Overall, I was pleased with the story but a couple of details were incorrect.
The DA mentioned that the people living with my mom paid rent which is untrue. I find it odd, during the trial, she brought up that they did NOT pay rent but later changed the statement when talking to the Herald Leader. She also said that the witnesses could not place Corey at the house. This is also untrue. One of the witnesses said they remember when Corey left because a specific television show was on.
Also, the issue about the chain Corey was wearing was NEVER mentioned in the police report and from what we were told was not mentioned until trial.
Another discrepancy is that Corey was arrested for carrying a loaded gun prior to the incident. This is also not true, there was a gun but it was not loaded and it also wasn't his.
The detective said Corey mentioned his baseball cap as not being in the description. But according to Corey he mentioned his baseball cap AFTER the detective told him the description.
And in defense of my little brother getting in a fight at Henry Clay High School, the young man involved was a year younger than my little brother. This young man actually tried to jump Corey and Corey fought back. The young man's mother decided to press charges because Corey was 18. Corey decided to plead guilty because he said in his own words "I did it. I fought him". This was a case where both parties were guilty but Corey didn't pursue it any further.
I'm still in awe that this has all happened. Like I said before, Corey is a good kid. I still say there is more to this story than even the Kirkland's are willing to tell. Some of the story just doesn't fit. My little brother refused to plead guilty because he felt like justice would prevail. I'm hoping and believing this time it will. But I am extremely appreciative to the Herald Leader and Delano Massey for giving us a voice. And once again thanks to all of those who have supported us thus far.
Shawna
