Dec. 3, 2002
Houston Chronicle


Killer's prison funds frozen
Family of slain deputy sues inmate for account money

The widow of a slain Harris County sheriff's deputy stopped her husband's
killer Monday from having access to money in his prisoner account.

Cathy Hill, a daughter and the deputy's parents, Barbara Jean and Edward
Hill, sued death row inmate Robert Gene Will II for $10 million in damages
for pain and suffering and loss of companionship and support.

"We don't want him to be able to buy a stamp to mail a letter to his mama.
It's not vindictiveness -- it's justice," said Burt Springer, general
counsel for the Harris County Deputies' Organization, which filed the
lawsuit. Springer believes the suit is the first of its kind.

Will, 24, shot Deputy Barrett Hill, 38, on Dec. 4, 2000, as Hill and
another deputy were chasing two car-theft suspects through a wooded area
off Dunson Glen in north Harris County.

Will was arrested a few hours later in Brenham with the murder weapon, and
was convicted last January.

Taxpayers are footing the bill for Will's food, clothing, housing, medical
care and other necessities, Springer said.

But family and others can place money in an inmate's personal account,
which the prisoner can use to buy personal items from a prison store.

If Will is allowed to continue using the funds, Hill's family could not
recover those damages, the suit said.

"Why should those who harm deputies and others be allowed to have any
enjoyment in life besides the necessities before they die?" Springer said.

Ancillary Judge Kenneth Wise granted Springer's request to temporarily
prohibit Will "from use or enjoyment of any and all funds contained in his
inmate account" or in the future.

Wise set a hearing for Dec. 13 before state District Judge Tony Lindsay.

------------------------

By JO ANN ZUNIGA, Houston Chronicle

This article is:
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/metropolitan/1686034

Seems to me they answered your poll in the article Joy...

"We don't want him to be able to buy a stamp to mail a letter to his mama. It's not vindictiveness -- it's justice," said Burt Springer, general counsel for the Harris County Deputies' Organization, which filed the lawsuit. Springer believes the suit is the first of its kind.

Ok, so according to Burt, this is justice.
And as Burt said, this is the first lawsuit of it's kind.
I guess that means it's the first justified lawsuit.

I may be wrong, but aren't there rules to dispense justice?
Isn't that what a trial does, decide guilt or innocence and then dole out a sentence of punishment if needed? Was this guy's sentence so many years AND no letters home to mama? I doubt it. Burt says they aren't being vindictive... i think Burt is a dick, so he'd be Burtdictive.

Why sue for 10 million? Make it a billion, your still not gonna get a cent out of the guy...he's in prison...probably giggling at Burt... and Ernie too.

LMWAO, burtdictive, too funny. toe you crack me up. i almost fell out of my chair. yes it is vendictive.

They are not punishing an inmate. They are only hurting the family.... What justice is that? The man is going to die, why do all this to him too???

Donna

REVENGE ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SHERRON

it is never enough to punish these guys. when will it ever end

people get shot every day,some die and others don't...the people that shoot them do it for many differene reasons...we don't always know the reasons and what makes them shoot anybody...some shoot because thet are affraid, some because they don't know anymore what they are doing...many reasons, many different situations, and it is all bad...but we are all people and we all make mistakes...not always big huge mistakes that actually involves shooting and people ending up death...but we are not perfect, no one is...
prisons are there because people are not perfect and some things are too serious to not do anthing...so they put people in prison, because there is no way to kill all who make mistakes, because we all know it could have been us or one of us...and if they are in prison it is justice, or it should work like that for the people left behind...nothing can ever bring anyone back from death...and if these people who clearly are not finished with dealing with the pain and the loss now think doing what they do is doing anybody any good , they won't feel better if they don't even want this man to get a stamp...it is not the man and his priveleges taken away that will heal the pain....not even his death can do that...this is our world, we all make mistakes, some big and some small, but no one is perfect...for this man to live with the knowlidge that he killed another man...to wake up every day and know and feel what he did...I can't really explain what I mean...it's just that this seems so bad...and I don't know why it seems that because the man he shot was a sheriff or deputy he needs more punishment? tis is not justice, it is revenge

IN MY OPINION THIS IS STRAIGHT REVENGE AND IS TRULY UNFAIR.

