Ronald Wojcik Ronald Wojcik with his daughter Dolly
Thank you Dolly for sharing your photos with us!
Some time after midnight on June 3, 1982, Ronald Wojcik and Sandra Sowash were awakened and forced by knifepoint from Wojcik’s Biloxi apartment by Attina Cannaday, David Gray, and Dawn Bushart. All five got into Wojcik’s van and Cannaday drove to a remote wooded area north of Gulfport.On the way, Gray raped Sowash at knifepoint in the rear of the van.After the van stopped, Cannaday told Wojcik to get out. When he hesitated, Gray pulled him out. Holding a butcher knife to Wojcik’s back, Gray marched him 50 to 60 feet into the woods. Cannaday yelled “Kill him”, and Gray yelled back for Cannaday to bring Sowash into the woods to him.Sowash turned and ran down the road. Cannaday threw her knife at Sowash but the handle hit her in the back. Sowash hid at a nearby house, while Cannaday, Gray and Bushart fled to Slidell, Louisiana. At sunrise, the body of Ronald Wojcik was found with 19 stab wounds to the head, hands, upper body, and back.Gray stated that after he yelled for Sowash to be brought out, Wojcik hit him. Dropping the knife, Gray had a fist fight with Wojcik in which Gray knocked him to the ground, breathless. Picking up the knife, Gray suddenly saw Cannaday who asked for the knife and said she wanted to talk to Wojcik. Gray did so, telling her to say what she had to, but to make it fast. Gray then returned to the road. About five minutes later, Cannaday returned. He asked her what happened, and she replied, “Nothing, he got up and ran off.” Gray denied using the butcher knife against Wojcik at any time during or after the fight. He said Cannaday did not return with the butcher knife. He likewise denied ever using either of the folding knives in his possession against Wojcik.Sowash gave the police a detailed description of Wojcik’s white van, as well as the name of Tina as a participant. Sheriff’s deputies knew that Cannaday had connections in Slidell, Louisiana, and informed the Louisiana authorities to be on the lookout for the white van and occupants. Wojcik’s wallet was found on the highway near Slidell.Wojcik’s van was sighted near Slidell, and Gray and one Timmy Page were arrested. Cannaday was arrested at Page’s residence
Attina Marie Cannaday appeal 1984
David Randolph Gray appeal 1985
David Randolph Gray appeal 1987
David Randolph Gray appeal 1992
Death Row inmate wins ruling
Wikipedia: Too Young to Die?
Offender Information: David Randolph Gray
Books
Women and the Death Penalty in the United States, 1900-1998
Kids Who Kill
Movies/Documentaries
Too Young to Die?
Important news for this case:
One of the defendents, Attina Cannaday, is coming up for parole. The victim’s family does not want her to receive parole. I am trying to get the information on when the parole hearing is and the address to send letters in support of the family. I hope to update this on Monday.
I will also be adding pictures to this post.
*update 3/5/08*
Attina will be released on parole on 3/7/08
Attina Cannaday David Randolph Gray
What this woman did was when she was a child. I have three girls the oldest being eleven. I would hate to think that our society would make her pay for the rest of her life for a mistake she made as a child. Not to mention the way society let her down to begin with. We have shelters and hotlines many different ways for children to get off the street today. We still only provide help till they are eighteen. Hell even at eighteen these kids are not prepared to be in society. It is a hell of alot easier for them to get quick cash then go the hard road of being self sufficient through schools and low paying jobs. I am a grown woman and I live a middle upper class life this is a big change from the way I grew up. Let me tell you with out some guidance it would have been easy to fall just the way she did. Not she is up for parole after this many years and you post a sight to send in letters to stop is. Listen i am sure she has learned a great deal and paid dearly for it but don’t you believe she deserves another chance. a chance for a full life with a loving husband and children. I am sure prison has been hell for her she needs that chance before she is institutionalized if she hasn’t already. Don’t you.
By: Tonya on March 5, 2008
at 1:25 pm
I don’t think she deserves a second chance! Did she give him a 2nd chance? No she did not. She went there in a rage that he dumped her when he found out she was 16 and kicked her out and then starting sleeping with someone else. She was jealous and pissed. She knew exactly what she was doing and she should never be let out.
By: Lavonna on March 5, 2008
at 2:09 pm
Okay that is fair. No she didn’t but isn’t it society to take the blame for some of this? First we create her then punish her. Isn’t that a little hypocritical? Don’t you remember being a teen and how passionate you were about life and love. Nothing but life itself can calm that passion, and that would be part of growing up. She was a child put in an adult situation and she reacted like a love scorned teenager. Not just any normal teen earthier we are talking about one whom has not been raised with any morals or values the only instinct this child had at the time was survival. Not to mention the drugs that were involved. I could only imagine how she felt. If anyone has ever spent one night much less months on the street no knowing who to trust or where you r next meal will come from then you are looking and judging from the outside in. You know the old saying about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes. As far as the man who died I feel his families pain he was involved in more than he knew how to handle. He showed more compassion for this girl than anyone is now what happened to forgiveness. How about being the better party and giving her a chance at life. hell maybe she could contribute more out here than in there. There are many people who do things they regret but when push comes to shove it is them who have to live with what they have done everyday. I don’t feel it is for us to judge her that judgment will come later don’t you think?
By: Tonya on March 5, 2008
at 2:56 pm
Don’t say ‘we’ cause I never created her. No, I am not hypocritical. I do remember growing up and I had a good childhood and NOT one time did I ever desire to do crap that she done. Time to grow up and take responsibility for her own actions because God put innate knowledge in each and every one of us to know the difference between right and wrong no matter what her age is or how her life sucked.
She knew better but she is another selfish brat who is underage and thought is playing the ‘poor pitiful me’ but I don’t feel any sympathy for her.
How about being the better party? What the heck are you smoking? What, let her out so she can do it again. What if it is your brother or uncle or someone that you love that she kills next? You still going to be hollering WE in this society need to give her one more chance?
Glad you to know that you felt a little sympathy for the victim.
BS is what that is and don’t you dare put her stupidty off on me or this society!!!!!
By: Lavonna on March 5, 2008
at 4:09 pm
I find it interesting that so many of you feel so much sympathy for Attina, but forget the victims of this crime. Ronald’s children are still living and live with it day to day, everyday. I know, I have emailed with his daughter, and her pain is real. She has had to live most of her life without her father. So while thinking of Attina, don’t forget the victim and his loved ones. When she is released this week, she gets her life back, but what do they get?
By: mylifeofcrime on March 5, 2008
at 7:39 pm
Ms. Blogger
I have no sympathy for Attina and I don’t think that she served enough time. Ronald isn’t coming home and I don’t think she should be released back into our world. When you email his daughter again please tell her that alot of people are keeping her in their prayers. I will for sure and I am very sorry that she and the rest of her family is going to have to go through this hell that they never should be going through in the first place.
By: Lavonna on March 5, 2008
at 7:58 pm
I do understand the victims family suffered a loss at the hands of another person. As citizens and a soldier myself we have all made bad decisions as teenagers. Ask yourself have you ever been partying somewhere and had a little too much to drink? I know a young man serving twenty years for killing a family because he was driving drunk. He didn’t think he had had too much to drive, have you ever done this? Had one too many at a party? It could have been you that killed that family and it could have been you spending twenty years in jail, all from one little teen age mistake. We have all committed little mistakes as teenagers that we thought were ok at the time. I do not think this woman would have committed the same mistake if she had a proper upbringing or if she had been a few years older at the time. I agree she should have been punished and punished severally but to keep her locked up for the rest of her life over a mistake equivalent to driving home from a party when you have had one too many is a bit extreme to me. And to the little girl “who didn’t have a bad upbringing” above give up your trust fund and new car and college scholarship, move to the ghetto and see what you are willing to do just to eat and then you can cast the first stone.
By: ralph on March 6, 2008
at 7:01 pm
Let me start by apologizing. I do sincerely feel for the victim especially his children. My intentions were not to neglect what the family was and or is feeling. It is very hard to handle what they have gone threw. I myself have been in a similar situation with a cousin and an uncle. My cousin, drunk and high, was doing random drive-by’s one night. When he returned home him and my uncle had words ending with a bullet in my uncles back. His own father is now dead because of a night he vaguely remembers. That was twenty years ago and my cousin made parole this year. He was nineteen when he was sentenced now he is thirty-nine. Twenty years is a long time and in prison I am sure it feels like a lifetime. As a family we choose to forgive him years ago, my grandmother and our prayers gave us the strength to forgive. My grandmother has always been a “old faith” Christian woman. She always says there is no pain worse than the death of your own child but, she also said the bible says to forgive. It was not a rapid process actually it was very slow and we took many steps as a family before we reached that point of forgiveness. We have never forgotten what happened to my uncle that night. A matter of fact the first day my cousin came to my home after all these years visions of that night flashed threw my head. He looks just like my uncle so there was no escaping the tears for any of us that day.
Back to that subject at hand. We wrote that parole board to release him. Do I believe that my cousin will do this again? No, I do not. Do I believe that this woman will do it again? No, I do not. I totally resent the remark that she will get out and do it again. That is just ignorance, that is saying our judicial system as far as rehabilitation in the prison’s is a joke. Have you known anyone who has been to prison? Have you ever looked at the statistics on murders? It is not likely that she will ever do anything even remotely close to murder again in her life. Even if she commits another crime it won’t likely be murder.
Pertaining to my comment about society, how old are you honey? Because if you weren’t over 18 when she was 14 then that comment was not pertaining to you. Guessing by your remark you wasn’t. The comment I made about society is concerning the way “it was back then.” Like I said the first time, we as a nation offer tons of programs now from hot lines to shelters. Back then we just turned away and acted as if it never happened. Since then we as a nation have recognized and addressed the issue head on. Our teens have more opportunity now than ever, from free college tuition and financial aid. Hell our department of health and human resources even offer programs for housing, food, and financial assistance just for teens to go back to high school or get there GED. I am sure if any of this was available to this young lady at the time she would have taken it and we would not be having this discussion right now.
You said you had a nice childhood. That is wonderful but you can’t stand from the outside looking in and assume to know what it is like. You would not even have a clue what one day in that girls shoes felt like. Yet you sit back and persist to pass judgment on this lady’s actions calling her a “selfish brat?” How do you come to that conclusion none of her actions were so simple to be classified as “selfish.”
By the way nothing that I have written before this was directed directly toward you nor is it BS. Instead of acting “in a rage” and totality immature manor try reading what I have written and acknowledging that you at the least know something about the subject at hand.
By: Tonya on March 6, 2008
at 9:11 pm
Tonya,
While I do not know if Attina will kill again, don’t be naive. People who kill, go to prison, and then are released DO kill again. Not all, don’t get me wrong. But it happens more than people want to admit. In fact, I recently posted about one on the “This Day in History”. Another famous one is Kenneth Allen McDuff. There are many examples. I hope Attina is serious about becoming a productive member of socieity, I do. However, you cannot say that she will never do this again. I don’t know where you get your stats, but I have seen stats that show the other way. *updated 3/8/08* Tonya, just today there was an arrest in the Memphis Mass murders that happened last Monday. Guess what? The suspect, Jessie Dotson, just got out of prison after serving time for murder.
