View Full Version : My Story - Butch C. Clark #0076993


Budwoman
04-25-2002, 04:02 PM
HELLO ALL:

I HAVE ASKED MY MOM (BUDWOMAN) TO POST THIS STORY SO THAT ALL OF YOU MIGHT READ IT. IT IS NOT A PRETTY STORY BUT IT IS MY LIFE.

I AM INCARCERATED IN THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPT OF CORRECTIONS IN LINCOLNTON, N.C. I HAVE BEEN INCARCERATED SINCE NOVEMBER 1990.. MY ADDRESS IS BUTCH C. CLARK #0076993 - 464 PRISON CAMP ROAD - LINCOLNTON, N.C. 28092.

ON OCTOBER 22, 1990, I SHOT AND KILLED MY WIFE'S BOYFRIEND. I ALSO SHOT HER BROTHER AND WOUNDED HIM. I HAVE LIVED THIS FACT FOR 12 YEARS AND WILL NEVER FORGET IT. I HAVE FORGIVEN MYSELF BUT IT IS STILL A HARD THING TO ACCEPT. HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED.

I MOVED TO FLORIDA TO FIND A JOB TO SUPPORT MY WIFE AND HER SON BECAUSE I COULD NOT FIND ONE HERE IN NC. I HAD THE UNDERSTANDING WITH HER THAT I WOULD COME BACK TO GET HER WHEN I GOT A JOB. THIS WAS IN JULY 1990. I CAME HOME FOR HER IN AUGUST. SHE REFUSED TO GO WITH ME BECAUSE HER MOTHER HAD TOLD HER THAT SHE WOULD TAKE HER SON AWAY IF SHE MOVED TO FLORIDA WITH ME. SO, I LEFT HER HERE AND WENT BACK TO FLORIDA. IN OCTOBER 1990, SHE CALLED MY MOM WANTING MY PHONE NUMBER. SHE CALLED ME CRYING. SHE ASKED ME TO COME BACK AND GET HER AND TOLD ME SHE LOVED ME AND WANTED TO GET BACK TOGETHER. (I KNEW NOTHING OF HER BOYFRIEND) I WENT BACK TO NC. I WENT TO HER BROTHER'S HOUSE TO PICK HER UP. WE WENT OUT TO EAT AND DROVE AROUND AWHILE. WE TALKED AND SHE TOLD ME SHE WANTED TO LEAVE WITH ME FOR FLORIDA BUT SHE NEEDED TO GO TO HER BROTHERS HOUSE TO PICK UP HER SON WHO I LOVED VERY DEARLY.