This man is already going to probably pay for this crime with his life and the victims family wants more than that~it's definitely revenge!!!!

Have to say I vote with the majority here... revenge.

too mea that is all that the death penalty it ever about...revenge

Here's an update on the case:

Jan. 6, 2003


Death row inmate assails suit by deputy's family
By JO ANN ZUNIGA, Houston Chronicle

A Texas death row inmate, convicted of killing a Harris County sheriff's
deputy, is claiming that a recent lawsuit against him by the deputy's
widow and family was filed "maliciously, in bad faith and for the purposes
of harassment."

Cathy Hill and the deputy's parents, Barbara Jean and Edward Hill, sued
Robert Gene Will II in December for $10 million in damages for pain and
suffering and loss of companionship and support in the fatal shooting of
Deputy Barrett Hill.

Although the Hill family received a temporary court order at that time to
stop Barrett Hill's killer from having access to money in his prisoner
account, a judge denied a renewal of the order Friday.

After a tearful testimony from the widow and supportive testimony from the
parents, state District Judge Tony Lindsay apologized to the family for
her denial.

"One can see how the loss of a husband, father, and son is so devastating
and terrible," Lindsay said.

"But we can't say it's irreparable harm for plaintiffs not to get $25 or
$50 in a prisoner trust account. I'm sorry, but I'm going to deny" the
order, she said.

Burt Springer, general counsel for the Harris County Deputies'
Organization, who filed the lawsuit for the Hills, said they were not
surprised by the denial of a temporary order until a trial and final
judgment.

But Will's written response filed Dec. 31 to the lawsuit now "guarantees
him a full-blown trial," Springer said. "I'd love to depose him," he said.

Will, acting as his own lawyer, accused the family of filing the lawsuit
for maliciousness and harassment. He also claims a constitutional right to
his private funds.

The judge said she may have him testify via telephone conferencing.

Taxpayers are footing the bill for Will's food, clothing, housing, medical
care and other necessities, Springer said.

Family members and others can place money in an inmate's personal account,
which the prisoner can use to buy personal items from the commissary, a
prison store.

If Will is allowed to continue using the funds, Barrett Hill's family
could not recover those damages, the suit said.

Will, 24, shot Hill, 38, on Dec. 4, 2000, as he and another deputy were
chasing two car-theft suspects through a wooded area off Dunson Glen in
north Harris County.

Will was arrested a few hours later in Brenham with the murder weapon and
was convicted last January.

The American Civil Liberties Union is monitoring the family's lawsuit
against Will. It has not decided whether to aid the defendant yet, said
Huntsville lawyer Yolanda Torres.

"An inmate is entitled to due process and is entitled to be heard," said
Torres, who is assisting in the ACLU prison and jail accountability
project.

Other inmates are also closely watching the case, said Torres, a spectator
at Friday's hearing.

Barbara Jean Hill, who is also president of the Greater Houston Concerns
of Police Survivors, said she hopes that crime victims are paying
attention to the case as well.

"I'm speaking as a mom. For those whose children are brutally murdered,
this could open doors for them," Hill said. "Let's make these guys
miserable. Prison isn't enough," she said.

-----------------------

Source : Houston Chronicle

This article is:
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/metropolitan/1725427

I think this is a terrible act of revenge. He is already on death row what more can you ask from him but his life. even if the man lives another 20 yrs they are not gonna get 10 million dollars ... are they honestly niaeve enough to think that his mother or loved one is gonna be stupid enough to keep sending him money if she knows he sin't gonna get it. And what aout hygeine products do they feel the right to take away even the basic right to be clean??I think this has more to do with "Why should those who harm deputies " than anything else. They are trying to prove a point and show them who is the boss. These people prolly have lots of freinds on plenty of panels to back them up. Seriously where are they ever gonna find someone who isn't gonna wanna give them whatever they want. It is sickening.