And yes, I have known people who were in prison. And the recidivism rate on violent crime is very high. I went to school for Criminal Justice, so I am not just speaking from someone who reads alot of crime. I have studied it.
By: mylifeofcrime on March 6, 2008
at 10:08 pm
Tonya
I do feel that you were talking to me because I was the last to post on the issue because after my post you wrote “okay that is fair’ so were not talking to me? Cause if not you must have been talking to yourself because only you and I had posted anything. I was not in a rage. I was irrated that you felt the need to tell me that ‘we’ created her when it is time for her to take part in the choice of being an adult and dealing with things the right way. I am well aware of what the bible says of forgiveness and people can forgive but not forget.
‘Honey’, I am a 40 year old mother and I am very well aware of the fact that prison rehabilitation is a joke.. Many get out and repeat the same thing.
I am not ignorant and I resent you calling me ignorant and immature and I do know about the matter at hand.
Her actions were selfish because she was not thinking of what it would do to his kids or anyone else.. She was only thinking of herself and that is selfish and I will always think she was selfish.
By: Lavonna on March 7, 2008
at 6:47 am
Ralph
)
I am not a little girl and who are you to tell me to give up my trust fund and car? I was raised with 5 silbing and mom and dad both worked we were middle class but all that I have now I have worked hard for the last 22 years of my life and nothing was given to me.. I bought my own car, my own home and raise my kids with my husband. Every one of my brohter and sisters work and we live off no one so I owe no one my car and I sure don’t have a trust fund. As for the college fund.. Never had one.. I worked 15 years in a factory was laid off in 2003 and was then given the chance to got to college for a 2 year degree. So couldn’t give that up either.
What part of this did you understand because I don’t remember reading that she was drunk and driving I read that she took a man’s life with a knife and I don’t know why you think everyone drinks and thinks they haven’t had much but I can tell you that I have never drunk and drove. I am not perfect but I am a smart enough to obey the law (well, maybe not the speed limit
By: Lavonna on March 7, 2008
at 7:01 am
Bonnie I hope you let us know that she doesn’t get out.. Today is the day isn’t?
By: Lavonna on March 7, 2008
at 2:29 pm
Society’s fault?? What a joke! I’d like to blame alot of s**t on society, unfornately I can’t. I am responsible for my own actions, and so she should be too. So this same society “responsible for her madness” should give her another chance?? Wake up poeple. I was once a teenager too, and I have NEVER even considered taking another life. Bet you wouldn’t be saying the same non-sense if it were your mom, or brother, or dad or someone you love. Can the victim come back to life and visit the people that misses him? Hell no. Murder is final. Her ass should stay in jail forever.
By: Shauncey on March 7, 2008
at 4:06 pm
Shauncey,
Amen
By: Lavonna on March 7, 2008
at 4:38 pm
Lavonna,
I see her still listed in the Corrections database, with a change made yesterday. But I cannot find any information to verify anything yet. Maybe on Monday.
By: mylifeofcrime on March 8, 2008
at 3:28 pm
Thnak you Bonnie aka.. Ms. Blogger
I sure hope she didn’t get out… See that you posted somthing on here for Jessie Doston who served 14 years for murder and was released in January and murdered again HIS own BROTHER.. That shows why they should never be released when they have murdered.. They do it again..
http://mylifeofcrime.wordpress.com/2008/03/08/update-memphis-murders-jessie-dotson-brother-of-one-of-the-victims-arrested-for-the-murders/#comment-38047
By: Lavonna on March 8, 2008
at 3:35 pm
I’m watching
Too Young To Die on Lifetime and found out that it is based on a true story.
Attina needs to give up her freedom for her crime. I understand her personal circumstances were horrific but that’s no excuse.
I don’t believe in killing her but I do believe she shouldn’t be allowed to be free.
By: TallulahBankhead on March 29, 2008
at 11:01 am
Today, I have watched Too Young To Die on LMN, and I also have a copy of this movie in my movies library. I have read all the posting on Attina. I am not here to create a dispute, but the bible said to forgive. That mean if you forgive a person; you forget it. Jesus forgives us so many times for our sins who died on the cross for us. I couldn’t imagine if he came back and said you just not worth dying for on this cross, and my life ends at that time. The bible states that we should not judge one another. You cannot say what you would have done as a teenage who was living on the street. I was a grown woman who relocated to a state who did not have a place to stay nor did not know where my next meal would come from. I could not find a job in time, but I know it was God who kept me out there. I remember I was was surrounded with drug users because they were the only people who cared enough for me to allow me in their place to lay my head down and to feed me. As of this date, I have to give God the praise for watching over me and protecting me.
Back to Attina, I do not think she should remains in prison for a crime she committed when she was a teenager. I’m quite sure she paid that crime in prison and with God. If God forgives her, we should forgive her. It is not our place to say that she will get out and do it again because we do not know that. For the family who lost their love ones in this crime, my prayers are with you. I do understand your pain. I have lost my mother, and yes I was very upset when it happened. I was very upset with the people who were involved. However, I know how to walk in God’s love and forgive. I can’t let society or others block me from my blessings.
To all who posted:
You are in my prayers, and I love you all too. Remember to walk in God’s love no matter what is going on. I know it will be hard times/challenges when trying to do so. God is with you all.
Learning2WalkInGod’sLove
By: Learning2WalkInGod'sLove on March 29, 2008
at 12:25 pm
When kids are born into a hell because of there parents poor choices they should prosecute the parents along with the 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 year olds that are committing these murders. Let see I visited a young man who was sentence to Texas death at the age of 17 Glen Mcginnis he was born addicted to herion and his mother boyfriend sexually abuse him from the age of 6 to 9 years old were he had to put pads in the back of his pants to stop the bleeding I cannot go into his complete case file and explained the other horrific things that happen to this kid and if I did you would be vomiting. I will say this when things like this happen to a kid you create monsters and society is quick to say let them fry, let them stay in prison. For you privledge people who have had the wonderful childhood you need to thank GOD…Attina was born into a hell and prey upon by society worst. Blame the parents who birth them…that who they need to blame.. Blame the grown ass man who had no business jumping up and down on her at the age of 15 years old anyway.
note from blog owner
Lucy,
I understand your anger, however, DO NOT blame the victim for his murder. Not here. His daughter reads my blog and I do not want her to think that my blog insinuates that he deserved to be murdered.
By: Lucy on March 29, 2008
at 2:31 pm
Learning2WalkInGod’sLove,
We all know that we are to forgive but we also know that you are to take care of the widows and our children and letting someone who killed in cold blood out of prison is not taking care of anyone. Do you really think that letting her out is a good idea? NO it is not. She should be held accountable for her actions and spend the rest of her life in prison.
Lucy,
I thank God everyday several times a day for the life that he has given me. I don’t see how you can say that someone who has killed should be let out in society. You can blame the parents all you want but that is ignorant. She was of age that she knew exactly what she was doing and needs to give up her freedom.
Maybe you and Learning2WalkInGod’sLove can rent a place together and let her move in with your families. See how long it would take her to kill again.
By: Lavonna on March 31, 2008
at 4:23 am
Im sorry but I left home aged 16, had to fend for myself, took cocaine all the time, fell in love with an older man, got beaten up, had my hand held on a radiator til I couldn’t breathe, then he left me. And guess what…I didn’t kill him.. I didn’t so much as lay a finger on him, because I thought I loved him and I could never hurt somebody I loved. Now of corse I look back on how stupid I was to be treated that way but still I took it on the chin and used it to my advantage and joined the army to make something of myself. Drugged up or not, you know right from wrong. Attina shouldn’t get so much sympathy. Yes what a horrid thing to be raped and dumped by your family, but what a bigger shame to make a decent man dump his loved ones when he didn’t want to. She should not be given a second chance and viewed as a naive young girl. She didn’t care that Ronalds other half Sandra was being raped, she let in continue which I think is disgusting being as she had been through it herself. The way I see her is not a girl who went through so much and she should be given a second chance. I see her as a girl who thought she was clever and grown up, and her jelousy, drug taking, and trying to impress her pimp got the better of her and as a result of that Ronalds life was stolen from his children, and his girlfriend. Imagine being those children, his mother or his other half. And imagine yourself in Attinas shoes and would you have all done the same????
By: Alex on April 10, 2008
at 10:31 am
And by the way yes jesus forgives but it also says in the bible ‘thou shalt not kill’ and ‘an eye for an eye’ so she should of been sent to the gas chamber!
By: Alex on April 10, 2008
at 10:34 am
Alex,
I am so proud of you for looking at your life and realizing that you had to change..
Stay strong and know that God loves you.
By: Lavonna on April 10, 2008
at 10:41 am
ok i have to say i beleive in second chances and espesically when it comes to children and yes at 16 she was a child. my own sister was murdered a few years back by an adult male and i forgive him i figure if i can’t forgive him and wish him dead i am no better then him and as for all you judgementals people here you are no better then this girl if you can’t forgive her for her mistakes.
By: jenny on May 24, 2008
at 11:59 am
Yes, the bible does say to forgive. Forgiving someone for a crime they’ve committed doesn’t negate their punishment for said crime. Forgiving someone for committing the crime of murder doesn’t mean that they should be dealt with leninently. If they’re old enough to commit the crime then they’re old enough to do the time. If my son committed a murder, sure I would for forgive him but I would expect him to serve out whatever punishment he’s dealt even if it’s a death sentence.
By: campbe33 on May 24, 2008
at 12:04 pm
shes served her time in the eyes ogf the law anyways at 16 your still a child maybe counseling would have been more suitable for her get her the help she needs insteed of of sending her to prison to become a better crimanal after shes released . i made stupid mistakes at 16 but now i am a law abiding citizen should i still be punished for the mistakes i made as a child i think no
By: jenny on May 24, 2008
at 12:30 pm
Alex’s story is a perfect example of how people make choices for their own life. And hers, (unfortunately), is one of thousands.
Yes, Attina lived a hard life. But she killed because she was high and wanted revenge. That wasn’t society’s fault… that was her own.
And it’s ridiculous comparing this to teenage drunk driving. But even then, there’s no excuse. Too many teenagers think they can do whatever and get away with it. If they want to be treated like adults, (as so many proclaim), then they must receive adult consequences when they do things they KNOW are wrong.
As far as Attina, I definitely don’t agree with her originally getting the death penalty. However, I have mixed feelings about her being on parole. I feel sorry for the life she had, but she still committed murder.
By: Kristina on May 24, 2008
at 12:36 pm
So when you forgave him, did they let him out of prison? I don’t have to forgive her. She didn’t do this to me… Don’t you personally have to be the one that is hurt to forgive? If not, well hey let’s just go around telling everyone ‘I forgive you’ and let everyone that is in prison out.
