I found the link to Klages newer myspace page. Although it is set to private, I think his coverpage says enough.
The link is;
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=277721070
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Mutilation in Northern New York, Suspect Harry Klages II
I normally don't blog about things other than the kids, little everyday things, and the like, but I feel compelled to say something quite different today.
As some of you may or may not know, I research antisocial personality disorder, narcissism, borderline personality disorders and the like. I also serve on a community advisory board that oversees the civil commitment of sexually violent offenders.
I became interested in mental illness as a young child due to the conversations my parents had at the dinner table. They both worked at a psychiatric center for over 30 years. My father had 40 years of service. As a child, my parents would take me with them to get their paychecks, attend employee picnics and walk the psych wards with them. Very few of the patients did heinous acts to others. They were mostly tortured souls that suffered in a world of their own.
As an adult, I became a nurse with a deep interest in mental illness, due to my parents work and interest in helping others.
In recent years, I saw a change in behavior, as most others have noticed, in our society. Not a good change. Antisocial behavior is becoming the norm it seems. It disturbs me to know my children will live in a world where empathy, compassion and love are only empty words, that when used, are used to manipulate, control and abuse others.
School shootings, increase in domestic violence, sexual abuse, assaults and horrific murders are commonplace now.
Our community, for the most part, has been spared this type of behavior in the past. Unfortunately, it has come to us now. Drug related murders, increase in domestic violence and now a horrific mutilation of a person I know.
Harry Klages II called his father in the am of Thursday , January 31st to tell him he mutilated a man. His father's decision to call 911 and report what was said to him, saved a man's life, but that man suffered unspeakable torture.
It's been reported that this young 25 yo Harry Klages II had a history of "mental illness". He reportedly suffers from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and alchohol/drug abuse.
Let's take a closer look at this.
At a young age it's reported he had "issues".
He had been under probation for an unprovoked stabbing outside a local bar. His victim, in that case, said he went out in back of the bar to smoke a cigerette and was approached by Klages who said "I'm going to kill you". The victim stated he laughed it off, but was soon stabbed multiple times by Klages.
Another incident took place when Klages started yelling obscenities at a young woman that was accompanied by a small group. A male friend verbally defended her. Klages allegedly returned to a nearby apartment building, only to return a short time later wielding a hammer. He then smashed a windsheild and when confronted by a male about that, Klages then turned the hammer on him, striking him in the torso and other areas of his body.
He served 90 day in jail, followed by 5 years probation for these violent acts.
He's been arrested 6 times, two of which were felony charges. Twenty -five years old with 6 arrests and 2 felony charges!!!
Although he claims to be mentally ill, he knew enough to keep his mouth shut during police questioning and ask for his lawyer. His behavior upon arrest was noted as calm and cooperative. Usually when a schizophrenic or bipolar has a break, it lasts for at least 2 weeks. Funny how Klages behavior both before this crime and after the crime was considered "normal"
Mentally ill people that commit crimes usually tell what happened, as they have difficulty distinguishing right from wrong, reality vs fantasy.
I also find it curious that when he called his father to report the crime, he spoke in a voice his father stated sounded like "a demon". Pretty hokey if you ask me.
What is known is that this guy took his time torturing his victim, Andy Lesperance. Officers at the crime scene said the victim was "carved" not stabbed.
As reported, the victim Andy Lesperance, was "partially disemboweled, had his right eye gouged out, his left eye severely damaged and his genitals severed."
Now the attacker plays the "crazy card" which has been so useful to him in the past.
As some of you may or may not know, I research antisocial personality disorder, narcissism, borderline personality disorders and the like. I also serve on a community advisory board that oversees the civil commitment of sexually violent offenders.
I became interested in mental illness as a young child due to the conversations my parents had at the dinner table. They both worked at a psychiatric center for over 30 years. My father had 40 years of service. As a child, my parents would take me with them to get their paychecks, attend employee picnics and walk the psych wards with them. Very few of the patients did heinous acts to others. They were mostly tortured souls that suffered in a world of their own.
As an adult, I became a nurse with a deep interest in mental illness, due to my parents work and interest in helping others.
In recent years, I saw a change in behavior, as most others have noticed, in our society. Not a good change. Antisocial behavior is becoming the norm it seems. It disturbs me to know my children will live in a world where empathy, compassion and love are only empty words, that when used, are used to manipulate, control and abuse others.
School shootings, increase in domestic violence, sexual abuse, assaults and horrific murders are commonplace now.
Our community, for the most part, has been spared this type of behavior in the past. Unfortunately, it has come to us now. Drug related murders, increase in domestic violence and now a horrific mutilation of a person I know.