WE WENT BACK TO THE HOUSE. I SAT IN MY TRUCK WAITING FOR HER TO GO IN AND BRING HER SON OUT WITH HER AND HER CLOTHES. I HEARD HER SCREAM. I GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK(NO GUN IN MY HAND) AND WENT INTO THE APARTMENT. AS I OPENED THE UNLOCKED DOOR I SAW HER STRUGGLING WITH A MAN THAT I DID NOT KNOW, HE HAD A SHOTGUN. I RAN TO HER AND TRIED TO TAKE THE SHOTGUN OUT OF HIS HANDS. AS I WAS STRUGGLING WITH HIM, HER BROTHER CAME UP BEHIND ME AND HIT ME ON THE SIDE OF THE HEAD WITH A BASEBALL BAT. IT BROK MY JAW. COMPLETELY SEVERING IT FROM MY JAW BONE. I GOT LOOSE AND RAN TO MY TRUCK. THE WINDOW WAS DOWN I DOVE INTO THE TRUCK WHERE I HAD A 357 MAGNUM UNDER THE SEAT. I GRABBED MY GUN AND CAME OUT OF THE WINDOW. I LOOKED AND SAW BOTH THE MAN WITH THE SHOTGUN IN HIS HANDS AND HER BROTHER WITH THE BASEBALL BAT COMMING AT ME. I BEGAN SHOOTING.... I TOTALLY EMPTIED MY GUN AT THEM BOTH. I KILLED THE MAN AND WOUNDED THE BROTHER. I WAS SO DAZED AND SCARED I REALLY DID NOT KNOW WHAT I WAS DOING. I RAN.... (BAD DECISION) I DROVE BACK TO FLORIDA.. I CALLED MY MOM ON THE WAY AND TOLD HER WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I DID NOT KNOW WHERE I WAS OR WHERE I WAS GOING. THE POLICE HAD ALREADY BEEN TO HER HOUSE IN FULL FORCE. I GOT TO FLORIDA AND WENT TO MY DAD'S HOUSE. I DID NOT TURN MYSELF IN FOR TWO WEEKS.
AFTER TURNING MYSELF IN, I WAS TAKEN TO TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL TO HAVE SURGERY ON MY JAW THAT WAS BROKEN BY THE BASEBALL BAT. I HAVE THE MEDICAL RECORDS OF THAT SURGERY. WHEN I WENT TO COURT, I HAD AN ALCOHOLIC ATTORNEY AND ANOTHER COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEY WHO DID NOT PRESENT MY CASE AS SELF DEFENSE. THE MEDICAL RECORDS WERE NEVER BROUGHT OUT. I WAS CHARGED WITH FIRST DEGREE MURDER. I WAS CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER AND ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON WITH INTENT TO KILL. MY SENTENCE WAS 52 YEARS.. THE MAXIMUM SENTENCE ANYONE CAN RECEIVED FOR THESE CONVICTIONS. THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I HAD BEEN IN TROUBLE AS A TEENAGER.

MY REGRETS ARE GREAT.... I WISH I HAD MADE DIFFERENT DECISIONS AT THIS POINT IN MY LIFE. I DID NOT. I DO OUTREACH PROGRAMS IN PRISON FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN HOPES I CAN HELP THEM NOT MAKE THESE SAME DECISIONS. I TRY EACH AND EVERY DAY TO LIVE THE LIFE I WANT TO HAVE WHEN I DO FINALLY GET TO GO HOME. I HAVE MET A WONDERFUL WOMAN WHO WORKED FOR THE DEPT OF CORRECTIONS AT ONE OF THE LOCATIONS I WAS AT. WE HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE VERY DEEPLY AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO GET MARRIED AND SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE WITH HER. I WAS A FOOTBALL STAR IN HIGHSCHOOL. I WON ALL SORTS OF HONORS. I HAVE A 2 YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE. I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL DEGREE. I HAVE TAKEN PHYCOLOGY AND HAVE LEARNED MANY THINGS WHILE IN PRISON.

I GET FLUSTRATED AND SOMETIMES AM ANGRY, BUT I REALLY DO FIGHT THIS. I HAVE TAKEN ANGER MANAGEMENT SEVERAL TIMES. MY MOM AND STEP DAD HAVE STOOD BESIDE ME ALL THE 12 YEARS. I HAVE TWO BROTHERS AND THEY COME ON OCCASION. THEY HAVE THEIR OWN FAMILIES AND ITS HARD FOR THEM TO VISIT OFTEN. ALSO, I THINK THEY HAVE SOME BITTERNESS TOWARD ME FOR WHAT HAS HAPPENED.

TO ALL OF YOU ON THIS SITE.... MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. BEING AN INMATE IS NOT EASY..... UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR SPOUSES AND WHEN THEY HAVE BAD DAYS IN PRISON, LOVE THEM ANYWAY..... WE DO NOT KNOW OR UNDERSTAND AT THIS POINT, WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. MY MOM AND RENEE AND TRIED TO LET ME KNOW THIS ON MANY OCCASIONS, BUT BECAUSE I HAVE NOT BEEN ON THE OUTSIDE IN SO MANY YEARS, IT IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND.