That comment you made (”and as for all you judgementals people here you are no better then this girl if you can’t forgive her for her mistakes.”) is really a bit extreme wouldn’t you think? We are not judging her, she’s already been to court and found guilty. We (I) do not feel that she should be back out in society and that my friend, has nothing to do with forgiveness.
By: Lavonna on May 24, 2008
at 12:42 pm
I was putting Jenny’s comments in parenthesis and it made that smiley, sorry not what I was trying to do.
By: Lavonna on May 24, 2008
at 12:45 pm
people change alot from what 16 to 42 or 43 however old she is now they let sex offenders out of prison all the time and as far as i am concerned sex offenders are worse then murderers
By: jenny on May 24, 2008
at 1:51 pm
She was sentenced to death by lethal injections then they gave her life in prison.. She got her 2nd chance then. She does not deserve to have a 3rd chance.
By: Lavonna on May 24, 2008
at 3:26 pm
After seeing the movie about Cannady (Too Young to Die), I can’t believe how much of the movie was false from the documents I read:
First, she was 16 not 15 as the movie states, at the time of the murder.
Second, Cannaday met Wolcjik at the bar where He worked, not a a strip club where she worked, again…as portrayed in the movie.
Third, When Wolckjik found out Cannaday was only 16(not 19, as she stated to him) he put her out (so that makes him NOT a pedophile)
Fourth, another woman was at the murder scene – not portrayed in the movie…
So, it leads me to believe that the movie was a sympathetic push for Cannaday – unless parts were cut out for editing (I saw it t on TNT or LMN, I think).
I grew up in an extremely abusive household – mother was weak and step-father a tyrant but no sexual abuse, thank God. Even so, lots of beatings, etc., but I grew up to have a normal family-education and job and am pretty well adjusted and content.
I have yet to hear Cannaday’s mother and father be blamed for her ungodly mess. So, blame society all you want – it’s mama and papa that are really to blame. It’s a shame that some decent person didn’t step in to help Cannaday but by the time she was 14 the damage was done and she probably would have just kept on the same loser track she was going down.
To her credit, Juliette Lewis played the part well and had me feeling sorry for her til the end…that’s good acting!
By: PJ on May 25, 2008
at 3:53 pm
what kind of a second chance is she gonna get with life behind bars hmmm lets see a ged thats useless in prison she was 16 people can change alot from 16 to 43 i would have never got to where i am today had i not been givin lots of second chances i never killed anyone but not from being smart i could have very easily when i was drinking and partying hurt or worse jkilled someone else i just got lucky and thank god for that. she got very unlucky hooking up with that pimp and being abused her whole life its about time she gets a break
By: jenny on May 27, 2008
at 2:33 pm
Second chance? She MURDERED a human being! God help anyone who would do this to one of my daughters or any of my grandchildren as I would be the one in jail serving life for murder. You can look at your own kids and say ‘I’d hate to think because of a little mistake made when young they’d have to pay forever’, but put yourself on the other side of the fence!! She took a life! I do feel very sorry for her and the life she had prior to the murder, but she made a choice and I’m sorry, at her age, she knew right from wrong. There was no self defense or abuse from the victim–just cold blooded murder. No second chance on that charge.
By: Lisa on May 28, 2008
at 3:34 pm
The thing that people don’t seem to understand is you have CHOICES in life. I know friends of mine that had a way HARDER life than hers, and they are doctors and lawyers. Why?? Because they DECIDED early on that they didn’t want to live the life they were BORN INTO. I have a friend who is a cardiac surgeon, but his dad is serving life in prison for double murder. (he didn’t want the lifestyle his dad had, so he CHOSE to make a different life for himself. Another friend I have, her mom is a prostitute, has been for years. She is the director of operations at a Fortune 500 company.
So, you see, we all have choices. For some of us, our goal’s are harder to reach when we are born in “dysfunction”. Being able to overcome adversity and live the life you imagine for yourself is what it’s all about.
She does not deserve freedom. I agree with Lavonna. She was supposed to be executed, but she got life. She’s lucky to be ALIVE, let alone free.
By: Shauncey on May 28, 2008
at 4:52 pm
Please fix her last name:
Attina Marie Cannaday
There are three “a’s”.
You have it both ways.
Oh, and since she has been released, I guess her mdoc.state.ms.us page is gone.
By: Don on June 5, 2008
at 3:12 am
Add this to the “Book” section:
Kuncl, Tom, and Paul Einstein, (1990). – Ladies Who Kill. – New York, New York: Pinnacle Books. – ISBN 1558172491
By: Don on June 5, 2008
at 5:26 am
My name is Olivia. This woman deserved to be put away for life. My sister is Dolly, brother Ben, and mother Connie are the 2 kids and wife of Ronald Wojcik. Attina and Gray left them without a father and husband. Why did they have to do what they did. It was unnecessary and my family is still hurt by this. SHE KILLED SOMEONE! not just killed but harshly murdered them. No one made her do that, and her being a child has nothing to do with the choice. She took a life and hers should have been taken too. My sister was 9, and brother was 6, and they were in their beds when Ron was pulled out of their home. Woken up in the middle of the night to cops in the house. I can’t even stand to think what my mother had to go through. This case was horrible, and I just wish that she would not have been released after what she did.
By: Olivia on June 10, 2008
at 12:41 pm
Hi,
My name is Dolly Ann (Wojcik) Knight. I am the person Bonnie mentioned earlier in this blog. I am Ronalds daughter and eldest child. First I want to say to Bonnie. I absolutely love your site. Your information on my father’s murder was very thorough and true to fact. I have been on it a couple times but just didnt have the mental energy to post anything. Im so tired of reading the sympathetic BS for Tina that Ive read so much of over at IMBD. Bonnie I do thank you for all your kind words. They truly mean more than you know. I also want to say to Lavonna thank you for your comments. I agree with what you have said. Society did not create her. and I loved the comment when you said Lucy and Learning should let her move in with them. To PJ and Alex, I am so sorry for all that you both went through at one time in your time, but I do commend you on making something better of yourselves. You both are extremely strong. Now I do have a few things to say to a few of you. Tonya do you seriously think that she deserves to be happy and have a life with a husband and children. I truly dont understand how that concept would even come into your head. she murdered my father in cold blood. She didnt allow my father to see his children grow up and we grew up without a father.I do know that being a teenager carries a whirlwind of emotions. I had my heart broken as a teen but I never once thought of killing them. You talk about your cousin being drunk and high and shooting his father. He was using drugs. Did he and his father have a bad relationship? cause if they didnt and it was truly an accident then it was a tragedy. Did he ever threaten to kill his father when he was completely sober. Did he tell other people he was going to kill him. There is a huge difference in my situation and yours. as far as people getting out of prison and not committing crimes again well that is untrue. My ex was in prison for driving drunk and killing his pregnant fiance who was in the car with him. We did meet while he was still in. we dated a little while after he was released and than broke up. He lived in NY and I am in SC. while he was in I really thought he had changed. He swore he wouldnt do drugs and drink,etc..he drank daily and started doing drugs again. and wouldve drove again if anyone wouldve let him have a car. His parole officer wouldnt even let him. I stopped talking to him, but later he called me collect from prison again. He was back in within a year because he was caught with drugs. so criminals that get released do commit crimes again. He said it was very hard on the outside. But you know every thing he did–he chose to do. you cannot blame society for everything. We as a society cannot control how people handle things. There are people that survived much worse than Tina and never did what she did. For instance, I cant think of his name at the moment but the man who wrote the book “a child called it”- that book was about him. He was tortured beyond belief and almost died. He didnt kill anyone..he made a better life for himself. Jenny, you say you had a wild teen life and couldve killed someone while being drunk–the question is would it have been an accident or something you had been planning and talking about. She called my father for weeks threatening him and ralph compared it to drinking and driving as well. There is a huge difference. Drinking and Driving is a very stupid mistake and something I NEVER do. The possible consequences are just too high…but it is not the same as hiring someone to help you murder another person. She did not even think about how it would affect us. Did you know that me and my brother were spending the night at my dads house that night? we were in our bedroom right beside his. Sandy told us that Tina came into our room and kissed us both on the head. I know it was her way to get my father to cooperate. Maybe he wouldve had a better chance if we hadnt been there. She knew exactly what she was doing. That is just evil. She was extremely manipulative. I knew her!and Learning2walk.you say the bible says to forgive and that means if you forgive a person you forget it. Are you effin kidding me? I mean seriously. Am I suppose to just forget my father and what he had to endure. You cannot be serious. I am sorry about the loss of your mother. How did she die? I guess I could say if my father was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver I might could forgive them because it wasnt their intention to hurt him, but with Tina that was her full intention. I mean how do you almost totally decapitate someone if it isnt your intention to??
And no I do not let it control me. I live my life. But I will never truly forgive her and well that is my right. She chose to kill my father without even caring what would become of us. Like Shauncey said and quite a few others WE are responsible for our own actions. At 15 and 16 you are fully aware of the consequences of your actions. and please do not blame it on the drugs. it was not that! and to you, LUCY, how dare you make a comment about something you know nothing about..My father did NOT know how old she was, He met her in a BAR and she told him she was 19. He was 29. Yes a big age difference but still very legal as far as he knew! and Jenny exactly what pimp are you referring to?? that was a movie. David was not her pimp! She made her own choices and was the instigator in the whole thing. It was her plan. So as far as I am concerned she deserves no break. So to the ones of you that can truly understand how I am feeling I thank you. Especially you Bonnie and Lavonna, Shauncey and Lisa. Thank you. and to my little sister,olivia. I love you! I didnt even know that she knew about this site. He was not her father but she feels my pain because we are still very close although she is only 18. and I know she mentions our mom. My mom and dad were divorced when he was murdered, but they were still very close and it was very hard on her as well. I do want to say that I didnt come on here to comment on what everyone else has said. Im not trying to start arguments. I just feel like I needed to say something especially to some of the comments. So as far as I know she has been released. I received the letter in Feb letting me know that she would be getting out in March and as it has already been mentioned, her profile is no longer on the correctional facility website. I dont wish bad on her but I dont wish good either. Whatever becomes of her she has brought on herself. I personally do not think she will make it out here. She has been in there since she was 15-for 25 years. I do really appreciate everything that Bonnie has done by making this site and it is an honor to have my fathers story on here. It was very frustrating to be on the IMBD board and read all the sympathetic posts over there because the story was so badly twisted. Hey if I didnt know the truth I mightve felt sorry for her,too. But none of them knew my father. He was a wonderful amazing man. that would do anything for anyone. He had such a big heart. I just cant say enough good about him. and I just really want the world to know that and it really hurts knowing that my daughter will never know her grandfather. It has been really hard on my brother as well. I know my sister mentioned we were 6 and 9 but my brother was actually 5 and I was 8. He had a harder time growing up than I did without a father. but he is still a good upstanding citizen with a good job. My family tells me my father always used to say he wouldnt make it to his 30th birthday, guess he knew something that we didnt. I do hope that I havent come off as a b*tch. I really am not and I do hope that you understand my feelings on this. This wasnt just a movie. This was my father and that would be why I feel so passionate about everything written here. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to write. Bonnie, I am going to send you some pics to your email of my father so that you can see just who he was.
