in considering God's actions. To illustrate: Imagine that a judge with an outstanding record of making fair-minded decisions has handed down a sentence in a court case. What would you think about someone who without knowing all the facts or really understanding the laws involved criticized the judge's decision? It would be foolish for someone to pass judgment on a matter without being fully informed about it (Proverbs 18:13). How much more foolish it would be for mere humans to criticize "the Judge of all the earth"! (Genesis 18:25) In addition, unlike humans, God can read hearts. (1 Samuel 16:7) Let us not forget that his all-seeing eyes take into account hidden thoughts, motives, and intentions that we have no way of knowing. (1 Chronicles 28:9)
August 2, 2007 at 8:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlene68 (anonymous) says...
To Esther: I do believe in God, but like you said god knows everything, he also knows that she killed her kids... we are not putting more into this than what there is,,, she killed her kids by negligence and that is all there is to it... As I said before she has Andy Savage,,, so we will have to wait to see what the outcome is, but 9 times out of 10 it wont be harsh punishment cause he is her attorney. we all just have to accept the facts that she done it no matter what state of mind she was in ,, and she needs to pay for what she done.
August 2, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AGO2007 (anonymous) says...
I am not justifying Ms. Heyward's behavior. I don't know her heart or what her true intentions were. I don't (or you) have the right to judge her. God is a just God! Let Him be the judge. All I know is that heaven has two new angels!
August 2, 2007 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
Okay, by looking at the timeline those children either died or were dying sometime between 3p.m. and 11:30 to 11:45 Sunday evening. Their mother did not seek medical attention but instead took them home, washed, bagged their little bodies, and stuck them under her sink. She leaves a suicide note, but as of 2p.m. Monday she is walking home with a meal in hand. When was she planning on killing herself? This is definitely a very sick and confusing case.
August 2, 2007 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DeeDeterville (anonymous) says...
It really amazes me that there are so many of you sitting out there in judgement. Who appointed you all? Examine yourself.
You do not know what goes on in the lives of these young mothers who do their best to make it in this "screwed up society". Instead of pointing blame, examine yourself. Have you helped someone in need lately? Are you your brother's keeper? Think about it.
Another thing, stop worrying about how other folks make it. I commend Andy Savage for assisting, as there are so many who would not.
We are all human, contrary to what you believe. This is just another sign to us as a People that we are not doing what we were put here to do - Serve God and others. Now, please stop judging and start encouraging. There are many ways to assist and encourage this family, why not start. Run and tell that!
August 2, 2007 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mggoose2000 (anonymous) says...
I remember another woman that drowned her children in her car by driving the car into a lake. She cried "wolf" and claimed a "black man" had car-jacked her car with her two children in the car. She was on TV with her poor husband beside her, begging for the culprit to return her children unharmed, all the while knowing what she had done. The defense was based on her mental state of mind in light of the fact that she was having an affair with another man and was afraid he wouldn't want her because of her children. All these facts were published in the papers, talked about on TV and on the internet. All of this was brought out in her trial. The lies, the affair, the deception and pain and agaony she put everyone thru; it didn't work. She was convicted and sentenced to prison. Her life was spared in spite of what she did, but she was guilty of murder and she is paying the price. This woman deserves the best defense, but no more than that. If she is guilty, no excuse can aquit her of her guilt and she should pay for what she's done.
August 2, 2007 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
joi96 (anonymous) says...
I breaks my heart to hear about things like this. As said before, nobody has the right to judge. Only God can judge. Why is it that nobody else looked at the big picture. This woman was TRYING!! A lot of people in the same situation may have applied for public assistance and sat at home doing nothing, only to be looked down upon by others. She was trying to give her children a better life, and in the process killed them. Yes, she should have checked on her children, at least. It is unfortunate that she felt that she would get in trouble or be fired for doing so. This is the kind of world that we live in. It's hard to get by if you are only supporting yourself. I guess she may have felt like she couldn't win. If she got fired from her job, how could she take care of her children? If she believed her children would die, what was the purpose of her going to work? There wouldn't have been one. Nobody here can say what they would or would not have done in this situation, because apparently, we haven't been there.
After reading some of these comments, I am willing to bet that nobody who has made a comment is really struggling. It's because of people like this, that people like her have to choose between working and their children. Trust me, a lot of people have done stuff like this,they just haven't been caught. While it doesn't make it "right", what are you willing to do to make sure your children eat? If you tell me that people don't put their children's lives in danger everyday, to provide a home for them, feed them, and make sure they have clothes, I will tell you to step out of your fantasy world, and come into reality. As a matter of fact, I am willing to bet that anyone commenting negatively, could not live on her salary, in her same situation for 30 days without making a decision that either put your child's life in danger, or your job in jeopardy. If you have a job, making a dime more than minimun wage, public assistance is going to tell you that they cannot provide services, because your income is too high. Let's think about it.
August 2, 2007 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MJLowery (anonymous) says...
I don't think this is a matter of being "fully informed." The fact is, people - mothers especially - are extremely upset that any person could do this to two babies. It's disturbing! I cried after reading the story because never, ever could I even imagine doing such a horrid, careless thing to my son!
Ultimately, no one will pass judgment but the courts. But there is absolutely NO wrong in expressing shock and disgust. Even Jesus angrily threw tables over when he found men doing business in the temple. It was WRONG.
I think there are some situations that require having all the facts and not coming to premature conclusions, where it is possible to consider the person's heart and mental condition. But in this case ... the woman left her children in a hot car, took them home and bathed them, put them in trash bags UNDER A SINK, never called 911 ... even when she "felt" a heartbeat ... went to get Arby's, obviously allowed herself to be advised by someone and compose a suicide note, leave documents in the trunk of the car ... YET she was cleared by DSS to raise her kids and the neighbors vouch for her loving parenting ...
What more facts do you need? She knew what she was doing. She has no history of mental health, right? Like any criminal who murders, I doubt you'll find that God condones it ... might forgive it, but never condone it.
This whole situation breaks my heart.
August 2, 2007 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
christalrain (anonymous) says...
I think everyone needs to quit judging Ms. Heyward and just pray for her family and the children's father(s). It is not for you to decide what punishment she will get or what punishment she deserves. She knows what she has done and she knows that one day she will have to pay for it. Leave it at that and quit wasting your energy and time getting mad over this and use your energy and time to help other people.
August 2, 2007 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luke (anonymous) says...
for it is written: "As I live, "says Jehovah, to me every knee will bend down, and every tongue will make open acknowledgement to God.'" So, then, each of us will render an account for himself to God.
August 2, 2007 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MJLowery (anonymous) says...
Did she have a church? I know ours is extremely service-oriented - helping others and sharing the load - especially for single parents or those who are sick or who have lost jobs ...
I've needed to rely on my spiritual brothers and sisters many times and have been grateful. I don't know what people do without faith in God.
August 2, 2007 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LovingKindness (anonymous) says...
The sad, sad truth is that young woman felt that she did not have any options...........and was so afraid of losing her job that she placed her children at risk. People are so quick to judge, but probably have no real concept of the struggles that single women with children face, especially women with limited education, and minimum wage jobs that barely pay the bills and afford them a life where they can attain adequate childcare for their children, and still afford to eat, and buy clothing, and pay medical expenses, and live a life beyond constant struggle. Not that I am making excuses for this woman, but I am not the judge or jury, and I feel that she needs help, good mental help, because whether she proves to be crazy or not, she has suffered the loss of her children, and no one knows her true grief. And for a side note..........what about these people all across America who are leaving their children in the car and claiming that they "forgot" the child in the backseat. How? Really can you forget you are traveling in a car with your child, and be so oblivous when you reach your destination that you don't remember the child. Let's continue to pray for all of our children.
August 2, 2007 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
megaward (anonymous) says...
You think she needs to be sent to prison for killing her 2 children? How about putting a bullet in her brain so she can't do this again when she's released.
August 2, 2007 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
veryblessed (anonymous) says...
We must pray for ones that are very ill, and must not judge one another. Many of you say she will get off free or have a slight sentence, maybe so. But on Judgement Day, ask yourself who will she face.... GOD. We all must think of the babies, They are in heaven, with no pain. God has a plan, and we all must not question him. There is a reason for everything that happens in life....If you have children hug, love, adore, cherish, and pray for them daily.
Wrap Jesus arms around everyone that this situation has disturbed, and keep them safe and comfort them always. Amen!
August 2, 2007 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlene68 (anonymous) says...