I LOVE MY FAMILY AND MY FIANCEE. THEY ARE MY LIFE.... IF IT WERE NOT FOR THEM, I WOULD NEVER HAVE SURVIVED THIS PRISON SITUATION. PLEASE STAND BY YOUR LOVED ONES. WHEN THEY DO GET HOME, THEY WILL BE MUCH BETTER PEOPLE IF YOU DO THAT.

HERE IS MY STORY. YES, IT IS A BAD ONE AND I HAVE COMMITTED THE WORST OFFENSE THAT ANYONE CAN DO. I HAVE ASKED FOR FORGIVENESS FROM MY MAKER. I HAVE FORGIVEN MYSELF. I HOPE THAT THE OUTSIDE WORLD CAN FORGIVE ME TOO. I WANT TO COME HOME SOON AND HOPE BEYOUND HOPE THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN.

MY PRAYERS AND LOVE TO ALL OF YOU

BUTCH C. CLARK
#0076993
LINCOLNTON CORRECTIONAL CENTER
LINCOLNTON, N.C. 28092

nighthawk_75253
04-25-2002, 04:28 PM
Butch,Thank you for taking the time to write.There are a few of us here,who have been where you are,and let me say,you will overcome this.Myself for one knows the feeling of hopelessness,but if you set your sites on the future,you can do this.I am not saying the road is an easy one,by no means. It will be very hard,people on the outside will try to trip you up every chance they get.As I found out after my release,if you want it bad enough,nothing can stop you.You have a wonderful family behind you,and that is half the battle.I know your mom is a very special lady ,and will always be there,cause thats how moms are.So just keep in mind " No Guts..No Glory " and keep the faith my brother.God Bless You...........................Spencer

danielle
04-25-2002, 04:49 PM
This story really touched me. Thank you for sharing it. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

bella
04-25-2002, 08:35 PM
Butch,
It was so wonderful to hear from you. You do have a wonderful mother and fiance who support you. And from a distance you have all of us at PTO who support you too. Your story is unfortunate and my prayers are with you for a speedy release. Stay strong, as hard as it may be.
Michelle

Joy
04-25-2002, 09:17 PM
Butch....Wow, what a story. It is good to hear boths sides. Some one last night at work asked me if I would be writing to prisoners and have anything to do with prisoners if my husband had not gone to prison. I told her I wouldn't because I was like most people in this world,...if they are in prison then they deserve to be there. Lock them up and throw away the key.

However, I now see there are always to sides to a story and that everyone is human with all the emotions. Your story just proves that. My thoughts are with you and your family.

You have a great mom. She is very special.

Joy

Shortie
04-25-2002, 09:26 PM
Butch, Donna & Renee,
My heart goes out to you, all of you. I do beleive that people make mistakes and that the system too makes mistakes. I pray for favor with your case and that something will happen to over turn the harsh sentance you received. Yes it is true that you did a horriable crime, I do believe that there were other cirmumstances that surrounded your actions. Underlining the fact that you needed to defend yourself. Just know that we are here for all of you and that we love you all.. God Bless You and Keep you safe.

B-Ray
04-25-2002, 09:34 PM
Butch, I am glad you show interest in psychology. That's an area that has helped me realize, who and what I am as a person, and by that ,I have decided that I can even like this Ole Goat (capricorn) even with faults.

One thing that can be said about psychology: It's a work never completed. A person can only take a vacation every now and then. :-)

sherri13
04-25-2002, 10:18 PM
Butch-thanks for sharing your story with us-I think the situation that happened with you could probably have happened with any one of us under similar circumstances-I am sorry that things turned out the way they did and hope that can be turned around-I know your mom and Renee are working hard for you on this-Your mom is a very special person whom we all love and respect her and we are so glad that she and Renee too now are a part of PTO. God bless all of you

Sherri

Pam
04-26-2002, 01:06 AM
Butch, You will be in our hearts and prayers. God bless you. I am so sorry that you had to get caught up in this type of injustice.

torrey
04-26-2002, 12:07 PM
Wow,
I wonder how your x-wife sleeps at night knowing that you were defending her life and your own only to be punished so unjustly.
You have good people on your side and sounds like you have a good spirit too. Your an intelligent man I suggest you get into the law books and work it from inside.