By: Dolly on June 13, 2008
at 8:47 pm
Hi Bonnie,
I just sent you 3 pics. one of him in his uniform and 2 of him and me when I was little. I am in the middle of redecorating and cant find all my photo albums. I can send more later if you would like.
By: Dolly on June 13, 2008
at 9:19 pm
I would like to reach out to Dolly. I was employed 20 years ago at Rankin County Correctional Facility (RCCF) in Pearl, MS – the name has since changed. Anyway, I have several memories of Attina and this case, and wanted to share with you. Please email me at:
fortunemonkies@aol.com
I hope to hear from you Dolly.
By: Crystal on June 16, 2008
at 11:02 am
God bless you Dolly.
By: Shauncey on June 16, 2008
at 12:05 pm
Dolly,
I am truly sorry for the suffering that your family has went through. Thank you for giving us the update. Take care and keep in touch.
By: Lavonna on June 16, 2008
at 1:01 pm
Shauncey and Lavonna thanks so much for you replies. They really mean alot. Bonnie thank you for posting the pictures. I am looking for more that include my little brother as well and Crystal I sent you an email and I cant wait to hear back from you. Again thank you all. Your comments do mean the world to me. take care.
By: Dolly on June 25, 2008
at 1:04 am
God bless you Dolly
By: Lavonna on June 25, 2008
at 9:41 am
Hi Dolly,
I’m sorry for the loss of your father. I watched the movie last night for the first time and read alot of posts. Movies can be very decieving, and the truth is never entirely shared, reason I searched for the truth. Thank you for your courage and time to share with so many of us, the truth as to what really happened.
What bothers me most is, people have forgotten how wonderful your father was in trying to help Attina, he was a kind, loving & caring man.
I honestly don’t have any idea, what went through Attina’s mind, even after watching the movie, but I do know what your father did for her, and that can never be forgotten.
She was given a chance to make a difference in her life, but she chose to be evil. I will never understand tradgedies, such as what happened to your father. After watching the movie, I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened to your father.
The forums are to focused around his death & Attina.
Although he is gone, he is not forgotten, and it would be nice if you posted the happy times you remember about your father, thoughts you have of him, that makes you smile, happy memories you had of him.
Dolly, what is done is done. But you can make a difference in how his life & story is shared, all the love that he shared.
You do not have to forgive Attina, but at the same time, it is not healthy to hate, I think it’s time we move away from hate and remember your Dad. What type of man was he ? Where did he go to school ? Did he enjoy any sports ? What was his favorite hobbies ? What did he do in the Air force ?
Through a movie, we know Attina’s story, but hardly any one knows your father. Reason so much debate is focused on Attina.
I was actually disgusted by the movie, to tell you the truth, there was another movie, called Dead man walking, that made the audience feel sorry for the murderer, and forget the victims and family.
Dolly thanks for taking the time to share your story, I honestly don’t know what to share, but God bless you, your brother & family and may your father rest in peace.
By: AJ on June 28, 2008
at 3:12 pm
Reality shut up.. Dolly (Ronald’s daughter) gets on here and posts and she doesn’t need to read you disrepectful opinion.
By: Lavonna on July 2, 2008
at 3:46 pm
Dolly,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. You answered many of the questions I had after seeing the movie, which was apparently very skewed in Attina’s favor. I am so sorry for your loss. My husband’s father was shot in cold blood on January 31st of this year by his wife of 22 years. There was no physical abuse involved; they were arguing over lending her sons money. I live in a very small town and have actually overheard people gossiping about our family. Some people here think that my husband’s step-mother should “get off” because of her age (69). I truly feel bad for you for having to read postings about yourself and your family.
To reality: DO NOT assume that just because someone was young that he or she wouldn’t understand or remember. I was “introduced” to sex at 3 years old by a 13 year old neighbor. I remember EVERYTHING that happened, and I could take you now to the actual room where it happened even though I have not lived in the town where it took place in 30 years.
As for Attina: I work with disturbed teens, and there has been tons of research recently on the adolescent brain. This research indicates that the human brain is not fully developed until around age 22; therefore, no one is equipped to make good decisions at that age; however, cold-blooded murder cannot be excused.
Has a book been written about this incident?
By: seamel on July 2, 2008
at 5:59 pm
NOTE FROM BLOG OWNER;
The comment from Reality has been removed, as it violated my comment policy. Remember, do not even imply in any way that a victim was a fault for any reason. And since he decided to be rude to the victim’s daughter, who does read my blog and I consider a friend, that was more than enough to remove it. Reality has obviously never been the victim of a violent crime or had a loved one murdered, so he obviously does not understand.
By: mylifeofcrime on July 2, 2008
at 6:15 pm
seamel-
I am so sorry for what your family is going through. I do not understand why people can think like that. I don’t care about the age myself. Look at all of those now being prosecuted for the civil rights murders. Most of them are in their late 60’s or 70’s. I don’t care. Prosecute them! Not prosecuting due to age is a slap in the face to the victim and the victim’s family. I wish you good luck.
By: mylifeofcrime on July 2, 2008
at 6:20 pm
I just want to thank the blog owner for having this information available to those seeking the facts of this case. The way the murderer is portrayed in the movie “Too young to die” is without a doubt intended to generate a sympathetic reaction, which is absolutely despicable treatment of the real victims in this case (Mr. Wojcik and his family). I am dismayed to read of the release of the murderer, and cannot fathom how some people feel she will now go on and lead life as a productive and upstanding citizen. My early years were far removed from Disneyland and involved many mind-altering substances, but never once did the thought of murder cross my mind at any time. The murderer made the choice to end a life, and should never have been given a second chance to live hers within our society again….
By: truth_seeker on July 4, 2008
at 8:43 am
I am a survivor of childhood sexual and physical abuse. I wasn’t caught up in any wirlwind of forced prostitution, drugs or a boyfriend who beat me. But had I been, had ANYONE been, you might have found yourself in the exact same situation as Attina. And then the question is, would you be mentally sound enough, RATIONAL enough, to NOT murder. Sexual abuse leaves trauma and emotional disturbance. It’s NO excuse by any means to murder, but I do not think Attina was 100% to blame nor should she be punished for life when she never had a chance at one.
By: Diana on July 4, 2008
at 7:06 pm
I forgot to add what I think was to blame besides Attina. I think mental illness and society. Even today I don’t believe there is enough to protect children from abuse. DYFS(division of youth and family service-the organization that investigates child abuse allegations) is understaffed, and overwhelmed with cases. That is apparent in the news when you hear stories of a 3 year old beaten to death after DYFS missed checking on him and so on. I just think a teenager who was abused her whole life had no rational concept of what she was doing when she murdered.
By: Diana on July 4, 2008
at 7:11 pm
Diana,
My sister and I were both sexually abused when we were young by a neighborhood boy. And we did not grow up to be prostitutes or kill anyone. But I guess we should have, huh, since it was such a “good” excuse. Not so.
And please, don’t make your opinions about her past from what the movie said. It glorified it.
By: mylifeofcrime on July 4, 2008
at 9:30 pm
I never said anyone who was sexually abused should murder. And I also never said it was a good excuse for any crimes or harming another person. However I do believe abuse victims, growing up in an abusive home, and teenagers, shouldn’t be treated the same as an adult with no history of abuse. Not that they are more special or deserving. But that chronic abuse does cause trauma and chronic trauma and stress cause mental illness. I don’t just go by any film, I’m aware of how the media does get away with manipulating emotions. All I know are facts: that this woman was a victim of childhood sexual abuse and still a victim when she murdered. Does that mean the fact she took a life, the man she murdered, is any less or even equal importance? Absolutely not (IMO). He lost the most..as did his family. However, although I’m very adament about no possible rehabilitation for serial killers and child abusers…I can not see this as a deliberate act of cold blooded murder. I see it as a teenager (I’m only 18 myself) who was abused and drugged up who had severe mental disturbances.
I was looking at other topics on this site and read the one about Brooke Bennette’s body found after her uncle planned to initiate her into a child sex ring. And I thought, “What if there was no intervention for one of those girls. What if they became so disturbed and caught up in a situation that they murdered” It doesn’t make it right or any less wrong. But I know what chronic sexual abuse is like from your own father. I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and ptsd. With BOTH disorders, there can be brief psychosis (lasting only a few hours). I don’t think anyone who is psychotic can actually be held accountable to the degree as someone who is not.
By: Diana on July 5, 2008
at 7:43 pm
Diana,
You keep talking about the chronic abuse that Attina suffered, and imply that it that it was so overwhelming that she could not control herself. Please show where you got your evidence of this, and all of the abuse she suffered. And please, do not say it was from the movie. So, where did you get it from? Or is it that you just want to believe that so much?
You seem to forget, this murder was not a spontaneous event. It was planned. And DID NOT happen as the movie showed. Why don’t you read the appeal dated 1984, and read where they decided SHE was the principal person in the murder (not David Gray) and what she wanted to do with the victim’s head. Now, in that appeal, the ONLY mitigating circumstances where her age and possibly her IQ (which was only mentioned once, briefly, and did not really appear to be relevant. It was her age and one statement that got her sentenced reversed. If she had suffered so much abuse, that WOULD have been mitigating circumstances, and I might even support that. But it was not even mentioned. So, if you are getting that from the movie, which was very very embellished, that tells me you will believe ANYTHING.
By: mylifeofcrime on July 5, 2008
at 8:12 pm
I am Ron’s cousin by marriage and was very close to him at the time he was murdered. I knew Tina and I knew Ron. Tina acted and looked a lot older than 16 and it is true that Ron had no idea of her real age and when he found out, it was quickly over between them. But the thing is even after it was over he still was nice and tried to help her. It’s not like he just cut her off and was mean to her. He was geniunely concerned about her as was his nature. Ron was a wonderful person. He really cared about people and listened to people. He loved Dolly and Ben so much. That has been the biggest hurt in this. It was hard enough to know that Ron was gone. But so much harder to know that Dolly and Ben would not have him in their lives. Would have no more of Ron than memories from their childhood. Tina deserves no sympathy whatsoever! She knew what she was doing I guarantee you that.