Vada

also do they stop and think that in prison you still recieve soap and hygeine products this comes from the chaplin office of were people donate to prisoners. i was friends with the officer i am a lic. harris county wrecker driver and hill always belived he put his life on the line at all times. it was his job. yes it was wrong to shoot him for stealing the car , but things do happen. i have to ask what about the man who shot my best friend for towing his car out of the neighbors yard. the man who shot him was a fire fighter and got 18yrs probation. were is the justice in this case.

revenge

I agree with Gina. The death penalty is nothing but revenge in and of itself. And also, death is not punishment. Real punishment is being kept alive with heavy duty strict rules constantly upon the murderer. So yes, this lawsuit is revenge, no matter how much they claim it is justice. The world doesnt gain anything when someone is put to death, so why do it? It is much easier for mankind to do the wrong thing than it is to do the right thing simply because we are like that by nature. I have always and will always be against capital punishment----even if it was me that lost a close love one by murder.

Pookie

Guys

FYI, this is the lady and Mother that we faced on The John Walsh Show. I don't believe I have ever seen so very much anger and vengence come from two people in my life. I even went as far as telling her off camera, that her husband knew when he took the job of police officer that he was puting himself in danger. I also told her that I really did feel her pain, but until she lost her bitterness things would never get better for her...

Just wanted you to know who you would be looking at on Thursday on NBC.

Donna

First...I almost fell off my chair at toe's post...took me quite awhile to stop laughing...and it's been a long time since I've done that...boy did it feel good.

This is revenge. Plain & simple. Just as Donna said, this officer knew the danger he was facing. My father was a police officer for 28 yrs.....we were well aware the risk he took everyday just by going into work. Taking this man's money will not bring her husband back, or ease her pain.

You know what is sad?

Even if these people get their revenge if the states puts Mr. Will to death, even if they win their lawsuit and got their $10million dollars....unless they get some serious help, and soon, they will never get over the hate in their hearts. They will find, sadly, that these measures leave them empty and unsatisfied.

And the cycle of violence will continue.......

I know you guys have heard these before, but I felt they warrented posting. When I was diagnosed with heart failure, I went thru many of these stages. It seems to me these people are stuck on the anger stage. I do hope they work their way past it.

The five stages of grief are:


1-Denial-"this can't be happening to me", looking for the former spouse in familia places, or if it is death, setting the table for the person or acting as if they are still in living there. No crying. Not accepting or even acknowledging the loss.


2-Anger-"why me?", feelings of wanting to fight back or get even with spouse of divorce, for death, anger at the deceased, blaming them for leaving.


3-Bargaining-bargaining often takes place before the loss. Attempting to make deals with the spouse who is leaving, or attempting to make deals with God to stop or change the loss. Begging, wishing, praying for them to come back.


4-Depression-overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, frustration, bitterness, self pity, mourning loss of person as well as the hopes, dreams and plans for the future. Feeling lack of control, feeling numb. Perhaps feeling suicidal.


5-Acceptance-there is a difference between resignation and acceptance. You have to accept the loss, not just try to bear it quietly. Realization that it takes two to make or break a marriage. Realization that the person is gone (in death) that it is not their fault, they didn't leave you on purpose. (even in cases of suicide, often the deceased person, was not in their right frame of mind) Finding the good that can come out of the pain of loss, finding comfort and healing. Our goals turn toward personal growth. Stay with fond memories of person.