I think all the religiuos cowarts need to say stop judging....WELL LET ME TELL YOU NO ONE IS JUDGING , THERE IS NOTHING TO JUDGE,,, SHE DID IT PLAIN AND SIMPLE ... AND ADMITS TO LEAVING THEM THERE SO WHAT THE HELL IS THE PROBLEM WITH YOU PEOPLE SAYING THAT SHE IS BEING JUDGED,,, SHE IS NOT BEING JUDGED, SHE DID IT NOW SHE HAS TO PAY FOR IT ,,, IT IS AS SIMPLE AS THAT... JUDGING IS WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW SOMETHING FOR A FACT BUT YOU DECIDE ON IT ANYWAY... ALL THE FACTS ARE HERE,,,,, SHEEE DONEEEE ITTTT!!!! WHAT IS SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT THOSE 3 LITTLE WORDS.AND LET GOD GIVE HER THE LOVE... SHE NEEDS , NOT ME, I HAVE NO PITY ON HER AT ALL!!!!!!!
August 2, 2007 at 10:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
THANK YOU MJLOWERY and Harpo. I am a Christian but I don't believe that people should come on her and tell others not to post what they feel. MJ you reiterated what I said yesterday; Jesus even got angry on occasion. Yes, fanatics, God is the final judge, but do you think that this woman should run free until she leaves this world? You quote scripture, but do you read all of the Bible or only the parts that you agree with? This story rips the heart out of people, especially parents. We all should feel anger. Get real!
August 2, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
I'm sorry. QUOTING SCRIPTURE?!?!?!? yes, Ms. Heyward, her family, friends, co-workers and all associated with this case will need to rely on whatever faith they have during this very dark time. As human beings we are flawed and occasionally make mistakes and sitting in judgement of others seems unfair so i understand those who want to throw out scripture keep others from passing judgement. But from the bottom of my heart i don't understand how there are those who commented on this story who feel compelled to try to find a "reason" for what happened. NO AMOUNT OF MONEY, CONCERN FOR A JOB, OR FEAR OF HOMELESSNESS would allow me to put my children in jeopardy. For 'joi96', not everyone in desperate straits put there innocent children in harms way. Not everyone who struggles would even CONSIDER doing anything similar to this. For you to even suggest that just because you are struggling financially that ANYTHING you do is appropriate just to put food on the table or a roof over their heads. I've struggled in more ways that you could ever know. I can honestly tell you that not once did I anything that would put the children in harms way. You don't have to be wealthy to know right or wrong. Please stop excusing bad behavior just because of financial circumstances. Do I believe she meant to kill her children. NO Do I believe that she panicked and made horrible choices? YES but regardless of how or why she deserves the strongest possible sentence. Ms. Heyward along with countless other struggling parents out there need to be taught a very valuable lesson. No amount of financial security is worth harming those you love. No JOB, MAN, WOMAN or PRIDE is worth the lives of innocent children.
August 2, 2007 at 10:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
I love how people try to sit here and defend this crazy ass woman and her actions. Have compassion for her? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Feel sorry for her? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I will NEVER feel sorry for a person who is absolutely 100% responsible for the death of their child/children. That's her fault. No one else's.
August 2, 2007 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlene68 (anonymous) says...
amen!!!! TO YOU bHIPPY, HOPE YOU READ MY POST HAHAHAHHAHA
August 2, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlene68 (anonymous) says...
where is majorjohnson on this one,,, I want to hear his opinion, i dont think he has been posting in about 2 days ,, hope nothing is wrong... where are you majorjohnson??????
August 2, 2007 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
angiethgirw (anonymous) says...
I knew the world had ignorant people, but never like this! Who are you to compare yourself to this young lady? Maybe she wasn't as strong as you, or maybe she didn't think situations out like you. I wished that society would be quick to help just like their are so quick to judge!!!!!!!
August 2, 2007 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
veryblessed (anonymous) says...
We can sit and try and figure out why? There isnt any reason why she had to do what she did. Yes, she is guilty, and yes it is a terrible thing. And yes I beleive she planned it, and yes she could have gotten a sitter for those angels, b/c she had her Aunt in her thoughts when she told her neighbor.
WE must remember those babies, with the smile on their face as we see in the papers.....and remember God has them and they are in no pain no longer. Why should we sit and put so much into her and try and figure her out , when those babies are the ones we need to remember and keep in our thoughts as our angels, and pray she gets the punishment that she really deserves..... (put her in a nice bathtub,clean her very well, and stick her in a bag....and let her gasp for air, as her children did in the steaming hot car.)
It rips my heart out that this could happen,I wish I could of helped, or seen them in the car, I would of gotten help... My heart pours out for those angels.....But I have to remind myself, that God has his hands on them, and they are looking down upon us, keeping us safe, and watching over other little ones....Rest In Peace Our Little Ones!
August 2, 2007 at 11:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
Charlene, good point about majorjohnson. He is always on his soap box telling everyone to back off of these types of people. If they don't want to be treated like scum, then they shouldn't let stuff like this happen. Boy am I glad my mother didn't love me as much as this lady loved her kids. That's all I've been reading is how she is such a good mother and loves her kids so much. I love my son more than anything in this world, I would NEVER EVER EVER EVER in a million billion trillion years leave my child in a vehicle while I was at work. Where the hell is this common sense she should have?! Oh, it'll only be 88 outside and 120 in the car. They will be fine. YEAH!! OK! And this crap about her wanting so badly to go out and check on her babies, why didn't she. If she was so concerned she would've taken a break, hell even brought them in to hang out with the elderly people. Older people LOVE babies. I just don't see the rationality here. If she left work HOURS AND HOURS early, why couldn't she have just TAKEN THE DAY OFF!!! My son comes first, if that means missing a day of work, so be it. You can find another job if they have a problem with it, but lose a child, oh my god, I think I would die!
August 2, 2007 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
angiethgirw (anonymous) says...
Very nice...Suggesting that they kill her the same way her children died...And you talk about GOD??!!!! You have to be kidding me!!!!!!!!
August 2, 2007 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RENITAFOLSOM (anonymous) says...
Harpo&CVSyou two are the most critical people that I've incountered in a very long time,IKnow you have the right to voice your opinions about this tragic situation.I read on yesterday that this lady had a pass pyschiatric history.At this point none of us knows her mental status,until she is evaluated by a professional DR.She made a poor choice that caused the lives of her children,But I ask you two to take a moment and look back upon your lives?Is their some choice you made that's unacceptable,I know it may not have beem unto death but we all have made decisions that we wish we could take back.Nurse in GA.
August 2, 2007 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
ANGIE- SHE DIDN'T WANT HELP! THE ARTICLE SAYS THAT SHE WANTED TO DO THINGS FOR HERSELF.
August 2, 2007 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
angiethgirw (anonymous) says...
BHIPPEY-THE ARTICLE ALSO SAYS THAT SHE RELIED ON NEIGHBORS AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO CARE FOR HER KIDS WHILE SHE WORKED, SO OBVIOUSLY SHE WANTED SOME KIND OF HELP!
August 2, 2007 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
If she really wanted help with the children she owuld've gone to DSS and gotten abc vouchers for free daycare.
August 2, 2007 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
would've not wuld've
August 2, 2007 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
joi96 (anonymous) says...
This could have been any mother. How many times a day, do we endanger our children. Society has people set up for failure. You have to work to live, that is that. In the process of trying to give our children a good life, we endanger them everyday. You can admit to it or not. Think about it. How many times have you been running late for work, drove above the speed limit (intentionally or unintentionally)? If you lost control and got into an accident and your child died, does it make you any less responsible? If you are a student, sitting at your kitchen table studying, and your child turns on the stove and starts a fire, are you any less responsible for the consequences of what happens to that child? Is this really any different? No, because whether you are working or in school, you are still trying to make a better life for your children, and in the process, neglecting them. The only difference is that your children didn't die as a result of you trying to give them more. If they did, you would probably face the same criticism. If something happened to your child as a result of something you did, it may surprise you how many people would actually hesitate to do anything, because you know the consequences that follow. It is in our nature to judge others, but we don't want to be judged, but trust me, not one of us looks good under a microscope. Let's put YOUR life out there and examine every mistake, short coming, and flaw you have, and see how good you look.As a mother of 2, I know how hard it is to survive, and will do what it takes to make sure my children eat, have a home, and clothes. So will any good mother out there. Just keep asking yourself what if and putting yourself in bad situations.....and get some good deep thinking going, you'd be surprised what you are willing to do for your kids.
What if I didn't have anyone to keep my children and I HAD to work?
What if I called work to tell them, and they said if I didn't show up, don't bother coming in tomorrow? If I lose my job,I can't pay rent.If I can't pay rent, I will be evicted with two children.If I have no address, I can't get a job.What do you do? GO TO WORK RIGHT? Nah, you can't go to work, because you are endangering your kids life,right? But if you don't go, you can't provide for them.
ARE YOU REALLY WILLING TO LET DSS TAKE YOUR KIDS BECAUSE YOU ARE TRYING TO WORK AND DO THE BEST YOU CAN TO TAKE CARE OF THEM. NO.
I want someone who loves their kids to tell me, that you would willingly give your children to DSS, and I will call you a liar. Sometimes foster care is worse than the home situation. I know this from personal experience. Many kids die or are abused and molested in foster care every year. Do the research.