By: Rita on July 12, 2008
at 9:35 pm
Im sorry I havent been on much lately. alot of things going on right now but I guess it was a good thing since I never did see Reality’s post. Thanks for removing it..Im sure I wouldve had plenty to say if I had seen it… I do want to say that I feel so thankful for meeting Bonnie and than meeting many of y’all on this board. It actually makes me feel closer to my father. I locked away alot of my feelings about his death growing up and it really does help me to talk about him and to listen to your comments and points of view. Its late right now but I will be back on here to address each of you. I know this is Bonnie’s website but it means so much to me to get on here and read the heartfelt messages that most of you leave. you truly dont know how much yall lift my spirits soo I would like to leave a little message for each of you. And like someone mentioned earlier I would love to tell you more about my dad.. like my cousin, Rita above said and like I have been saying he was a genuine good guy and well there just arent many of those in the world. Well I could go on and on right now but i am going to save it for tomorrow.. I have to be up to early.have a good night…talk to you all tomorrow:)
By: Dolly on July 18, 2008
at 10:38 pm
Firstly I would like to thank the site owner for an amazing read . Since seeing the film Too Young To Die, I’ve searched long and hard for the facts of the true story, never really getting anywhere close to knowing what really happened. I know so called True Story films add in their own bits for sensationalism but I found it to be a truely horrifying story and never bought the sob story of the perpetrator of the crime. I grew up on a very rough housing estate and have known many junkies and many people who have had terrible abuse in their life but no amount of intoxication excuses committing such a crime. It is cold blooded and calculated and nothing less. Thankyou for the information provided on your site. I always knew it would be very different from how the film portrayed it.
Secondly, I would like to say a few words to Dolly if I may
Dolly, how brave you are to come on here and be so open about the terrible tragedy that struck your life and your family at such a young age. I’m so happy to know that you’ve moved on with your life as best you can and not let this act of pure evil take your life away from you too. I can’t begin to imagine how it was for you but you have good memories of your dad in your heart and your mind and no one can ever take that from you. I believe he was a good man and I wish you and your family all the happiness in the world. I don’t think it’s right that this woman has now been released, but never let her freedom take your freedom. It must be hard for you, but stay strong and god bless you.
By: deej on July 22, 2008
at 4:34 pm
To Dolly: I am so sorry for your great loss, and for the added pain that this ‘more-fiction-than-fact’ movie has caused for you and your family. I have a friend whose father shot and killed her mother while she and her younger sister and brother were hiding in the next bedroom. It is a long and horrible story and I won’t go into here. I only want to say that I admire you and your brother for being able to move forward and make a life for yourselves. My friend and her two siblings were never able to escape their sorrow and the weight of their loss eventually consumed them. Do not spend time reading hurtful messages from people who have no idea what the facts are, and especially those who don’t care. I already know you have courage, I hope some day you will find peace. Blessings.
By: Joy on July 23, 2008
at 8:37 am
Hey Dolly it’s Becky. I just found this website and it really touched me seeing you with your dad, and I just wanted to let you know that I know your pain in loosing a father at a very young age. Although, mine died a different way I can still relate to the of the pain you’ve grown up with and still deal with today. It does effect who you have grown up to be and the person you are today. I know what I went through growing up with out a dad there. It is an awful feeling that stays with you forever!! But just know that he is always lookin’ over ya and we’ll see them again one day!!
I just wanted to let you know that you are an amazing person and I’m here for you if you ever want to talk or vent about your feelings.
Love ya girl!!
By: Becky on August 5, 2008
at 5:37 pm
I don’t really like arguements. You say you are open to all opinions but you already have yours and I have mine (not based on the movie—I know how hollywood does twist things and determines how the public will feel, what side they will take, etc)
I only know that the murderer was abused. I don’t know whether it was chronic or not actually. I suppose I just feel pity for her as well as for the victim of her repulsive crime, and all who suffer because of what she did.
I volunteered for toddlers who were victims of sexual or physical abuse. I guess because of my own personal experience with abuse and the young children i worked with, I can feel compassion for Attina and not find her to be of all the blame.
By: Diana on August 6, 2008
at 11:00 am
Diana, In some way or another we all have been abused but that do NOT give anyone the right to murder. In case you don’t know who Dolly is on this blog, she is Ronald’s daughter so please be respectful and do not pity little stupid Attina on her.
By: Lavonna on August 6, 2008
at 11:09 am
on here*
By: Lavonna on August 6, 2008
at 11:10 am
I feel if you MURDER someone, I don’t care if your 2, you should be locked up. Why should she get a “life” and she took one. Sexual abuse is in no way an excuse to kill someone, unless THEY were your abuser and it was self defense. No one should get a pass for murder. Can Ronald come back and hug his children and loved ones? No. What I don’t understand is how do you go from the death penality, to life, to freedom?
By: Shauncey on August 6, 2008
at 1:48 pm
Well the site allows for different opinions mine is pity/compassion for all…I don’t believe in rehabilitation for everyone, and I can’t say how anyone can determine if one IS rehabilitated. I don’t say sexual abuse is an excuse to murder or any other crime. I do think sexual abuse can cause one to be mentally disturbed. That’s why I feel pity. I hope this was not disrespectful. I differ on the belief that a 2 year old has no understanding of what they are doing if they “commit” murder. Toddlers don’t understand concepts like life and death.
By: Diana on August 7, 2008
at 9:50 pm
I wanted to add I won’t comment anymore here because I don’t want to upset any of the victims or their friends. I honestly never was one to believe in rehabilitation for criminals.What I guess I am confused about is whether mental illness was a factor and then I don’t know. I still don’t know if I believe they should have freedom, but a mental hospital or community.
By: Diana on August 7, 2008
at 9:54 pm
Ok, first of all she was SIXTEEN!!! I didn’t know what the HELL I was doing at that age, much less being MARRIED AND DIVORCED!!!! I felt sorry for this child being a child of the streets myself since 15. It’s really sad she didn’t even know what was going ON in trial…Has anyone thought of what that guy she was involved with was doing with her being SIXTEEN, I mean really how good of a guy could he have been?? He set her up for a fall by making her feel comfortable until he GOT CAUGHT with a MINOR in his house then he tossed her like a piece of trash, all she wanted was a stable home and LOVE…He wanted her for OTHER things he wanted to use her, if he were legitimate and wanted to be a father figure to her, he would have tried to ADOPT her since she was a minor…..He didn’t he just used her, how terrible she must have felt with all that rejection in such a short life and then drugged up and out of her mind due to the influences around her… GIVE HER A BREAK!!!! Let her go, she was a victim too!!!! I say all this in defense of a convicted killer and I am a staunch supporter of the death penalty but this case really got to me and this is probably the ONLY one I agree she should be let go…
By: Diana on September 5, 2008
at 12:28 am
Diana,
Where are you getting your facts from? The movie? The movie was embellished ALOT. Read the appeals. You will see that the Judge declared she was the one responsible, that she planned it and was the main person in the attack. From which FACTS did this case get to you.
By: mylifeofcrime on September 5, 2008
at 6:24 am
Diana, In case you don’t understand…… Dolly on here is his child and I resent the fact that you come on here talking crap that you don’t know about!
Age 16 everyone knows right from wrong. She was and is an evil person who may have had a rough life but that did not give her a excuse to kill!
She does not deserve to breathe let alone a break.. she already had a break.. she was took off death row and is living, that is more than what Ronald got.
By: Lavonna on September 5, 2008
at 6:32 am
I’d recently watched too young to die and I was curious to find out the the true story, which the film was based on, hence I came across this blog.
After reading about the murder and reading the appeal document, I’m appalled to think that some people on here think Attina deserves a second chance. Attina knew exactly what she was doing and as others have already said, murdered in cold blood. Upon reading the appeal statement and the remark she made in prison about what she did/ wanted to do would the victims head, sickened me and totally showed how callous she really was. 16 or not she knew exactly what she was doing.
Now, to hear that she is out of prison and living her life or whats left of it, really leaves a bad taste. Sometimes i despair of the justice system, as it allows murderers like Attina to walk free, while the victim’s relatives are confined to a life sentance of losing a loved one!
I give huge credit and support to Dolly and the rest of Ronalds relatives who have posted here, what you all went through is unimaginable.
By: Neesa on September 9, 2008
at 11:53 am
Diana,
I could swear it’s been mentioned several times that Dolly comes here. Why don’t you start your OWN blog supporting Attina? That way you can ride her coattails all the way to hell. Go away.
By: Shauncey on September 9, 2008
at 2:26 pm
Ok I would first like to say that i am currently at the very end of the lifetime movie “Too young to die” and I have not felt one twinge of pity or compassion for this girl even through the movie. I know that LMN often takes true stories and add in their own twists and dramatic scenes so I was curious to know the REAL story.
Bonnie I would like to thank you for making such an accurate site and Dolly I think its great that you have the courage to come on here and talk about this horrible tragedy.
Although I agree that at the age of 15 or 16 you are not completely aware of the consequences, they still know what is RIGHT OR WRONG. It truely bothers me that some of you are siding with Attina. No one should be able to murder someone and get away with it.
And I’m sorry not to be so rude on your site but i cant keep my mouth shut.
DIANA- all i have got to say is, ARE YOU FREAKING STUPID?! Why don’t you get the facts before you open your mouth and say something that you know absolutely nothing about. I’m no expert in this case but I know the movie isn’t accurate and I have read the above information on the real case. So why don’t you take your little 18yr old self and go back to preschool sweetheart, and think twice before you speak on an adult blog again! Thanks.
Oh and Dolly unless you couldn’t tell, you have my full support and she should have rotted in there!
By: gottaluvme on September 25, 2008
at 9:19 pm
I worked for the prosecution back then. I lived, graduated and worked in Gulfport, Harrison County. My employers were Floyd and Waller, shortly after, Mr. Waller died in a car crash on his way to Florida on vacation. Anyways, this girl should remain in prison for life. Trust me, the movie is a brief synopsis, not an accurate tale of that night. But yes, basically, Attina and David – TOGETHER – invaded his home and killed him in another location.
I was watching the movie and it sure felt familiar so I came online and searched and, now I know why it was so familiar, I typed the papers then
Early 80’s and they were all over the news, I never will forget it.
By: R. FLowers on September 25, 2008
at 10:35 pm
I have to say I am appauled that some of the people on here consider themselves “adults” and still call other people names. That’s the most childish behavior I’ve ever seen.
Like so many others, I’ve seen the movie and wanted the facts on this story. Like so many others, I have my own opinions of “what should have happened” and “why my opinions should have happened.” I’m not going to make any comments on the case itself other than to say this:
To the family of Mr. Wojcik: I’m terribly sorry for your tragic loss.
By: Keltara on September 25, 2008
at 10:56 pm
I have always been one that is a pushover for forgiving someone for things done wrong. On the other hand I have also always believed in an eye for an eye; you kill you be killed. It is a reality we all face if we take someone’s life by acting in a way that represents no forethought on the consequences for our actions, be it to drink and drive (which I do not consider a mistake necessarily like some have said) or commit cold blooded murder. These are crimes for which no one could claim self defense, even though Tina may have had a horrible past, but was that the victim Ronald or his families fault? NO! Ronald took her in and was trying to help her! I have done many thing in my life that I am nor proud of, including drugs and some theft to support my habit, but I always had enough presence of mind to know right from wrong and to never go too far and to get out before it was too late. I am a very successful woman now and it is all because I KNEW the difference between right and wrong as everyone who is not completely unbalanced does at the age Tina was.