This is Nothing but revenge. I saw the victims on a TV show and you could see the hate and anger in their eyes. My heart goes out to them, but I also know from experience until they learn to forgive and let go of their hate they will never heal.
This won't bring their loved one back and it won't make them feel any better. It only fuels the fire of hate and in turn will destroy them in the end.

softie

They are no longer victims at this point. Their loved one was the victim. They lost him and the "criminal" is paying dearly for that crime and for taking his life. He is paying with his own life from what I am reading. The family however, is rather confused to say they are the victims because that could go on for generations. Then, the grandchildren are victims, their children, etc. They have lost a very dear person, but the cost to them is no greater than the cost to the guy who did or his family. So, the playing field was leveled when he was convicted and sentenced.

At this point, they are the aggressor and it is more than just revenge or justice. It is pure evil, obsession and greed! How do you put a price on a life? I mean a monetary price? That is really stupid but that is what our society has reduced themselves to at this point. They want more. They want to see him suffer and suffer and suffer - I understand that - I have lost loved ones, but justice was served and now they are behaving as if they are criminals themselves. To deprive someone of the basic necessities they have earned is rediculous. If they want his money, let him out, give him a job and garnish his wages. Even then, I find it amazing how we can put a price on someone's head. Does the victim really care - he is gone now? The real victim that is. These seem to be people on a quest to get their names in the paper and on television and simply harrass unduly someone who is already paying a very heavy price.

I agree with the revenge. The lawyer says if they don't take it from his acct, they won't recover their money? Do they think the family is going to continually put in in his acct if the other family takes it all? And 10 mill - please.

He's paying for his crime with his life. He shouldn't have to be punished in ANY OTHER WAY. I can't believe that it would even be lawful to deny any prisoner of stamps! Even those without any money at all get stamps and writing material.

Definately revenge.

Tsk, tsk....

this is just mean spirited revenge.. that is horrid and should not be allowed to happen... they lose so many rights as it is .. they should be allowed to have their commisary funds to themselves.. such a sad case of hatred.. arri

I can not belive this crap. When Police take a job as just that they know it comes with risks. As so does the family of a police man or woman. The family should have no right to take money from an inmate on death row. Death row, hello. Do the people who are tring to do this not understand what that is????? He is there for the crime. But to take his money too. This is definatly revenge and should ashamed in the eyes of god, and everyone around them!!!! What a selfish act!!!!!!!!

its TOTAL revenge, and it infuriates me.
i hate vendictive poeple. yes, the man did an awful thing, he got a *&^%$#! death sentence for it!
im glad they denied the order ... maybe the officer's wife needs to pray for God to enter her heart. she will live her life as if SHE is the one who imprisoned if she doesnt let go of some of her anger and bitterness.
i know first hand what shes going through, and sometimes you just have to cry, yell and scream and then LET GO.

I am a person who definitly believes in the death penalty and I think that a jugde decides ones phait if you dont want to have your life in some eleses hands dont commit murder or a hirendouse crime however I think this family is just grief stricken and is out for revenge they have no other motive then to make him pay for killing there loved one and thats the state and judges job not theres its not this mans moms fault her son killed why should she be deprived of words from her sons last days because of a crime he commited I think its cruel and ridicolouse and they need to deal with there lost and come to the conclusion that the state and judge has already found him giulty of his crime and gave him a punsishment we do not hold the right to punish those who hurt us thats what laws are for just an opnion of mine let him do his time and pay for his crime just like any other murderer on death row spend that energy helping others who have lost loved ones not hating you will never succeed in life with hate in your heart

revenege!!!!

"Let's make these guys
miserable. Prison isn't enough," she said.
Here's the answer.....it's pure REVENGE and will only serve to do HER more harm then the rest of society, justice. I feel for this woman this is a terrible thing to have happen to her. BUT she is NOT his maker and should not act as tho she was. SHe needs to heal her heart or she will NEVER be able to move on. What if one of HER kids shot someone? Would she THEN agree to seize their personal account?? Bet she's never thought about that!!

Stacy