This can't possibly be compared to the woman who drove her kids into the lake. She did that intentionally, then blamed it on someone else (again, things we do when we panic!)
August 2, 2007 at 11:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
veryblessed (anonymous) says...
(Angie)That is what alot of these comments are thinking am I correct?....do unto her as she did to them.... This is what all these comments are about(her).....What about them........
No I do not say do the same to her.... God has his hands in it.... as he has his hands on those babies.....SHe will get her punishment, hopefully the right punishment. If not she will get hers on Judgement Day.
August 2, 2007 at 11:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
singlemomof1 (anonymous) says...
Ok, I AM a single mom. I have struggled, been on food stamps (now we're not, I worked our way up off of them), and had no one to turn to there for a long while. I have made mistakes and I'm not perfect. But I would sure as heck lose a job SO FAST before I would EVER leave my kid in a car like that!! I would have called my aunt, my neighbors, my friends who also have kids. and if that didn't work I would have taken my kids into work WITH ME. SCREW THE BOSS!! If they said I couldn't have my kid(s) there I'd have left and went home with them. Let them fire me over a babysitting emergency! You can ALWAYS get another job. Your child is a PERSON and cannot be replaced!!
Ms. Heyward is just another shining example of what I've been saying for years: There needs to be a PARENTAL FITNESS TEST administered BEFORE you can have a child. They need to test physical fitness but more importantly they need to test MENTAL FITNESS and RESPONSIBILITY.
Granted she was trying to do it on her own, w/o assistance, and that's admirable. But really, if doing it w/o assistance from the government means you lose your job because you don't have childcare or you think leaving your kids in the car for 8 hours is a logical, sound choice then you might need to rethink your strategy.
PLEASE!! PARENTAL FITNESS TEST!! Before more kids are killed due to STUPIDITY!!!!
And yeah, yeah, judge not lest ye yourselves be judged, well go ahead and judge me, I didn't kill my kid. She killed two of hers.
August 2, 2007 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gcs (anonymous) says...
To all you Bible Thumpers out there:
Are you freaking kidding me?
YOU ARE JUDGING RIGHT NOW!!!
If you say that someone is nice,an ass, sweet, a good person, whatever it is that you say about someone, you are judging!! You are all such hypocrites!! SHUT UP!! You're not going to keep us from "judging"!
As a matter of fact, just give her your kids to take care of!!
She did it! She said she did!!
There is NO excuse for killing ANYONE, unless there are harming you!
August 2, 2007 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
singlemomof1 (anonymous) says...
PARENTAL FITNESS TEST!!
August 2, 2007 at 11:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gcs (anonymous) says...
To joi-
NO, It couldn't have been ANY mother!! Most mothers love & care about their children enough that they don't make dumbass moves like this one!!
August 2, 2007 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
samadryad (anonymous) says...
to singlemomof1:
you might want to speak to God about conception on this one as birth control isn't 100% effective
this is the reason I am pro-choice. KIll the baby before it is born so that its soul pops into another fetus to live.
wow................andy savage is doing this pro bono?!
August 2, 2007 at 11:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lglenn (anonymous) says...
This women feared losing her job, but yet let those children sit in that car and literally suffer to their death. This has truly bothered me, and to know this woman then went to ARBY's I mean come on, this woman is truly metally not there. She needs to be put in prison and think about those children everyday of her life, and the choices that she made, that have put her there. I could never have sympathy for someone like that. To know for over 8 hours that your own flesh and blood is suffering. How could anyone live with themself, and to have an appetite after all that truly kills me. I do not care about what her life was like or hardships she faced. As a mother, you put your children FIRST and foremost.
August 2, 2007 at 11:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinabeachgirl (anonymous) says...
Andy Savage is representing her pro bono because he is very good friends with her uncle. I am really tired of hearing that she did the best she could, if the best is killing your children there is a problem.
August 2, 2007 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pratt07 (anonymous) says...
I hope they give her the needle. I will be one pissed off person if my taxes go to feeding and housing this lady for years to come.
August 2, 2007 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
singlemomof1 (anonymous) says...
to samadryad: there are ways to ensure that the woman doesn't have a child prior to testing. IUD's have improved quite a bit over the years. And there's always tying tubes. get it fixed as soon as a girl starts her cycle and undo it once she's passed the testing. (It shouldn't be really strict requirements, just a test to show that you're responsible and intellegent enough and not going to abuse your kids). Then no abortion would ever have to happen and there'd be fewer kids running around here with abusive or negligent parents. better for the economy, better for the kids, better for the young would-be mothers...
August 2, 2007 at 11:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlene68 (anonymous) says...
I ANT GET OVER THE FACT, THAT THESE CHILDREN ARE DEAD IN THE CAR , PROBABLY HAVE HAD NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK IN THE TIME THEY WERE THERE, IF SHE DID NOT GO OUT TO CHECK ONTHEM THEN ITS OBVIOUS THEY HAD NOTHING PROBABLY PEED AND POOPED ON THEIRSELVES AND EVERYTHING ELSE AND THEN TO TOP IT OFF THIS WOMAN GOES TO ARBYS AND BUYS HERSELF A DRINK, I READ SOMEWHERE THAT THERE WAS A NARBYS CUP IN HER CAR .. THAT IS UTTERLY RIDICULOUS, !!!!!!! THIS WOMAN IS GOING TO DRINK A DRINK AFTER THOSE POOR CHILDREN WHERE THERE WITH NOTHING.... I'M SORRY I HAVE NO PITY ON HER AT ALL , NONE WHAT SO EVER .....
August 2, 2007 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlene68 (anonymous) says...
CALL IT JUDGING OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT ,,, IF GOD IS A FRGIVING GOD AND HE FORGIVES HER, THEN I KNOW IM NOT GOING TO HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH HIM FORGIVING ME FOR THE WAY I FEEL, !!!!! HE KNOWS WHO IS RIGHT AND WRONG JUST LIKE I DOO, SO ALL YOU PEOPLE TALK ABOUT JUDGING,,, SIT BACK AND LOOK AT IT ... BE REALISTIC.....
August 2, 2007 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wags (anonymous) says...
i wonder if this was the first time she left the kids like that or if she had done it before.
August 2, 2007 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
da9 (anonymous) says...
She should've given the rest of her kids up for adoption. Just my opinion. Hopefully she will be charged per child and given the death sentence. We just need to rid the world of twisted individuals like this. Or try my theory and take her to a lab and have her examined and tested then put to prison/mental health clinic for the rest of her life to be "fish bowled" forever. Creepy people.
August 2, 2007 at 12:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
singlemomof1 (anonymous) says...
Amen Harpo. I know it's not likely to ever be instituted here but there OUGHT to be qualifications...
August 2, 2007 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
triquetra7 (anonymous) says...
She planned on killing her children if not then
1. Why would she wait so late to tell her employer she had a babysitting emergency.<<< If you read the complete article she did inform her employer.
7th paragraph:
She left her 15-hour shift at the Charleston County Disabilities Board more than halfway through after telling her employer she had a baby-sitting emergency, Hanahan Police Lt. Mike Fowler said.
2. Heyward had run-ins with DSS before, she knows the phone number, why not call and say, I need a babysitter for my children.... they would have given her a list!
3. At 11:45 she takes the children back home, bathes them and puts them in garbage bags... Why did she bathe them? Hmmm sounds like there was something someone was trying to cover up possibly? She didn't even take the time to try to bury them, much less call an ambulance which shows she did not care about their lives at all. Forget the loving mother crap she threw their bodies under the kitchen sink!
4. She cares for disabled individuals, she should know what to do with those who can't take care of themselves, that right there, definitely rules out the mentally instable excuse!
5. She goes for something at Arby's. Arby's for those who don't know is on Rivers Ave. About 5-7 min down is Northwoods Mall. Inside Northwoods mall parking lot is an emergency care building, why not take your children there, she obviously thought it was less important than getting something to eat.
6. Crazy people do not know or realize that they are crazy! Nobody can play the mentally insane card for a woman who realizes what she did, and writes a suicide note, yet has enough courtesy to tell authorities exactly what happened, and leave birth records in a car, She gave that son up if i am reading correct. Showing that she knew she could not support him, why keep the other two?
This was a planned event, and people want to let this woman live, sure let her live, so she can think about that s**t everyday for the rest of her life, Giving her a needle is giving her the easy way out!
August 2, 2007 at 12:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doreaner (anonymous) says...
MY HEART GOES OUT TO SAMETTA HEYWARD AND HER FAMILY....SOME PEOPLE DO THINGS AND DON'T REALIZE WHAT THEY ARE DOING or HAVE DONE.
