JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY - The attorney for nearly two dozen alleged victim's of Stephen Baker reacts to the news of his death.
Attorney Michael Parrish said this case has always been a tragedy, and this is just another layer to that tragedy. He represents 20 alleged victims of Brother Stephen Baker, and has spoken with at least five more.
He said many of his clients are angry and they're hurt, but no one wanted to see Brother Baker dead.
He also said his investigation is still ongoing and he's working to find out who knew what Brother Baker was doing and when.
Attorney Michael Parrish said this case has always been a tragedy, and this is just another layer to that tragedy. He represents 20 alleged victims of Brother Stephen Baker, and has spoken with at least five more.
He said many of his clients are angry and they're hurt, but no one wanted to see Brother Baker dead.
He also said his investigation is still ongoing and he's working to find out who knew what Brother Baker was doing and when.
Comments
Our hearts are with the brave victims, and they are to be commended for having the courage to speak up and take action to expose the truth. This is not an easy thing to do, especially now that Bro Baker has committed suicide. It can be an emotional roller coaster, some may feel relief that he can not longer harm another child, and yet some may feel cheated because they will never see him behind bars for his crimes.
But hopefully anyone who has knowledge or may have been harmed by Brother Stephen Baker or anyone within this diocese, will have the courage to come forward and contact the police and get help.
Also keep in mind your silence only hurts, and by speaking up there is a chance for healing, exposing the truth, and therefore protecting others.
Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director, USA, 636-433-2511. snapjudy@gmail.com,
"SNAP (The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
Judy J.
January 27, 2013 at 3:35 pm
This changes nothing. It's still crucial that victims,witnesses, and whistleblowers come forward so complicit church officials can be exposed and held responsible, and so future cover ups will be deterred.
Maybe, if the church officials would have done the right thing by putting Baker in a secure treatment center as soon as they first knew about his sexually abusing children, this might not have happened.
We feel sad for his family. and we hope victims will take comfort in the fact that Brother Baker can no longer harm innocent kids.
Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director, USA, 636-433-2511. snapjudy@gmail.com,
"SNAP (The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
Judy J.
January 27, 2013 at 1:07 am