In my book, there are very few circumstances that justify taking someone’s life and those are obvious being self defense against someone who intentionally inflicts injury to you or where you fear for your own life from this person. That was not the case here!
In closing; to Ronald’s family uppermost: I feel so deeply sad for what you have had to endure your whole life so far since this has happened and for what you continue to have to endure daily and for the rest of your lives! I can only imagine what it must be like for you. And for that reason I also want to say to all of the people posting on here in support of the murderer, go find a website that supports cold blooded killers to post your opinions, and do not do it on a site that is in support of the victims of these hideous crimes! Why don’t you just join the (released) murderer in inflicting more and more pain on this family by your words of encouragement for her! Hey one more thought, while so many of you have spent months arguing over Tina’s “rights” as if it were your own you were fighting for, where is she??? Why has she not tried to fight for her own? I don’t see any apologies here or ANY reason for any of us to feel sorry for her OR support her! THINK ABOUT THAT!
By: Jodi on September 25, 2008
at 11:22 pm
i just watched the end of the movie, it sickened me. so like many of you i jumped on here and tried to find out more about the whole situation. mostly i got information about juliette lewis and nothing but fluff. i never once felt sorry for her or any pity.
thank you so much for creating this site and rembering the victim. i agree with many of you…she already got her second change and should not have been parolled. Dolly id love to give you a hug you are an amazing person.
i have not yet read any of the court documents. but come on people 16 years old is more then old enough to say “gee this guy hurt me” then GET OVER IT. 16 is old enough to know that brutialy murdering someone is WRONG. hell im in the middle of a nasty divorce and i have NEVER thought that killing him would be better. good lord people she KILLED a man, took him away from his children forever. she doesnt deserve anyones sympathy or pity. i think she should still be in jail and Rons children should be allowed to go to the jail and poke her with sticks if they want.
By: kathy annie on September 25, 2008
at 11:32 pm
God bless you Dolly. Can you tell us more about your family? Why did your father and mother divorce? I take it your mother then raised you and your brother, then she obviously remarried. Can you ask R. Flowers to post some of the court transcripts. Diana, I feel for you! All who murder except in self defense are insane. I can’t even rationalize it for soldiers as it’s a crime in God’s eyes.
Dolly you say your brother had if tougher than you, did you all get treatment for the pain you experienced? Perhaps, if you could write the story, we could get the real truth, excerpts like your aunt’s and others are exceptional, and even if you could obtain your fathers military records and what they were doing to him make a great read. I know, I’d by the book Again, God bless you.
By: Chris on September 25, 2008
at 11:47 pm
and let us not forget that lifetime movie network is also known as the manhating channel. every movie they make some man is getting f**ked up or killed. that channel is completly against anything with testicles. is it any wonder that Ron the VICTIM is made to look like the abuser and that the KILLER is made to look like pathetic lil amanda sue from podunk.
sorry forgot to tack this on to my earlier post
By: kathy annie on September 25, 2008
at 11:48 pm
Also, if anyone knows; did Gray get released? Where are these culprits now? I know, I don’t want them in my backyard.
By: Chris on September 25, 2008
at 11:50 pm
i just finished watching the movie and lmn and i have to say that i was kind of feeling sorry for attina because of the things that happened to her when she was younger. after finding and reading this blog i think she should have got the death penalty. they really twisted the facts in the movie and i really wish they didn’t. they made it seem like he know how old she was and then threw her out when he got caught. now i see that wasn’t the case. even though she was 16 she knew already that killing someone was wrong. they make it seem spontaneous in the movie but i read dolly’s blog about how she threatened him.
diana i think you are really stupid for the things you have said and i agree with Shauncey and i think you should start your own blog supporting attina since your so quick to defend her . i was molested by my step dad when i was 12, i am now 24 and i still have to see him every now and then, even though i hate him for what he did, that does not give me the right or excuse to hurt him or anyone else. ronald sounds like a wonderful man who just tried to help and let the wrong person into his life. thank you so much to whoever created this blog for people like me to find the facts.
dolly, i am so sorry for the lost of your father. i can’t imagine how you feel knowing she has been released back into society, she should burn in hell for what she did. you are so brave coming on here and sharing you story. may god bless you and your family.
By: makaelah's mommy on September 27, 2008
at 2:18 am
I think that this girl was just that a girl and know one knows what really happened but everyone that was involed with it. Yes she was a kid and kids do thing and she has to live with this for ever. If its true that she was on alot of drugs when she did this crime than if you think about maybe she didn’t know what she was doing. But she does have to sit her time out in jail and that is what she is doing and i am sorry for both the familys in this cast cause one lost there dad and the other lost the right to have a life and if everyone would look at it than its sad for both. This girl did not have a life. She was just doing what people told her to do. It looks like to me that she has lost her life
By: hope on September 27, 2008
at 2:21 pm
hey all i want to say is….. this girl that got out of prison shouldnt of gotten out she should of gotten death if some one killed my dad i would be on them like flys on sh*t this is to dolly im sorry for your father i seen the movie and it blows i hope you are doing okay
By: april on October 27, 2008
at 8:58 am
Dolly,
I’m so sorry for what you and your family have gone through, and I know it’ll never be okay. I also hold hate in my heart, my little brother was shot in the face with a 9mm 10 years ago on the 13th. He’s alive thank god but the kid who shot him never got in trouble. The kid who shot him was my best friends little brother, we’re still unsure how he even got shot. But it happened and I can’t bring myself to forgive/forget it. He’s still in trouble with the law, in jail at the moment for something else he’s done. I noticed in one of your post you said you’re in SC, I’m also in SC. Just thought I’d send you some nice words to let you know you, your father and your family are in my thought and prayer. I wish you nothing but the best!
Any news about her whereabout since being released?
By: Regina on November 9, 2008
at 3:12 pm
I have watched “Too Young to Die” several times, and have always felt sorry for the young girl. The Movie does protray Attina as the victim. After finding this site and realizing the movie is not the COMPLETE TRUTH, I cannot believe our system has let her out of jail.
My brother was shot and killed in 1995, he was a friend, husband, son, brother and father of three small babies. His killer escaped conviction for five years. He is now behind bars. His release date is 7/17/2029. I hope and pray that he is never released. I cannot imagine recieving an e-mail telling me that he is getting out, and all we have, as a family, is pictures and memories of so long ago, of a wonderful sweet man that loved life…..
God Bless The Wojcik Family. I`m truly sorry for your loss.
By: cappy on November 9, 2008
at 3:33 pm
One more thought…….Shame on Attina Cannady`s Mother !!
By: cappy on November 9, 2008
at 3:55 pm
They should have gone through with the execution. 16 is old enough to fry such a savage. All murderers should be fried.
By: joe nuneman on November 9, 2008
at 4:53 pm
i just watched the movie to young to die i was upset at the movie becouse she was so young. i need to comment on one of your comments thats that dont get out and kill again im sorry but i relly dont beleave that for one moment i live in philda and i watched on the news just a few mouths ago a cop was on duty and a guy who somehow was releaseed from prison he was sent to prison for killing and rapeing a woman this same man killed a 32 year old cop who was makeing a ruteen stop the guy got out of his car and started to run after shotting the cop at point black range in his chest and the cop was able to call for back up before he died this monster was a repete offender and this was his second murder so to set there and say that someone wont come out and do it again is wround you have no clue what they are thinking or will do once out again on the streets. please dont think im being harsh but i have to say this my heart goes out to the victoms familey not the killer i feel if you do the crime you should be able to do the time even if it means death. i dont know this girl and i do feel sorry for her because she was so young and was hurt by so maney others as a child and who knows maybe prison has changed her but to set back and say that she wont repete what she already did is wroung and you cant say she is changed because you dont personaly know anything about her only what you see and watched or read about the case .i watched with a sad heart one of our police officers here in philly be layed to rest he was only 32 years old and he was shot and killed by a man who was released from prison so i dont see how anyone can say she wont do it again because they will and do all the time.
By: diane shoemaker on November 12, 2008
at 6:16 pm
Dolly – did you get in touch with Crystal to learn of his/her memories of Attina in jail? If so, would you mind sharing them? Hope you don’t mind me asking – I’ve read a lot of your posts on here and on IMDB so I know that you usually don’t mind answering people’s questions.
Sorry for your tragic loss, RIP Ronald.
xxxx
By: Charlimcbean on December 18, 2008
at 7:59 am
Dolly
My wife Amelie and I have just watched the movie that portrays your Fathers death.
On first opinion we thought the movie to be touching and we felt sorry for Tina, as the movie was playing I had to research the truth.
Movies are great, but it was important for us to understand an alternative perspective and/or the truth to that of the directors version of the story.
From what I have read online, the director does not give a true account and I only wonder why he chose a pretty actress to play a vile killer. I can only suggest that the director did not have the skills to ask the question “should under 16’s be sentenced to death” without having a pretty actress looking like an angel.
Dolly, we know nothing about you or your father. However I would like to draw focus to your comment about Tina, where you say, “I dont wish bad on her but I dont wish good either. ”
Any father would be proud of his child to have the strength and courage to make that comment.
We wish you well
David and Amelie
Derby, England
zagfirst@hotmail.co.uk
23:15 2nd january 2009
By: david from the UK on January 2, 2009
at 4:14 pm
to the site,
I am blessed not to have a family member to have been murdered, if that has happened my opinion could be different, however I do not believe in the death penalty.
Regardless of age, cold blooded killers should be held in prison until their death and they should be treated humanely.
We should treat them humanely because we need to rise above evil and secondly they should not be killed. To sentance to death is to forget our problems, their life term is a remander to society that we have an going responsibility. Prison or the death sentence is not a deterrent, crime is far more deep rooted than that.
I don’t consider myself to be a passivist, liberlist or any particular label, I just feel we have a stronger responsibility.
Tina should certainly jave not been released, but as a society we let go of our responsibilty to her when she grew up, maybe that is her justice?
By: david from the UK on January 2, 2009
at 4:25 pm
Hi Dolly,
Firstley, i think you are an amazing women to be able to come on here and open up to all of us about such a saw and hurtfull part of your life! I watched the film for the first time last night and it touched me! I cried! and i got straight on the internet this morning to research it. I do think its wrong that they portrayed things diffrentley in the film, as you say your dad did not know how old she was in real life! where as in the film it makes it look like he knew she was 14! i do wish they wouldnt twist the true story – afterall i watched it on the True Movies chanel where all movies are a true story! yet they had obviously missed bits out and twisted bits! my personal opinion i felt sorry for her but that was only because of the way the film projected her to be a sweet,innocent, abused and mislead -14 year old that is until she done what she did – where as you say she knew what she was doing – i mea you do at that age dont you! you know right from wrong at that age! also in the film it showed her to be injected with Heroin that night ! is that not true either?