August 2, 2007 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
It just kills me that there are people out there that are this irresponsible. If a person is known to have mental incapabilities, the state or county need to step in and counsel her FOR FREE. Our tax dollars go to programs to help people in situations like hers. She knew she had problems and that is why she gave one child up for adoption and the other lives with the dad. Yes, she was trying to make it for the sake of her family, but where do you draw the line? Perhaps leaving your children unattended, unfed and un-air conditioned for hours on end in the blistering heat of a vehicle. What if she wouldn't have left her 15-hour shift early? I still cannot BELIEVE that this woman bathed these kids and dressed them while having a weak pulse and disposing of the bodies in a TRASH BAG. That's what I would do. Not a proper burial or trip to the Emergency Room. Heaven forbid a call to 911. If she was tending to elderly people, aren't there NURSES in the building? I bet there were. Why not go in and get one of them to help your babies?! Unless, she did it on purpose. Which I will never understand.
August 2, 2007 at 1:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nysolchild (anonymous) says...
Many of us feel sorry for the kids, and some for the mother or both. That's what we are suppose to do, have compassion for one another. Unfortunatley things like this happen everyday in some way, where moms are killing their kids. This mother's crime is no different from the soon to be mom on crack or cocaine, or the mother knowingly with hiv/aids. The media has given just what we want to hear, partial news. So many questions have not been answered nor will they probably be,sometimes we just don't need to know. We were not place on this earth to stay forever, but sadly some of us leave too soon. I am glad my salvation does not lie in the hands of anyone but the Almighty. Let a man examine himself. When we are judged we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. God sits high and looks low, looks beyond ALL our faults. This is why cities across America is in an uproroar, we want God to bless us but we have forgotten to bless God. Lets start to pray for one another and see the hands of God work to better our society and nation. None of us know what we will do in any given situation,but because of grace and mercy our crime or sin hasn't caught up with us yet.
August 2, 2007 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
I feel sorry for the young lady. We have all made bad decisions. Unless you have been in the struggle, don't judge. I can imagine the shock,pain and disbelief she suffered. Look at her picture in this story. She doesn't look like a cold blooded killer that she is made out to be. We, especially the poor of all races need to support her because we know. Just like the young lady whose twins burned and died in the mobile home. She was trying to make it and tragedy struck. If this young lady sat around and was receiving "Welfare" and did not try to help herself, she would still be criticized. Read her plight in the previous story. Let's support the family. Don't judge until you have walked a mile in her shoes. Just from her story you could see that she needed financial, mental help and support. Thank God for her neighbor who tried to help and knew the kind of person she was. Look at the kids on the video, they did not seem malnourished or dirty. They seemed happy. Too bad that they died the way they did. She will have to live with herself, even if she is sent to prison, knowing tht she mad a bad decision, TRYING TO SAVE HER JOB. JUST TO GET ON HER FEET!!!!
August 2, 2007 at 1:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esther (anonymous) says...
What amazes me is that it is not until something tragic happens that various persons and organizations come forward to say, "We have these resources available." Bhippey commented about going to DSS. Well, for the people that do not know how the system works, it is not that easy. The system wants you to be handicapped so to speak, before they assist you. Vouchers are not free. How do I know? I went to DSS. At the time, I was working a full-time job, getting paid every two weeks. They told me to quit my full-time job, get on welfare(which is AFDC, which pays you once a month)and then they would give me vouchers. My question to them was,"Are you serious?" What would be the point of giving me vouchers, if I am at home unemployed.
Instead of exploiting the situation, how about we find ways to assist parents that may be experiencing the same dilemma right now as we speak, and post that information; instead of talking about what we would have done, and what she could have done. The truth is, none of us really know what we would do if we are ever faced with a situtation that we feel as though we could not handle at that time. Hind sight is 20/20, and people always know how they would respond to situtations after they have already happened.
August 2, 2007 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
ALSO, WHAT SOCIETY DO WE LIVE IN WHERE A PERSON/MOTHER HAVE TO WORK 15 HOURS A DAY!!!!! THAT COMPANY NEEDS TO BE CHECKED ON. HOW MANY BREAKS ARE YOU ALLOWED. MAYBE THIS IS A CHANCE TO SEE WHO IS BREAKING THE LABOR LAWS. THAT IS A LOT OF STRESS IN ITSELF,ESPECIALLY IN THE TYPE OF WORK SHE DID. iF Y9OU AR ECOLD-BLOODED, IT WOULD MANIFEST ITSELF WHEN WORKING WITH THE ELDERLY, ESPECIALLY. VERY STRESSFUL.
August 2, 2007 at 1:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlene68 (anonymous) says...
Esther: I TO WAS A SINGLE PARENT OF 3 AND GOD KNOWS I STRUGGLED TO RAISE THEM BUT I DID IT,, THERE WERE SOMETIMES THEY STRESSED ME OUT SO BAD I FELT LIKE KILLING THEM ( JUST AN EXPRESSION ) BUT I DID NOT///// THERE IS NO ESCUSE ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH FOR HER TO HAVE BEEN NEGLIGENT WITH THEM KIDS LIKE THAT I DONT CARE WHAT NOBODY SAYS, THATS THE WAY IT IS,,, EVERYONE CAN MAKE EXCUSES ALL THEY WANT TO ,, BUT IT HAPPENED ITS FOR REAL, AND THERE IS NO TAKING IT BACK.... OOOOPS!!!! IT SO SUCKS TO BE HER!!!!
August 2, 2007 at 1:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
Esther-When my husband and I moved up here after Hurricane Katrina destroyed our house I was pregnant with our son. After he was born we went to DSS in Saint George. We got on food stamps and they offered me ABC vouchers for FREE day care. My husband wirked full time making decent money, but we were living with my parents and had nothing in savings. We were paying off all the leftover debt from the hurricane. So don't sit here and tell me that it's difficult to obtain what the state offers. I've known alot of people to get the same treatment as myself. When my husband and I were both working we got off of all state assistance programs. If you don't try and ask for help you'll never get it these days. The states offers help and she still denied it. I don't feel sorry for her not making it financially. There is always a way to dig yourself out of those types of situations. It just takes effort, responsiblity, and the pursuit of the proper help.
August 2, 2007 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
THANKS TO HER LAWYER, THE POOR NEEDS SOMEONE TO REPRESENT THEM TOO!! ALREADY THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION HAS CONVICTED AND CONDEMNED HER, BY WHAT IS WRITTEN IN SOME OF THE COMMENTS. BEING POOR DOES NOT MEAN BEING GUILTY.
August 2, 2007 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
OF COURSE YOU WOULD GET IMMEDIATE HELP, YOU WERE A VICTIM OF HURRICANE KATRINA. THAT WAS A DIFFERENT SITUATION. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE WITH A WORKING HUSBAND, LIVING WITH PARENTS, NO SAVINGS(HOW MANY OF THE PEOPLE ON WELFARE HAVE A SAVINGS)GETTING ANY ASSISTANCE AND ALL OF THE VOUCHERS THT YOU GOT. IF THEY HAD TURNED YOU DOWN AND ASKED YOUR HUSBAND TO QUIT HIS JOB, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN SOME TROUBLE, BECAUSE YOU WERE DISPLACED. NO COMPARISON TO PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP WHO WERE NOT FROM KATRINA. I LIVE IN GEORGIA AND I KNOW IT IS THAT WAY HER. I WAS BORNED AND RAISED IN THE LOW COUNTRY.
August 2, 2007 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scbassgirl (anonymous) says...
as for someone who lives here in hanahan, nothing seems to suprise me much any more. and the place she was living with those 2 children is not a very good place. i don't understand ,if she says the kids had a pluse , why did she not call 911, and how come the oldest of the 2 could not get out of the car. thats a long time to be inside, without trying to get out.somethings just not all out about this. but i hope she gets what is coming to her. they might want to put her in the trunk and leave her for a few hours, she might feel what it's like....
August 2, 2007 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bhippey (anonymous) says...
I got the DSS help in MARCH/APRIL. The hurricane was in AUGUST. 8 Months later. And they had NO clue that we were Hurricane Katrina "refugees". We never mentioned that. I have two friends right now that have working husbands that are on food stamps and have abs vouchers and they got them day one of their application. So don't sit here and tell me that it's impossible for someone to have a working husband to get all of the assistance that we got. That's one big load of horse s**t. Good for you being raised here, have you ever applied for nay of this assistance? If you haven't then you don't really know the process. Do you?
August 2, 2007 at 1:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
WHAT DOES WHERE SHE LIVE HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE SITUATION? SHE LIVED WHERE SHE COULD AFFORD. ITS NOT WHERE YOU LIVE, BUT WHAT YOU MAKE OF WHERE YOU ARE.
August 2, 2007 at 1:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
livia (anonymous) says...