Take care and write us again.
Torrey

Amelia
04-26-2002, 12:58 PM
Butch,
I just want to thank you for sharing your story with us. You have a wonderful family-they love you very much. I am sorry that this has happened to you. Life can be so crazy. Just remember that If your heart is true things will get better. I am praying for you and hope you will be home to be with your mom and Renee ASAP!! God Bless!!

AMELIA

jdswifey02
04-27-2002, 12:09 AM
Butch....
Hey there.... I too wanted to say thank you for sharing your story.... :)
It is true that it is hard for you to understand what we go through, just the same that it is true that we will never know all that you have to endure.
You DO have some wonderful people behind you... they have been of so much help and support to me. Your mom was one of the first people to respond to me when I first came to this site. I am in a similar situation as you and Renee. I worked within the walls of a prison and fell in love with an inmate. I walked away from my job when there was "suspicion" of a relationship between us... but he sits in segregation now because of this. I will stand by him through thick and thin, but your words of encouragement will help ME get through his "bad days."
Know that no matter where you are, you have the power to influence the world.. though it sounds as if you already have realized this and that you are doing all you can to help and serve others.
You DO have an extended PTO family out here and we are all behind you.... to listen, to support, to love, to pray and to help in any way we can. As long as we stick together, we can make it through anything....
I wish you peace and I wish you love and I wish you justice...
Stay strong....

Budwoman
06-28-2002, 11:26 AM
JUST AN UPDATE ON BUTCH'S STORY....

SINCE I POSTED THIS STORY IN APRIL, MANY THINGS HAVE HAPPENED AS YOU HAVE READ IN OTHER POSTS TO BUTCH AND RENEE.

HIS ATTITUDE IS CHANGING AND HE IS BECOMMING VERY BITTER.... EVEN TO THE POINT OF BEING ANGRY WITH ME FOR WHATEVER I REALLY DON'T KNOW.... THESE PEOPLE IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AND THE DOC WILL NEVER IN MY LIFETIME UNDERSTAND THE DAMAGE THEY DO TO INMATES AND THEIR FAMILIES...

THEY WILL NEVER KNOW THE HURT THEY DOLE OUT... THEY WILL NEVER KNOW NOR WILL THEY CARE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO AN INMATES SANITY....

MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL... KEEP BUTCH IN YOUR PRAYERS AT ALL TIMES... HE REALLY DOES NEED IT NOW MORE THAN HE EVER HAS....

THANK YOU FOR CAREING

MY LOVE
DONNA

Cameo
07-01-2002, 01:57 PM
Donna, Renee, and Butch-
I just read Butch's letter to PTO, and I just want to extend my hope and prayers to all of you, that you find new strengh in each new day. I will drop Butch a short note and let him know that people are thinking of him. I hope those sites for legal help I forwarded will be of some assistance. When I come back from visiting Vic, I will send off a short note to Butch, with some thoughts and encourgement! Is this still the right address?
Bless you all!

Pamela

David
07-01-2002, 03:07 PM
Butch,
I've been pretty busy lately and have not been able to spend as much time on PTO as I want (and will in the near future) but was also touched by your story. I am sure at least a few of us sympathise on some level with what happened because given similar circumstances, we may have done the very same thing - I can tell you, I am afraid I probably would have. It is easy thinking about something when you are not stuck right in the middle of the action.
To me, it looks a whole lot like self defense, and defense of someone you love.. But, we also know how the courts work..
Regardless, I'm sorry things wen't down the way they did and you got the short end.. I also know first hand how things are played on the inside. We're on your side and a few of us know how your feeling first hand, though that probably doesn't mean much while your sitting in the hole..
Well, just wanted to say hello and let you know your on our minds and in our prayers.. You'll be out of there soon.. but never soon enough..