I can never imagine the pain your family must of gone through! she took your dads life and i am not even in a position to imagine how awfull that could be! my dad is my life and if someone done tha to him i would want them dead!!!
having read all of your comments i have completley changed my mind . If you had of asked me lastnight i would of said she didnt deserve the death penalty – she was young, she was influenced and she didnt know what she was doing – thats how the film made me feel! wrongley so! i dont agre with teenagers being put on death row becuause i know of people who have been sentanced on deah row, killed then new evidence has come out which has proved tem innocent ! when by then its too late – there dead!
i was searching for a photo of how she looked when she was 14, there only seems to be up to date ones on here.
also was there a 3rd person involved? im confused as to who Dawn Bushart is?
i find this story interesting but very very very sad! keep strong you are an inspiration to others!
I would love to hear back from you .
Love Charlotte. xxxx
By: Charlotte on January 15, 2009
at 4:59 am
A real tragedy has taken place in the last 30 or so years. Parenting now isn’t the same as it was then. The number of parents who genuinely are concerned for the welfare of their children are dwindling as those who recognize that effective parenting is THE hardest job in the world. Too many parents now take the stance of “I don’t care what you do as long as you stay out of my hair”. Case in point: I have read in the paper too many times how a youth commits a violent crime. My first thought is “where the hell is the parent(s) when all this is going on?” They fail to keep their kids in check or to teach them the difference between right and wrong. That is a failure of the parent, not the child. The responsibility of raising children to become productive members of society is disregarded either because of ignorance, drugs, alcoholism or other reasons. I believe that, if a teen commits a crime, then the parent should be held just as accountable and receives the same sentence as the defendant. I’m not dismissing the seriousness of Cannaday’s crime, but, if “Too Young To Die” is correct, the mother should have been incarcerated as well. Parents need to take better responsibility for the proper upbringing and welfare of their children. Our prisons are too full of those who didn’t.
By: Mark on January 18, 2009
at 11:13 pm
She has done her time according to the law, there is nothing else that can be done now.
note from blog owner
This is actually inaccurate. She is out on parole. She did not serve out her entire sentence. If she violates parole, she will be back in prison.
By: J on February 4, 2009
at 1:17 pm
If you feel sorry for this piece of crap you are a bigger pile of crap yourself! This woman killed my father and ruined what would have been a normal life for my family and me. I woke up to cops kicking in my bedroom door because they found my father with his throat slashed so bad he was almost decapitated. I have had to deal with this my whole life. I have no idea who my father was he died when i was four so if you think she deserves another chance and that society is to blame you can go burn in hell with her as long as you want you unsensitive piece of shit.
By: Benjamin C Wojcik on February 11, 2009
at 3:30 pm
Ralph whoever you are I know Im late in this response but get a life man. Drivin drnk and slitting someones throat are two different things. She knew what she was going to do. She had it planned out. Did your friend plan to kill people by drinking then driving. No. She killed my father and should feel nothing but pain and misery for the rest of her life. I talk to my grandmother and she dosent know who I am all she says is they took my Ronnie away. So if anyone reads this and you want to know about pain just ask me I’ve been living with it my whole god forsaken life.
By: Benjamin C Wojcik on February 11, 2009
at 5:12 pm
Hi, I have watched this movie several times over the last few years, I watched it again a few days ago, which prompted me to look up the story on the internet. I must admit it was a bit of a shock to realize that a lot of themovie was just fabrication. The movie has always made me feel very sad. I have never felt that their was any justification for what she did, but always felt that she was let down by society which led to a total waste of not one but lots of lives. After reading some of the true facts I no longer no what to think. My heart goes out to ben and dolly I always did wonder what did become of them after they were left in the house alone that night. The death penalty is something though that I have never agreed in and these situations are never the same along the board. In the movie she has a best friend called Jean, is she just a fictional character?or is she very loosely based on the third person that was there? god bless to dolly an ben you are both in my prayers xx
By: LynnS on February 16, 2009
at 5:25 am
Dolly and Ben,
I have recently come across a picture of myself holding you, Ben, when we were stationed in Spain with your parents. Your father was a very kind, generous man. Your family, my husband and I, and another family in Spain spent a lot of time together. He was a friend’s friend, and he and my husband became best friends during the 3 years we were stationed there. We were heartbroken when we heard about this tragedy. The owner of this blog has my permission to give you my email address if you wish to contact me.
By: Beneta on March 5, 2009
at 10:31 am
I´ve seen this movie several times, and it´s very moving.
I understand that Benjamin and Dolly hates Attina and wants her to rot in jail.
(My father died when i was 5.)
However: Even if she would spend her entire life in jail, your father won´t be coming back.
So my advice to you is to get on with your lives as best as you can, because:
Life is short.
You just have one.
You never know when yours is gonna end.
By: Buckshot on March 17, 2009
at 6:27 pm
What has Atina Marie Cannaday been doing with herself since her release? Do murderers have to register like sex-offenders do? How flippin’ fascinating would it be to know where that woman lives…
By: Nirvana on March 22, 2009
at 12:22 pm
I have the movie “Too Young To Die” and it’s supposed to be based on about Attina Cannady. But I wonder if those things really happened to Attina, before she committed the murder. I don’t know her whole story or anything.
By: Leana Jo on March 28, 2009
at 11:04 am
You know right from wrong when you are 16. She took an innocent man’s life, a father away from his children, a son away from his family, etc. She’s sick. I hope she rots in hell.
By: Megan on April 20, 2009
at 12:40 am
When I was a teenager, so many years ago, I remember how abstract the concept of ‘forever’ was. I know how easily I could have become Attina. Looking through the blurry half-grown eyes of a teenage girl, extreme actions and consequences carry very little wight. Having lived so few years, it’s impossible to appreciate that what you’re doing can have consequences that last, and shadow not only your life, but everyone else’s too, forever.
I know that she did wrong, in a monumental way. The fifteen-year-old girl who did it needed to pay and realise what she had done. But Attina the grown woman is a completely different person, shaped and moulded by regret, fear and years. Keeping people in prison forever is impractical, and keeps us from remembering that we are all flawed human beings capable of various degrees of what Attina did. Holding grudges and guilt indefinitely is not helpful to anyone. I don’t believe in God, the responsibility for everything we do and everything we are lies with us. If we are a barbaric race of people who want ‘an eye for an eye’, the death penalty and permanent incarceration; while at the same time seeing fit to preach ‘forgiveness’ (and using the Bible as an excuse for both) we will be living with murderers, barbarians, and violence until the end of our existence.
Everyone deserves a second chance. No matter what they did. I’m sure even the victim’s family can see that unless we take measures and swallow the pain to heal people who have fallen to this behaviour, it will continue forever. A cycle needs to be interrupted in order for it to stop. Throwing them in prison and forgetting about it is very convenient and feeds our desire to make it someone else’s problem so we can rage stomp on our soapboxes, but someone has to step up and say ‘enough’. Maybe it doesn’t start with Attina, but it has to start somewhere. I’ve had to forgive alot of people in my life, for alot of things, some terrible. But I know how much lighter it leaves my heart to have done so. To the victims family, I need to say this: I know you don’t want anyone else to go through what you have gone through. Please consider forgiveness and mercy as a way to help society to start reducing the number of people who feel pushed, or who run toward, this behaviour.
I hope nothing I have said has offended or hurt anyone, I only want to be helpful. I know what has helped me, and I don’t think it hurts to share what I’ve learned.
By: gretchen on April 27, 2009
at 2:43 am
Society places various age restrictions on activities that we consider people may be to young and immature to participate in. In doing so society accepts that adolescents are prone to uncertain judgment and irresponsible behavior. That they need to be “protected” from themselves. Society should apply the same standard when it comes to criminal law. How can a person who is judged too young to buy cigarettes be held legally accountable to the same standards as an adult for an injudicious criminal act? Cigarettes are restricted because it is assumed that even being informed to the detrimental health effects is not enough to discourage youths from participating in this blatantly self destructive act. Similarly, it should be expected that an adolescent may commit a heinous crime possibly not fully comprehending the consequences to the victim or themselves. Add the corrupting influence of an older, dominant person, physical and substance abuse and the odds for irresponsible and devastating behavior is magnified.
An adolescent committing a crime under any circumstances should be punished and face the consequences of their actions. But, the consequences should be tempered to allow for their age and other mitigating circumstances. It’s not about giving second chances but rather giving a first chance. One criminal act does not make a career criminal by any standard and it is only by allowing such a person the opportunity and dignity to prove themselves in society that they can ever be rehabilitated.
Twenty six years is a long time to pay for any youthful mistake. The consequences for the victim and his family are permanent and that is tragic, but revenge should not be the goal when determining just and reasonable punishment. The emotions of the victim’s family should not be the driving force when determining sentence or eligibility for parole. No prison term or death penalty can undo the victim’s plight and benefits no one, especially when the perpetrator is no longer considered a risk.
I am pleased to see that that Attina has been granted parole. I hope she will make the best of her chance at a “normal” life and that society will grant her the opportunity to integrate and make up for lost time. While offering my condolences to the family of Ronald Wojcik, I believe they would be better off forgiving.
By: Alvin on May 1, 2009
at 10:19 pm
I really think that the last comment perfectly states my assessment of the situation. I watched the movie for the first time this week and was saddened for the victim and his children. I also believe that the girl was wrong for what she did, beyond wrong, but she was a girl a child and im sorry but an eye for an eye is truly not going to help anyone,ever. Whether you are Christian or not think about the whole “Eye for an Eye” theory (which jesus did away with in the new testament, *turn the other cheek*) If someone took your eye so you take theirs for instance that is not going to give you your eye back. In other words if Attina had been put to death that would not bring Ron back to life. People change everyday, lots of people never will, but some people do you never know. My beautiful little girl is five years old and she is my world. I think about what if someone took me away from her in such a brutal fashion. (0r my mother from me) I would want her to rise above it and find a way to forgive that person, not for that person’s sake but for her own, so that she might move on a find peace with her life. I would not want her to carry hate in her heart and forever live in the past. I am not saying this is what the family in this instance is doing just what i would want my own children to do. Dolly I know you take comfort in the fact that your dad was a good man, perhaps attina’s parents were not
note from blog owner
Please remember that while the movie is based on the murder of Ronald, much of what was said about Attina is not based on fact. Read what the Judge said and it will give you a better understanding of what happened. She was the ringleader, not the man. She was not innocent at all but she is the one who planned it and carried it out. All of the sympathy factors you saw in the movie were for entertainment value, not based on fact.
By: nicnac on May 19, 2009
at 11:06 pm
I just saw the movie last night. Like all of you I looked for more information and like most of you I was surprised to see that the movie was far from reality. I slept feeling compasion for Attina and today I’m mad knowing what really happened.
Dolly,
I read what you wrote up. You know forgiveness don’t mean that you have to forget your dad. NEVER EVER forget your dad ! Forgiveness mean that you have to forgive the murderer and forget the act of murder. I know, it sounds awful say like that. Of course it’s not something you can just say and do, of course it will take time but it helps to go on with your life. Your father lives through you and your brother, don’t forget that. You said it was a wonderfull man with a big heart, be like him, think like him, remember him by being what he would have want you both to be.