Aside from all the "judgement" comments--I am curious as to the "facts" in the case. Someone mentioned already--but why did the five year old not get out of the car when he was "hot"? I wonder if the mom had threatened them or if he fell asleep? I just wonder why he didn't get out of the car. Several years ago, I stopped by a Good-Will drop off box. My suv had a button on the dash that released the back window/tailgate. I pushed the button and turned off my engine. I got out and put the clothes, etc. in the bin and shut the tailgate/window. When I did, I realized the car was LOCKED. I had two children--my youngest was 9 mos. and my oldest was almost 2 and they were locked in the car. I began screaming, trying to get my son to let me back into the car but he wasn't old enough to follow directions on how to unlock the doors. I was so afraid that something would happen to them if I left them in the car. I immediately stopped a motorist and had them call 911. I also had them call my husband to bring a key immediately. He toldthem to break the window if he wasn't there in five minutes. The police officer took his baton and broke the window about the same time my husband arrived. Sure we had to have the window replaced but it was worth it not to see my children suffer unnecessarily in July heat in a locked car. Seeing how upset and hot my two year old was--even though he couldn't let himself out of the car,I can only think that a five year old must have been trying to get out of the heat.
August 2, 2007 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlene68 (anonymous) says...
she probably left them strapped in the car seat so they could not get out!!!!
August 2, 2007 at 1:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
YES I DID AND WAS TURNED DOWN. YOU ONLY CAME HER RECENTLY. TELL US WHO TO CONTACT AND MAYBE SOME OF THE OTHER NOT SO FORTUNATE PEOPLE CAN GET WHAT YOU GOT WITH YOUR RESOURCES. SOME PEOPLE ARE SINGLE AND CAN'T GET ANYTHING. OH, I ALSO HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO HAVE RETIRED FROM THE "SOCIAL SERVICES" DEPARTMENT IN BERKELEY COUNTY. PUT YOUR CONTACT AND INFORMATION ON THIS FORUM SO IT COULD BE PASSED ON TO SOME OF THE MORE UNFORTURNATE. ALSO, I DON'T USE VULGAR LANGUAGE AS YOU DID, SO YOU WON'T GET THAT FROM ME. LET'S USE TACT AND SHOW WE ARE MATURE AND CAN AGREE TO DISAGREE AND MAYBE WE CAN HELP SOMEONE ELSE. YOU CAN MAKE A POINT WITHOUT BEING VULGAR, EVEN IF IT IS ASTERISKED OUT.
August 2, 2007 at 1:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
livia (anonymous) says...
bhippey, there was also a time when lower ranking military families qualified for DSS assistance. These were not families who were burdoned with debt but families who had children, the father had a "decent" job--but the pay was not enough for the area in which they were stationed, so families qualified for WIC and other subsidized programs. Often times, just working is NOT enough and hopefully people use the programs to get back on their feet.
August 2, 2007 at 1:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
LIVIA AND CHARLENE68 ,
YOU MAKE SENSE. THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENT.
August 2, 2007 at 1:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SugMocha22 (anonymous) says...
The more I read the updates on the what really happened; The more upset I get and pain I feel not just for her, but for everyone in the family. True indeed, she killed her kids, but we can't say it was on purpose. She was just afraid of what would have happened to her if she left her job site for a few minutes just to check on her kids. Afraid of losing her job. I really don't know what to say because in a sense I want to be mad at her and I want her to pay for what she did(technically, she's already paying; the guilt inside just to know that she's done such a horrible thing), but at the same time I truly believe that this was all an accident. MAYBE!!! What threw me off was when it says: the kids had faint pulses and she tried CPR, but it didn't work. She should have at least called the ambulance or took them to the ER room herself! But when you get in situations and backed up against wall, you really can't think straight. So, yes maybe she wasn't in her right state of mind when she took them home and gave them bathes and put them underneath the sink!!!!MAYBE!ONLY GOD KNOWS!! My only advice to her right now is GET IT RIGHT WITH GOD!!! Because at the end that's the only person you really have to ANSWER TO!!!!!!!!!!In his word he says he will never leave thee, nor forsake thee and even though you made this horrible mistake and it took two lives he will never ever LEAVE! OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD AND AN ALMIGHTY GOD!!! Much love goes out to you and your family MS. HEYWARD
August 2, 2007 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Magpie (anonymous) says...
Where are you getting the boy was 5 years old? The paper said 4 and relatives said he was 3. His obit in yesterday's paper said he was 3. At 3, it depends on the maturity of the child as to whether or not he could unlock the door. Was he strapped into a car seat he could not undo? Don't know what type of car it was, but were the back doors child proof? Lots of questions.
Concerning DSS -- my husband's construction company went belly up back in 1979/80 and our youngest child became very ill and was hospitalized. We tried to get help but because we were married and these were our children together, DSS could not help. If they were our children but we were not married or they were my/his children by someone else, we would have been eligible. In other words, we were penalized for doing the right thing. The only help we could get was food stamps. You bet we took the food stamps for a few months until we could get jobs.
August 2, 2007 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
islip376 (anonymous) says...
This comes from a person with a diagnosed mental illness, Bipolar Disorder with borderline personality traits. I have two kids. One is 7yrs old and the other is 6mos old. It's safe to say that the illness gets difficult once in awhile but when a mental illness is so debilitating to where one cannot make an informed decision about the care or lack thereof of their own children, that person is also unable to hold down a full time job. Everything in this woman's actions says that she had the right "state of mind". She finished school, AND she held down a job. No mention of a history of suicide attempts before. This woman made a bad judgement call that ended fatal. Period , end of story. She should be punished accordingly. Let's not put this on the mentally ill. That is my diagnosis and my children are VERY well taken care of. If there ever comes a time when I feel psycho therapy and/or drugs are no longer working, I have enough sense to seek help or give them to a relative who can properly care for them. This is coming from a 100% disabled veteran so for all you who want to sympathize, think about this. We cannot keep wondering what's going on with people who simply act selfishly and irresponsibly. I'm not judging. I'm just saying that a crime was committed and someone has to pay. Mom is supposed to be a protector. It makes me angry that women like this one cause the public to focus now on "mentally ill" people. A mentally ill woman didn't do this, a stupid, selfish, evil woman did. I don't appreciate having her in the same category I've been placed in. You normal folks can keep her!
August 2, 2007 at 2:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MRSMICKEY (anonymous) says...
This is so sad. I can't stop thinking about these babies,what a terrible way to die and by the hand of their mother. May they rest in peace. I am a 28yr old single mom and I struggle, that's my sole reason for not bringing anymore children into the world because times are hard. This lady will have to live with her choice for the rest of her life. Yes she will. We never know where the day will take us, life is unpridictable. To those who are doing well congrats! Those struggling stay srong! In short we all have to be held accountable for our actions!
August 2, 2007 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
da9 (anonymous) says...
I don't feel bad for her, maybe her family, but not her. I can understand being emotional and letting words take over. Actions, though, should be thought about first. People who do these things and don't know they are doing them probably have a problem. But, what she did made her a criminal and she should be punished. Pittying her isn't going to do any good for her.
August 2, 2007 at 2:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
If anyone brought this up, then forgive me for the repetition. What proof is there that the children had a faint pulse and that she administered CPR? Is this known by her confession only? If that is the case then why would anyone take this woman's word? They could have already been deceased and she could have made up this story to try to make herself seem less guilty. That would also explain why she had no reason to call 911 or take them to the E.R. Just something to think about, folks.
August 2, 2007 at 2:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
islip376 (anonymous) says...
To Harpo: Don't know if you read my previous comment but I feel I'm qualified to make comments on the mental health note and your suicide question. A woman her age would either have previous suicide attempts or history of depression, I mean REAL HISTORY like hospitalized in a county hospital which is public record. Suicide notes are usually left as a cry for help or guilt. When a person is serious about taking their lives, they do it! This woman was afraid and she was sorry, I do believe. But, the note was to let everyone know "hey, I'm no murderer, you see, I feel so bad that I don't want to live." Its so easy for people to say that after the fact but if she was one of those suicidal people, she would've been brave enough to take her own life a while ago. The only feels suicidal b/c of what she has done and what is going to happen to her as a result. Again, selfishness and poor judgement does not equal mental illness! Normal people do make bad choices, why can't it just be what it is? Mental illness has a history and it has a paper trail. Under these circumstances, there was no tragic even that made this woman snap and do this so to speak. Andrea Yates....history of severe depression. Even still, I don't pity her. She had the mental ability to conceive five children did she not?
August 2, 2007 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
da9 (anonymous) says...
Harpo, you are completely right on this matter in my opinion. This was not a simple "oops" and it does seem like some are trying to put it off as that. Not everyone makes the mistake of killing their children through neglect. Also, with the profession she was in (and common knowledge) you'd think she'd know that if you can't leave a dog in the car for 15 minutes alone with the windows cracked, that you should definitely not leave your babies in the car for hours with the windows up. This is not a 'bad choice' it's what I call carelessness and a murderous state of mind. If she could leave for 'sitter issues' I think she could have called in with the same excuse and stayed home and be happy with the children she was 'working so hard to take care of'. Sorry doesn't cut it-not even in a suicide note-a cry for help too late. I think it was a pity letter-It's not a suicide letter if no one committed suicide. Prior to this-it's a disturbed mind. I think this was an in cold blood, spur of the moment thing.
