Less than one block away from me, someone who took part in a gruesome murder just moved in. He was there and to some degree found to be involved in the dismemberment of a young adult male in 1993. He wasn't the main guy. Where we live in general violent crime is very rare. Our neighborhood is mostly home owners so we don't get new neighbors very often. We live across the street from an elementary school. I thought there were rules about who could live near a school, but I thought wrong. I'm weary of the friends this guy could have made in prison over the last 15 years. He's on parole. Last night the cops were knocking on both of his doors. This house, I pass on the way to my in-laws. I can see it from my kitchen window. I don't like this.

By Amecmom on Friday, December 7, 2007 - 11:03 pm:

{{{Rayelle}}}
Ame

By Mlee on Friday, December 7, 2007 - 11:13 pm:

That's horrible. What a yucky feeling.

On the other hand, at least you know he's there. (I mean, at least you know who has moved in.) I'm guessing that this is being discussed by neighbors. I don't know what you can do, but I'd start by finding out more about the situation. Who owns the house? Is he a renter, buyer, or is some family member helping him out. Does the owner know who's renting his house? Is this guy still on parole? (I don't know how you'd find THAT out). And was he really a baddie, or was he an idiot who got in over his head? Awful as it is to review the facts of a crime like that one, it might make you feel less frightened or, conversely, more determined and clear about how to deal with his presence. It's possible that he just wants to leave prison and everyone he met there behind.

If he doesn't behave himself and your neighborhood is basically good, I think he may not be around too long. Neighbors are not going to be tolerant of noise or suspicious comings and goings that might be a sign of drugs -- the police are going to get called about this guy, and more to the point the landlord is going to be hearing from people. (It's not too hard to find out the owner of a particular property.) You should not be the only one making these calls. Also, have you contacted the police with your concerns? There may be some sort of community officers or other non-emergency personnel who can give you guidance about monitoring and documenting problems with this guy.

Also, sometimes it helps to have an example to point at when you are gently telling your kids that there are dangerous people in the world.
Good luck.

By Mlee on Friday, December 7, 2007 - 11:17 pm:

Oh, sorry, I see he is on parole. Call parole people, I understand that they are willing to tell neighbors if they need to watch for drunkenness, drugs, or if the guy is supposed to stay away from children, women, etc.

By Bea on Saturday, December 8, 2007 - 11:55 am:

It sounds as if the cops are keeping him under a tight leash. Think that your neighborhood will probably have a much higher police presence while he lives there. If they harass him enough, maybe he'll move Fingers crossed!!!