David

~cheenna~
07-02-2002, 02:03 AM
God bless you Butch, you are in my prayers.
I can't imagine how very hard it must be for you right now but never give up Butch, trust in the Lord, give him your pain and fears, he will see you through this.
I will say a special prayer to Our Lady to hold and keep you safe.

vnvdvc
07-02-2002, 09:31 AM
Butch, i have followed your family's story since May when I signed on at pto and just now saw your letter with the update from your mom, Donna. I want to extend my warmest thoughts for you, Donna , Renee, and the other members of your family who have shown you support. I have no doubt that they always will support you in every way! You are loved by many caring people who are trying their hardest against a system with too much power and too few consequences. Stories like yours have proven that too many times. I wonder if you would send us an update on how you are doing? (providing you are in a position to correspond)

Budwoman
07-02-2002, 03:38 PM
BUTCH IS FINALLY OUT OF SEGREATION..... THEY MOVED HIM TODAY TO ANOTHER PRISON UNIT AT SHELBY, N.C. HE EVEN GOT TO CALL ME A FEW MINUTES AGO.... I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT EVERYTHING IS O.K.... HE DOES NOT KNOW YET IF HE WILL BE ALLOWED A VISIT SUNDAY, BUT I SURE HOPE SO...

THANK YOU GUYS FOR ALL YOU PRAYERS.... MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU EVERY ONE...

DONNA

vnvdvc
07-02-2002, 03:58 PM
That is great, Donna! How was his mood when he called? Positive? Here is hoping for a visit Sunday! How is Renee?

Budwoman
07-02-2002, 04:03 PM
THEY BOTH ARE O.K. RIGHT NOW.... RENEE WENT ON TWO JOB INTERVIEWS TODAY AND THEY BOTH SOUNDED VERY POSITIVE....

BUTCH WAS SO TICKELED TO BE OUT OF SEGREGATION, THAT HE WAS ACTUALLY LAUGHING ABOUT THINGS....

I SURE WANTED TO HUG HIM BAD....

WE WILL SURVIVE AS WITH SO MANY OTHER TIMES, BUT I SURE WISH THIS CRAP WOULD AT LEAST SLOW DOWN...

LOVE YA FOR THINKING OF US.

DONNA

~cheenna~
07-02-2002, 04:19 PM
Praise the LORD!

B-Ray
07-02-2002, 04:49 PM
Great news Donna

sherri13
07-03-2002, 08:14 AM
donna- so glad to hear he is out of seg, and that renee has some good job prospects-

aprilcat
07-03-2002, 08:25 AM
great news on both fronts, donna!!!! i am so happy to hear things are turning around!!!! *hugs*

Angel01
07-13-2005, 12:39 PM
Thanks for posting this. Can you please email me offboard and send me Butch's current mailing address? I'd appreciate it.

gwapa
07-16-2005, 12:50 PM
To Donna Butch And Renee
I Am Sorry For Everything You've Gone Through With This But I Dont Think He Should Be In There In The First Place. I Firmly Believe That He Acted In Self Defense And I Know, Lives Were Taken But He Doesnt Deserve To Sit There Knowing That He Would Have Never Done It If Not For That Guy As Well. See There Was No Motive In The First Place. If I Were You, If Its Still Possible, I'd Make An Appeal And Those Medical Records Should Be Presented In The Courts Of Law. If I Were You, Id Fight It Out.
May God Bless You And Your Family Always...god Has Reasons For Everything And Whatever Is It That Butch Is Going Through Right Now, God Is With Him. All The Best And God Speed!

mrsdragoness
07-17-2005, 09:55 AM
Please note that this thread was posted more than 2 years ago and that the originator is no longer an active PTO member.

For that reason, I am closing this thread.

In the future, please take note of these things before reactivating an old thread.

thank you
mrsd