August 2, 2007 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
da9 (anonymous) says...
P.S. I'd rather lose my job, house, car, even my own life before I lost my kids. So her being afraid of losing her job doesn't cut it as an excuse at all. Jeez, I'd rather be broke and on the streets. United Way would have helped her get childcare vouchers.
August 2, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IHG (anonymous) says...
One thing that boggles me is that she worked an 8hr shift before telling her supervisor she needed to leave because of a child care crisis. Isnt there some kind of law that says if you work an 8hr shift you are intitled to a 30min lunch and two 15min breaks. Not that I agree with her leaving the kids in the car in the first place but I dont understand why she couldnt check on her kids on one of her breaks. That is another thing that doesnt make alot of since to me in this case.
August 2, 2007 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
singleroni (anonymous) says...
while the kids was in the car did she go out and even give them water or feed them? A caring mother would have tried to feed them at the least. I get aggervated when a killer is arrested then the family and friends all say what a great fellow they were. How can that be true when they do such things. There had to be signs before the incident happen.
August 2, 2007 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
If she wanted to murder her kids and concoct a story, she could have killed them at home at anyother time and concocted an excuse. She was home with them all of the time and from the next door neighbor, she was a good mother and the kids were happy. She made a fatal mistake. I will pray for her and the extended family. I can't imagine losing two children and their mother, who grew up w/o her own mother and probably did not know how to nurture and love and think the way we so called "normal" people would have. Let's get the whole story first, after the investigation by law enforcement officers. She is not being tried yet!!!!
August 2, 2007 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zandi57 (anonymous) says...
Everyone who says this women is guilty and needs to die for her crimes is CORRECT. She seem's to be a selfish person who was more interested in saving money than living in a small CLEAN(which I understand she also had a problem with)cool place to live!!!!!!!Which is better than some people! She killed her kids for a bigger apartment!!! That will make a great defense. They will probably offer her a plea bargain that will be a little prison time and Psych. therapy. South Carolina seem's to have the worst Child protection laws!!!!!!!!! Childern are OUR future!!!!!!!!!!!
August 2, 2007 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
So true,navyblueblood. Some people are missing the point that this forum is here for people to express opinions, exchange ideas, and toss around theories. I personally have learned alot from reading people's posts. It doesn't matter if we all agree. That would not be normal if we did. LOL
Please keep posting everyone, your opinions do count.
August 2, 2007 at 4:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
What was the set up, in your opinion,navyblueblood? Yes we are entitled to express our opinions.
August 2, 2007 at 4:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
Phew!!!! I'm not posting anything else on this subject. THe theories are getting wilder and wilder. Kill your kids for a bigger apartment!!!!!! That's wild.
August 2, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
Harpo, good point about the saliva, but she supposedly bathed them. However, in alot of cases of chest compression there would be sternal bruising or maybe a cracked rib, especially when performed on a small child. The medical examiner can confirm this.
August 2, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jessie1125 (anonymous) says...
The thing that sickens me most is that people can't take responsibility for the choices they have made. Why did this woman even give birth to so many children. If you know that you have no skills or job training, or some means of caring for this child, stop reproducing. The health department offers free birth control, or better yet, keep your legs closed. Someone also mentioned that we neede to pray for the father(s) of these children. Although I can't and don't want to know it feels to lose a child, where were they? Why weren't they caring for these kids? Or is that society's fault too??
August 2, 2007 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jessie1125 (anonymous) says...
Also, for someone who was having a hard time making ends meet her hair looks pretty good!
August 2, 2007 at 4:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MJLowery (anonymous) says...
When she found her babies dead in the car, it was a "mistake." She should not have done such a thing.
It went WAY BEYOND a "mistake" when she neglected to call authorities, bathed them post-mortally, put them in black trash bags, and hid them under the sink. It went WAY BEYOND a mistake when she went to get herself something to eat while her babies lay dead in a cabinet.
Don't you get it: THIS WENT WAY BEYOND A MISTAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 2, 2007 at 4:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pratt07 (anonymous) says...
LOL, Jessie....
August 2, 2007 at 4:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jessie1125 (anonymous) says...
It doesn't matter if she rode a damn bike. Don't have sex if you can't support the offspring that may possibly come from it!
August 2, 2007 at 4:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jessie1125 (anonymous) says...
If I'm not mistaken it was a chevy cavalier. Sorry, not arguing harpo, just pissed off!
August 2, 2007 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kennyt (anonymous) says...
I am a christian but when I HEARD Gods hand was in this it makes me sick, how can Gods hand be in this, no way, us bible thumpers needs to read our bible more and know that God gives everybody a free will to do good or bad we chose it is not He who chose's for us. I don't see how so many people are taking up for this woman because she is single, poor has to much pride to get help! One verse for us thumpers is Malachai 2:17 Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Everyone that doeth EVIL IS GOOD in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them: or, Where is the God of judgement? This is evil and if anything the devils hand is in this!
August 2, 2007 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
amazed121 (anonymous) says...
you know what really makes me sick.. is how some of you can sit here all day and argue with each other about this nonsense... about how we should all do something about it...or about how you don't feel bad at all. and yet, you think that your opinion is helping the situation. that you're actually making the difference in the case. it's not up to us what happens to this woman. only a court and judge can decide.
for those of you who really care.. go do something about it. for those of you who don't... stop bickering.
August 2, 2007 at 5:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
Yes, Harpo a 3 yr. old can open a car door. Most I've seen can get out of their car seats too. Good question about the car. Did it have child safety locks? If they were free to roam around in the car what child does anyone know that would not have to push the car horn? I,personally,after having 3 of my own haven't seen a sigle kid that can resist a car horn. The media has not mentioned car seats or anything about the yr.,make or model of the car. This would tell a whole lot more.
August 2, 2007 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
You are right about the car, jessie, I guess I didn't see the forest for the trees. It just doesn't say how old a model, so we don't know if it locked by a remote or manually. A young child might not know how to open a remote-locked vehicle.
August 2, 2007 at 5:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
Hey, cvs, you go girl! I think I just heard your computer chair blow up. LMAO!!
August 2, 2007 at 5:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
brownround (anonymous) says...
Lets all remember she does a 12 year old son and he's still alive. How do you think he is coping with this and how do you think he feels about some of the things he is hearing about his mother. Wrong is wrong and he will have to deal with this the rest of his life and the comments too!
August 2, 2007 at 5:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
samadryad (anonymous) says...
the make or model of car makes no difference.
I drove around in my mother's late volvo and didn't want to give it up. She got it really cheap.
as for IHG, you made the comment about lunch and breaks---I just got out of a domestic violence situation where I was almost stabbed with a knife and lost the family home.....I worked at IHOP where other women in the same situation did and I will tell you the employer there tells you to keep working even a double shift w/ no breaks and if you don't do it, she will replace you with a mexican that will.
August 2, 2007 at 5:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
punkie (anonymous) says...
Since things like this happen everyday, what are we as a ppl going to do to save the next set of kids so that this doesnt happen? We have to help these single parents out. We are the richest nation in the world. As for her the right thing would be to pray for her and her family.
August 2, 2007 at 7:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pacomarj (anonymous) says...
1. She was at work for 8 hours. I thought by law if one works at least 6 hours, they have to have some kind of break. Did she not even check on them during her break? Or at least slip out to check when she went to the bathroom?
2. Andy Savage has to be taking this case in hopes that it will get national attention.
3. Was Arby's going to be her last meal? They could use that in their next ad campaign.
4. When someone is brought into court can the judge and jury judge or should they just leave that up to God too?
This case is just horrible. What makes it so different than the others is that she did this knowingly.
August 2, 2007 at 7:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IHG (anonymous) says...
Wow samadryad thats a sad story...im sorry you had to go through that..i was working at a department store that didnt like to give breaks either. Some employees got together and sued the same company in another state for that same reason, I quit and found a much better job. In my opinion, if I needed to take a 15 to go check on my kids whether I was told I could go or not I would go. My kids are more important to me then any job. Thats just me though im not speaking for anyone else. I am also a struggling single parent of 3 ages 12-17. Had my first at 16yrs old, no job, no education but still took good care of my kids and still do.
August 2, 2007 at 7:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
samadryad, the make and model does make a difference if the older child could have possibly gotten out. Some cars don't have child safety locks. What does your mother's old Volvo have to do with what Ms. Heyward drove? Just curious?
August 2, 2007 at 7:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lacaci64 (anonymous) says...