I read Ben posts and I read hate, anger, despair…understandeball of course but (sorry for what I’m going to tell you), Ben, you sound more like Attina than like your own father. Don’t let Attina win, your father would never wanted that ! Forget Attina, forget that she’s out, think of you, your father, your family. Don’t let Attina destroy that because if you do, it means she wins. Be what your father wanted you to be, it’s the best way to honor him, to remeber him, to make all of us understand that people like Attina don’t destroy you but they make you stronger.
Again all of this sound easy, don’t get me wrong, it’s not, it takes time, it’s a process, but belive me, it is the way out.
I’m very sorry for your loss,
Monika
(Escuse my English, I’m French)
By: Monika on June 12, 2009
at 12:01 pm
only god knows the answers. it is for him to judge and him only.
By: angeline on June 13, 2009
at 12:05 pm
I saw this movie years ago and just rented it to share with my own children. Mostly to share with them the paths that lead to a life I don’t want for them.
Honestly, I have always felt sorry for the girl. I, myself was molested, abandoned to foster care and on the street at 17, very much the same way as Attina. Exactly the same way. The difference for me was that I stayed away from the guys I knew did the ‘bad things’.
Back to the point. I never really researched it back then. As I have gotten older, I look more in depth into things. I see here that it is stated that none of those things happened to her and it was ALL for entertainment purposes.
Someone stated read what the judge wrote, about her being the ringleader and far from a victim. I would like to know where I can find those documents.
For my personal feelings, I don’t think she should have been put to death. I’m sorry but that is the easy way out. The court did the right thing. Making her live with that every second of her life forever is much more punishment. I don’t mean to sound cold. But also, if she was abused and drugged by that man according to the movie, then I still think she should have gone to jail, as she did, and released at this time, as she was.
I wish I could have found help as a teen. I recall how scary every moment on the street was.
But again, that’s if…
Thanks,
Trina
By: Trina Miller on June 19, 2009
at 9:53 am
Ben I wish I could take you pain away. No one knows how you feel except your sister, and no one has the right to tell you how to feel. I wish you only the best in life.
Love,
Elaine Valentine
By: Elaine Valentine on July 11, 2009
at 5:12 pm
It is said to see so many people are just ready to kill of this young girl. She was a confused little girl and had someone leading her in a very bad direction. I believe everyone deserves a chance to live a normal life. They should have given her counseling not the death sentence. She also deserves to be paroled if she has done her time the way she should have.
By: Christine on July 13, 2009
at 3:05 pm
I meant to say sad to see in the last blog. Sorry I fat fingered
By: Christine on July 13, 2009
at 3:07 pm
Christine,
You must not have read any of the links, especially the appeal document. No, she was not a confused little girl like the movie portrayed her. The movie is slanted to make you feel that way. But it is far from the truth. SHE was the leader of the crime, not the man (portrayed by Brad Pitt). You should actually read some of the links, especially the appeals document. The Judge hit it right on the head.
By: mylifeofcrime on July 13, 2009
at 3:13 pm
This was my uncle. I met him only a few times as a baby. He was my fathers best friend. They took him from us.
By: OneSweetWorld on September 6, 2009
at 2:48 am
My heart goes out to his family. I pray you all find peace.
By: Melanie on September 12, 2009
at 11:37 pm
There is so much hate in America. The mere thought that a 15 or 16 year old could ever have been sentenced to death or ordered to serve a lifetime in prison should be a cause of shame. The victim’s daughter is very entitled to her anger but this is exactly why they shouldn’t decide sentences. I for one feel it is reasonable to allow Attina another chance. Anyone who thinks she got off lightly must ever have seen the inside of a prison.
By: Nick on September 22, 2009
at 5:24 pm
And anyone who believes murderers should go free has never lost a loved one to murder or violence. Under what your theory, even predators and serial killers should be released. And when that has happened in the past (just look at Jessie Dotson), has it been good for socieity? Sometimes there needs to be just plain punishment. It has nothing to do with hate. And that is from someone who has lost loved ones to murder.
By: mylifeofcrime on September 22, 2009
at 7:02 pm
I wish I had seen this site over a year ago. I would have written a letter to keep her in prison. I became aware of her when I went to my boyfriend’s house and he and she were in his bed asleep in May of 1982. As of that minute, my now x-boyfriend, jumped up when I said his name and he ran into an empty bedroom and found clothes. He convinced me that I did not want to wake her up. I was mad and loud but thank God – she never woke up. Passed out from alcohol. He said, she’s drunk and crazy and you don’t want to wake her up. I told him she could keep my nightgown but I wanted my robe (if she hadn’t touched it) and my alarm clock. About a week later when I read in the paper about the murder of Ronald, I got cold chills. When I spoke to the x about it later, he and I were both thankful she did not wake up. He said she told him she was gonna “take care of that pinger” ( a term for military guys back then)that kicked her out on the street. He said he did not know what she would have done and he was just glad she left later that night and didn’t come back. He was thankful that she “loved” someone else. Everything I found out about her over the years was No Good. She was an easy bar pick-up, junkie, liar and an alcoholic. I was abused sexually and physically most of my childhood, along with my 3 sisters and none of us killed anybody. She should be rotting in prison still and I pray she did not come back here. She should go live with some of these bleeding hearts on here that watched a movie that had very little to do with facts about her before she killed Ronald. Now we know -she was evil and surely still is. Depravity does not go away.
R.I.P. Ronald
By: cindy on September 29, 2009
at 5:00 pm
I’m sorry, but I’m a little offended by the remark you made.
“She should go live with some of these bleeding hearts on here that watched a movie that had very little to do with facts about her before she killed Ronald.”
The first few times I saw the movie I was one of those bleeding hearts you speak of. All I knew was that the movie was “based on a true story.”
It was years later, as an adult, that I found out how much actual “Truth” was in this movie. But before I did I was very sympathetic towards her. Why shouldn’t I be, right? A kid gets dumped on, abandoned over and over..who would not feel sad for her. Whose heart would not bleed for this poor little girl??
Those hearts that bleed for her could not know the true story, only the “true” story as told by television.
It’s not fair to for you to judge someone for their empathy and compassion for a sweet little girl who has been hurt.
NOW…if someone knows the truth and they still can hurt and ache for that manipulative girl..well then I would back your comments about bleeding hearts and how she should move with them.
Surely no one can say they feel sorry for her now, IF they know the real story. Those who know the truth know that she was not that sweet little girl who was dumped on over and over and over. We know it was a fabrication to get sympathy, but a lot of ppl don’t really know that.
Sorry but it just struck me really wrong the way that was put. I guess because I know how easy it is to be fooled by a movie. Personally, I don’t see how they could label that movie as based on a true story. It seems that more facts would need to be true than false to be considered based on a true story.
It just goes to show you can call anything truth as long as you say it’s so.
By: Trina Miller on September 29, 2009
at 7:34 pm
I had the misfortune of having spent 1 year at Parchman with Tina. You couldn’t meet a colder person anywhere.
Her eyes had no soul in them, and when she talked about the killing, she had the gall to laugh about it. She fessed up to myself and another inmate that she was the one who actually killed Ronald, not David.
I met David too, while I was there. He was very different than he has been portrayed. He was personable, well spoken, and admitted to his role in the crime, and expressed extreme remorse for it.
Don’t feel too sorry for Tina. She was where she deserved to be.
By: Misty on October 22, 2009
at 2:06 pm
Most of the people who have posted on here are ignorant. I do not agree with what attina did, it was completely wrong. She did make the decision herself…and it was mostly her fault. All of you self rightious people on here who keep saying “societies fault???!!!!???”….give me a break. Go get educated, society DOES help mold us into what we become and the choices we make. She was a child when she did this. She has served her time and now it is over. It is a pittiful shame what happened that night to that man. I simpathize with him and his family. However, in a situation like this, no one wins. If you are not a adult…you simply DO NOT have the capacity to make rational decisions!! Go to schoo! Read a book! Learn a little something about shit before you write rude crap to people about stuff you have no clue about. YOU JUST THINK YOU DO….
By: nicole on October 25, 2009
at 3:44 pm
To misty…
How could’ve you seen attina and david at parchman? Attina is in Pearl and David is in Leakesville.
By: alisha on November 19, 2009
at 6:26 pm
Alisha,
Inmates are moved around, do not always stay in the same facility their entire term of incarceration. Sometimes they have to go to other facilities for evaluations, doctor visits, etc. And Attina is no longer in Pear. She was released.
By: mylifeofcrime on November 20, 2009
at 8:32 am
I wonder where she is now. Not because I care really. But because I worry about Ronald’s children and if she would try to approach them. It would be just wrong for her to be in the same town, and risk running into each other.
It may also be hazardous to her health to return amongst his family.
By: Trina on November 20, 2009
at 12:41 pm
I don´t think she wants to be anywhere nere Ronalds children.
That would be the dumbest thing she could do.
But you have to wonder how she´s going to cope with the outside world.
Will she continue with her destructive lifestyle 27 years ago?
I hope not, but maybe that´s all she knows how to do.
By: Buckshot on November 21, 2009
at 7:25 am
“And anyone who believes murderers should go free has never lost a loved one to murder or violence. Under what your theory, even predators and serial killers should be released. And when that has happened in the past (just look at Jessie Dotson), has it been good for socieity? Sometimes there needs to be just plain punishment. It has nothing to do with hate. And that is from someone who has lost loved ones to murder.”
Find me 1 person who says that it should be legal to commit murder?
But what people think about the length of the prison sentence varies.
I personally thinks that 20-30 years is enough for 1 murder(I´m talking about real time)
A person who commits murder more than once should get life without parole.
Any person can get into a situation where they kill someone(jealousy, a fight etc.),
but if it happens more than once, then it´s not a coincidence.
By: Buckshot on November 21, 2009
at 7:52 am
I have just watched the movie for the first time today. As with any movie that is a “fact based story”, there is generally more to the tale and this is why I ended up on this blog!
Yes, the movie did make me feel for 15 year old Amanda, I believe that she shouldn’t have been sentenced to death, BUT, Amanda and Attina are not the same person.
Upon reading the transcripts of court precedings, I have no sympathy for Attina. I’m not sure she should receive the death penalty but she should definatley serve her full sentence of life, just my personal opinion.
He didn’t abandon her, he realised her age and asked her to leave, for him to be with her would have been illeagal and immoral. I admire him for making the smart decision in turning away from her. He never deserved what happened to him.
To Dollyand all your family, I admire your courage and strength to be able to speak openly and inform us of your lives and that of your father. From what has been written, your father was a great family man and was at the very least portrayed as such in the movie. At the very least he will never be forgotten.
I wish you all happy, healthy lives, free of the violence and pain of the past.
By: Jody on November 22, 2009
at 5:30 pm