It's great to see that so many people care enough to comment on this situation. As a mother myself, and a single mother at that, what happened to those children breaks my heart. Nothing will bring them back, no amount of remorse, or anger, no punishment no matter how severe. However, when it comes to judging the mother, I have to keep in mind what Jesus said about those of us without sin casting the first stone. And I thank God that with all the mistakes I've made as a parent, none were as costly or irreversible as the one this mother made.
August 2, 2007 at 8:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
trulyblessed3 (anonymous) says...
There are alot of comments that i read that pertained to why she didn't have assistance. For those who receive assistance, do you work, have a home, car insurance, life ins. etc? If you don't work or paying any bills, you are just as bad because you as well are living off our taxes that we pay out every pay period and you are sitting at home getting all the assistance that working parents need with children. Those of you who sit at home and say what the gov. has to offer, share with me and others what lies we need to tell to get public assistance and childcare. I could use it and i work 8-5 and i have school age children.
August 2, 2007 at 8:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
burton (anonymous) says...
Ah, don't you get lunch, smoke, and bathroom breaks at work? Could she have taken that time to walk out to the parking lot and check on her children? I'm so tired of these religious zealots defending this women. I'm just glad that you are in the minority on this. I want more single mothers raising their kids to post on this site about this matter. Please tell us how you are raising your kids on your own and not resorting to killing them because it is too hard to raise them! Incredible that we have people defending a mother that kills her two precious children! How you can be a parent and defend this is beyond me!
August 2, 2007 at 9:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nickiegarbeil (anonymous) says...
Society has indeed set us up for failure...it is called relieving us of our responsibility and accountability. We need to all put our big boy/girl pants on and take responsibility for the things we do, the choices we make...if you don't have a babysitter, DON'T GO TO WORK...I had three children by myself after my divorce...no child support, didn't qualify for assistance..I made $6 an hour...I didn't leave them at home alone, or in a hot car when I had no sitter...I called in sick, because I am FIRST a mother, second my job....if you lose your job, then you lose it, but your children are alive...there are services available for her if she lost her job, and I am sure, that if her family can't babysit, they would have helped to feed the children...come on...we have to take responsibility in this world in order to see effective change for the better.
I am certain God loves her, but he won't excuse her...he will forgive her, but she must take responsibility first and ask for forgiveness...in the meantime, we have a legal system in place that must apply here...those were innocent children who could not fend for themselves...those poor precious children...
August 2, 2007 at 9:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
lacaci64, what Jesus said was true, but the people wanted to stone an adulteress, not a child killer.
Trulyblessed, I can understand your anger, because I know of people in your same situation. The lies these people tell are outrageous. They are pros at what they do. They claim things such as having no income, no car, no telephone, and the list goes on. How they get away with this is a mystery to me. My daughter had a job with no benefits and she needed medication for a female problem. Her salary was below the poverty level. All she could get was a checkup and a year's supply of birth control pills. A lady at the health dept. took her aside and told her she was dressed too well and shouldn't have bathed and then she might could have received more help. Can you believe that?
August 2, 2007 at 9:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpecialK (anonymous) says...
I am the mother of a two year old who has lost one child prematurely 10 years ago. This story sickens my stomach. As a grown adult we are taught right from wrong. Granted not everyone is a good parent, but you know what's right and what is not. The fact that she stuffed them in trash bags and didn't bother to call 911 and attempt to tell someone that she made an error in judgement makes her look like a uncaring person. Obviously this woman has mega problems. I too 2 years ago was struggling, at times I didn't eat, but I always made sure my son was taken care of, and he always had food. I went to wicc, did the public assistance, that's what it's there for, and there are people out there you can reach to that can help you if you are feeling overwhelmed, which she soooo obviously was. There was no reason for this to happen. I had the help, and now i'm doing great. She could have had the same, had she taken the help. You should never be afraid to ask. I will do anything to help my son. Helping my child is #1 priority,and pride be darned!!
I'd like to see her sit in jail permanently, but her ultimate punishment is her knowing she killed her own flesh and blood. What did those two innocents do to desrve this? Can you look at those faces and say she was trying to be a good parent, and not ask for help?? Question is, why didn't she ask for help, FOR THOSE BEAUTIFUL ANGELS???
August 2, 2007 at 9:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
edistoprince (anonymous) says...
I'm sorry. I've thought about this long and hard. I can imagine what it must have been like for someone that must work to take care of her children, but didn't have a babysitter must have felt. I can see where this seemed like the only way, but for any parent to leave a child in a car in the middle of the summer I have no simpathy. I'm sorry. Where was her family when she needed someone? Where were her friends that cry on the TV saying what a good mother she was. My heart does go out to this lady for the loss of her children and the regret she will face for the rest of her life, but I believe with the choice she made she must stand up and take the punishment for her crime. I know being a single parent isn't easy, but that doesn't give anyone the right to neglect their children. God's grace be with her.
August 2, 2007 at 9:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpecialK (anonymous) says...
forgot to add that I am a single parent, I went through pregnancy, childbirth,and even now, am doing it on my own, with no family down here. Tell me there can't be successful single paretns, I'm one of them, and I fought for my child's support through the courts to make him comfortable. I will not fail him!
August 2, 2007 at 10:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NN (anonymous) says...
Everything happens for a reason, even though we may not see or realize it when it happens, there is always a method to the madness. There is a bigger plan and a bigger picture that we, as human beings, cannot fathom.
I find it VERY hard to believe that Savage is doing this pro bono.
August 2, 2007 at 10:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
datadiva (anonymous) says...
This site illustrates the main problem that occured here in this situation:
Staggering statistics, but it happens everyday...
1.Who in their RIGHT MIND would leave a child unattended in a car
2.No one in the parking lot noticed 2 children sitting in a car all alone for almost 8 hours?
3.I don't care what the situation, if you don't have proper childcare, you call out and suffer the consequences
August 2, 2007 at 10:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
datadiva (anonymous) says...
for "samadryad"
re: your comment about the manager replacing you w/ a "mexican" that is willing to work w/o a break
wtf kind of racist statement is that?
There are ways to get your point across and that is so not one of them!
August 2, 2007 at 10:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
punkie (anonymous) says...
I am a 30 yr old mother of 3 children. I do have a husband but we are separated right now. I started my family when I was 19 yrs old. My childrens ages range from 7 -10. I could get here on my soap box and tell you how hard it has been for me and I am pretty sure some of you have tales too, we all do. I was brought up by a God fearing grandmother and she taught us that a child was a gift from God. When I saw coverage of this story on Nancy Grace last night it brought tears to my eyes b/c we are missing the point. Two of Gods precious angels died on earth and now they call HEAVEN home. As a society we need to find a way to care more for our borrowed angels. My heart goes out to the mom b/c for those of us who believe in God, she will be accountable and have to answer for this. For the family I pray you get through this. WE HAVE TO DO BETTER IN TAKING CARE OF CHILDREN. We have PETA for pets. Whenever something goes wrong with those animals PETA is right there. COME ON DSS, STAND UP!
August 2, 2007 at 11:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pezman (anonymous) says...
I think this is far from over. Lot of questions still. Maybe there is a connection between the family and the attorney. Did they ever find the clothes the kids were wearing before they were bathed?
At any rate as adults we have to be accountable for our actions or lack of. Insanity should not be an easy way out. And having a child in January and giving it up? At least respect procreation.
August 3, 2007 at 12:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
Hey charlene. I'm here, but I've been avoiding this one. This has more emotion going than the firefighters shirt by far. I just think there's plenty of sad in this story, all around.
Mrs. Heyword sounds like she was working on doing the right thing with her life and for her children, and I can't for the life of me figure out what went on in her head this day to have done this. As far as the washing and the bags and all that, I think knowing that she had done such a foolish thing and caused her childrens deaths took out what sanity she had. It's just sad all around. I won't be at all surprised if she commits suicide, and I wouldn't blame her. Probably be easier than living with it. I feel sorry for everyone involved, and I have a strong suspicion that no one is hurting more than Mrs. Heyword is right now. She made a terrible decision and it cost the lives of her children, who she apparently did love very much. I can't even begin to imagine that kind of misery.
A lot of people in here are caught up in the emotion and seem to think this is something she purposely did. I think it was something she foolishly did. There is a difference. Folks seem to think that cooking her in a car or shooting her will somehow do something, but I suspect the woman is already suffering more than the worst torture you people can dream up. This isn't Susan Smith or Charles Manson. This is someone who made a really really bad decision, and knows it.
As far as all the God this and God that, I guess if there is a God, the kids are better off now than they were before. If you really believe in God, maybe you should be happy instead of angry for the kids. Using old testament quotes to justify some kind of eye for an eye and then saying you are a Christian just says you are a hypocrite, or do you also eat kosher and believe in stoning?
August 3, 2007 at 12:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NN (anonymous) says...
There are a couple of different ways one could view this situation:
1. We should cry tears of sadness when a child is born, because we are born into sin. At funerals, we should rejoice because the deceased is in a better place.
Or 2. One less welfare check going out.
August 3, 2007 at 12:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
florida71 (anonymous) says...
If one tells the honest truth about their finances, how many children they have, and their marital status, one will not receive any assistance. I know I tried. I am a single parent, and I have been unable to afford daycare,mortgage, food,gas,insurance,etc.How many times had this mother left her children unattended in the past and nothing happened? I am sorry for her and her family, but this is the kind of society we live in. Help is often no where to be found until it is too late.
August 3, 2007 at 12:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NN (anonymous) says...
No offense to anyone, but people should never have kids if they can't afford to raise them and pay their bills. Simple as that. That's what condoms are for.
August 3, 2007 at 1:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Scribbler (anonymous) says...
Like a minority of the previous commenters, I am disgusted by the hateful remarks made by many, particularly those who declare themselves holier than thou while proving that they are actually quite vicious.
Anyone who has read news accounts thoroughly knows that Sametta Heyward is herself a victim. She lost her mother as a youngster. Was impregnated by someone (likely a grown man) when she was still a child herself. Has had problems with domestic abuse. It is not difficult to understand why she would have become distrustful of people to the extent that she tried to do everything herself. Her failure to contact authorities when she found the children is an example of that disinclination to ask for help at its worst. The 'bizarre' aspects of her actions are also understandable. She washed the bodies because that was what she would normally do if the children were dirty. Something similar explains the trip to Arby's, in addition to the fact she clearly has an eating disorder. Habit. And, then, she runs out of gas, a hint at how very close to broke she must have usually been, despite working 15-hour shifts. What one sees is her mind struggling against the impulses of normalcy and despair.
As someone else pointed out, leaving children in cars in hot weather is surprisingly common. The sentences the parents or caregivers get are usually less than five years in prison; sometimes just probation. But, interestingly, women are punished more severely than men.
Ms. Heyward should be treated no worse than others, many of them white and middle-class, who did the same thing. The calls for her to be executed are ridiculous. This is a sad situation, but it does not deserve vicious responses.
August 3, 2007 at 7:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paperdoll1216 (anonymous) says...
What a tragic! What a horrible thing to have happened..My heart is overwhelmed with grief as I listen to the News and read this article. We don't know what brought this mother to this point in her life but I do know that critizing and judging her will not change what has happened. It's obvious she felt as if she was caught between a rock and a hard place, and instead of detaching herself from the situation, she allowed the circumstances to overpower her,which led to the lost of two innocent lives. There's nothing anyone can do now that will help the kids(they're with our Heavenly Father)but there is something all of us can do for Sametta Heyard;let's PRAY FOR HER SOUL. My prayers are that God will speak peace to her mind and give her the strength and courage to deal with what has happened, what is happening right now, and what is going to happen..Pray for her family as well because I know this is a very difficult time for them also.
August 3, 2007 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
thinkaboutit (anonymous) says...
This is a sad situation no doubt. Sad for those two children! I would try to comfort myself with the knowledge that at least we have a fair and just legal system that will prosecute and punish this woman in a rapid and extreme fashion, however I am sure the jury will contain some of the ridiculous sympathizers of a mother whose unexcusable behavior resulted in a torturous death for her 2 children. For the son to remain in that car he must have been TERRIFIED of his mother to remain, the instinct to survive is inborn and incredibly strong. The only way I picture that young child staying in the car is if he were drugged. The autopsies are sure to continue this tale of horror. The only explanation fro bathing the bodies - DESTROYING EVIDENCE!
August 3, 2007 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
angiethgirw (anonymous) says...
All of these people on this site are talking....No one really knows what she was thinking...No one knows her mental state...And for the person who said that she could have gone to DSS for help...WRONG ANSWER....The system doesn't care..I know!!...I been in situations were I desperately needed assistance for child care, and the only thing they told me was you had to be on welfare...When I applied for welfare, guess what?...I made too much money...I was making $8.00/hr..I had rent, light, water, insurance, food and a whole lot of other things to pay for..I not trying to make an excuse for her, because she was DEAD WRONG, and she should be punished, but the DSS doesn't give assistance just like that!!!
August 3, 2007 at 11:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
luvmy6kids (anonymous) says...
NN you said:
No offense to anyone, but people should never have kids if they can't afford to raise them and pay their bills. Simple as that. That's what condoms are for.
~~
Although a bit off topic, I have to say, that is about the most idiotic statement I have ever heard. I hope your job is never outsourced to India. I hope you never have a medical condition that eats up all of your savings. I hope a hurricane or tornado doesn't wipe out your home and work place. Financial situations change, they change everyday, and can change in a heartbeat! It may not have been the case in this situation, but ppppllleaaaseee, it is best to be financially stable when having kids, but situations do change and even people with MILLIONs loose it all.
Back to our regular programing: people have made a lot of interesting comments, some people have spewed a bunch of garbage, and there have been a few that make you stop, think, and even bring tears to your eyes. Majorjohnson, scribbler, and a few others who are trying to understand what was going on in this woman's head, I am with you. Harpo, I feel like you do ~~there are still a lot of questions to be answered, and what can we learn from this situation...
I see a lot of people arguing, that "you get breaks at work," "you can get governement assistance," blah, blah, blah, that is not always the case, and like Harpo has tried to do, we need to be asking these questions. We don't have all the info, she may not have gotten a break. She may not have qualified for assistance because of her job. We need to look at the bigger picture. In the end, what happened is ABSOLUTELY TRAGIC and finding the answers might help us to avoid future situations like this. Not to make excuses for this woman, not to pass judgement on her, but to AVOID the situation from repeating itself! It might help us to re-evaluate how we as a society treat each other...
But probably NOT.
August 4, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
darkskiesoversummerville (anonymous) says...
I think, without judgment of character, that this woman should be left in the hot car for the same amount of time that her children were and then she should be bathed, dressed and wrapped in a trashbag and left under a sink while the person who did it, eats dinner and then, if she survives, let her walk away. she has paid the price. then no one could say anything to her.
August 5, 2007 at 12:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Scribbler (anonymous) says...
Vicious people have vicious fantasies.
The average sentence for parents who accidentaly leave their children in cars and lose them is five years. Many are not sentenced to prison time at all. Sametta Heyward should not be treated any differently than those parents, who are usually white and middle-class. The vicious desire to have her punished more than other people who make the same mistake is coming from the same motivation that led Southerners to lynch nearly 5,000 people, mostly African-Americans, between the 1875 and 1965.
http://www.sciway.net/afam/reconstruc...
No person of conscience should support this viciousness.
August 5, 2007 at 2:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Flbrownsuga (anonymous) says...
Whoa. As a young single mother of 3 I can honestly say this boggles me. I want to have sympathy and feel her pain but again as a mother im baffled. Ok I have no understanding for leaving children in the car. There are to many publicized cases yielding results of what happens in this case. No job is worth my childrens life. I read earlier a person say if you cant take care of children dont have them. I doubt seriously that she planned for these children. However, I beleive if you lay you pay. I dont believe that children(born or unborn) should have to pay which is why there are adoption or safe place options. I dont beleive in abortions and commend her for trying to take care of her children responsibly as opposed to welfare. Now as a mother, I would think either way youre going to get in trouble so do right by your children if you really love them and call the police and request help.Id have fukkin panicked and call teh President if he could help my kids. Im sure the law would have more mercy on you for saying I left my children in the car because I had no babysitter and needed to work as oppose to I stabbed my children to death because I didnt have a babysitter or wanted to go to the club. Ok now for some reason the part about bathing from a mother I can understand maybe if she panicked but now the trash bag under the sink....Wtf? These are children that you love and you place them under a sink?The whole crime is horriffic but if she was gonna take this route I dont care sane or insane, bathe them dress them and call the police. I am not here to condemn only to give an opinion. Ok again I want to sympathize with her but I dont necessarily see me going to get something to eat after this sort of event. I couldnt stomach a damn thing after the death of my children accidental or intentional. I dont know what to think about her actions but regardless of anyones opinions she seemed to be in an ok mind frame afterwards. She very well could have been hungry ya know but the note, the food, the sink is just a twisted bizarre for a woman who loved and cared for her children. If she had been in some type of mentally unstable state then maybe she should not recieve the harshest punishment but her actions afterwards say differently. Either way God sits high and looks low.
September 13, 2007 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
katrenavantassle (anonymous) says...
It is a disturbing thing that in 2008 MOTHERS are committing crimes against their own children like this.
Even a DOG WOULDN'T DO THE THINGS SOME HUMAN MOTHERS TODAY ARE DOING!!!!!!
I think that is JUST TERRIBLE. I would die before I would let harm come to my kids or grandkids. PERIOD!! I won't even leave my 22 month old granddaughter alone in the play room, let alone in a car!
Let justice take it course and God be the only real judge.
June 10, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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