Harry Klages II called his father in the am of Thursday , January 31st to tell him he mutilated a man. His father's decision to call 911 and report what was said to him, saved a man's life, but that man suffered unspeakable torture.
It's been reported that this young 25 yo Harry Klages II had a history of "mental illness". He reportedly suffers from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and alchohol/drug abuse.
Let's take a closer look at this.
At a young age it's reported he had "issues".
He had been under probation for an unprovoked stabbing outside a local bar. His victim, in that case, said he went out in back of the bar to smoke a cigerette and was approached by Klages who said "I'm going to kill you". The victim stated he laughed it off, but was soon stabbed multiple times by Klages.
Another incident took place when Klages started yelling obscenities at a young woman that was accompanied by a small group. A male friend verbally defended her. Klages allegedly returned to a nearby apartment building, only to return a short time later wielding a hammer. He then smashed a windsheild and when confronted by a male about that, Klages then turned the hammer on him, striking him in the torso and other areas of his body.
He served 90 day in jail, followed by 5 years probation for these violent acts.
He's been arrested 6 times, two of which were felony charges. Twenty -five years old with 6 arrests and 2 felony charges!!!
Although he claims to be mentally ill, he knew enough to keep his mouth shut during police questioning and ask for his lawyer. His behavior upon arrest was noted as calm and cooperative. Usually when a schizophrenic or bipolar has a break, it lasts for at least 2 weeks. Funny how Klages behavior both before this crime and after the crime was considered "normal"
Mentally ill people that commit crimes usually tell what happened, as they have difficulty distinguishing right from wrong, reality vs fantasy.
I also find it curious that when he called his father to report the crime, he spoke in a voice his father stated sounded like "a demon". Pretty hokey if you ask me.
What is known is that this guy took his time torturing his victim, Andy Lesperance. Officers at the crime scene said the victim was "carved" not stabbed.
As reported, the victim Andy Lesperance, was "partially disemboweled, had his right eye gouged out, his left eye severely damaged and his genitals severed."
Now the attacker plays the "crazy card" which has been so useful to him in the past.
A person claiming to know Klages says he's a "nice guy".
Check out his myspace page. Does this sound like a "nice guy" to you???
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=85747213
Check out his myspace blog that is titled " To all that want to know the real me"
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=85747213&blogID=143144905
This guy has played the system. He's crazy alright...... crazy like a fox!
Andy Lesperance, a 51 year old guy who liked to party, albeit, maybe a bit too much, fell prey to the "nice guy" above. I believe he (Klages) chose Andy because Andy is a very small man ( 5 feet tall and maybe 120 #) and would not be much of a challenge for him, particularly if he was drunk, which seems to be the case. So very sad.
The probation department states Klages was a "model probationer" who attended his AA meetings and mental health counseling. I wouldn't call and person who abuses alchohol while on probation a "model probationer". It was said on another blog by someone claiming to be his ex girlfriend that his probation officer was told of his alchohol consumption and other things and nothing was done. Even this guy's parents were afraid of him. While living at his parents home, he apparently threatened to kill his step sister, this according to another blog.
It's puzzling to me how someone can commit such crimes and get away with only a slap on the wrist. No wonder he repeated this type of crime. He was never held accountable for the other violent acts he commited.
My prayers go out to Andy's family and Klages family.
It's been reported that Andy is recovering but will have a very long road ahead. I can't imagine how difficult it will be for him to move forward. As a man, to be disfigured in that way will be difficult to overcome. I only hope he finds the strength to do so. It's been quite some time since I've seen Andy but I am hopeful he'll be o.k.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Sonja's adoption of Dan and I
We frequently read to Max and Sonja. They absolutely love books! Dan and I both try to read different books to the kids even though Sonja would be happy to hear the same ones over and over and over again.
I recently started reading "Mommy Far, Mommy Near" to them and Sonja always listens intently.
The other day before their nap, as I was reading it to them and Sonja says "Mommy, Maxie adopted in China?"
I said "Yes Sonja. You and Max were both adopted in China."
She sat and listened quietly again. As I continued to read, Sonja says "Mommy, I have a China Mommy?".
I told her that she has a "China Mommy and me too!" "Two Mommy's!"
She says "Maxie has a China Mommy too?"
I said "Yes, Just like you!"
As I continued to read, she sat very still and listened and looked at the pictures. There is a part that says something like;
You are my baby,
We are a family,
I love you forever,
I adopt you now
(not exactly sure about the words)
Anyways, just like the book, Sonja wants me to "adopt" her. I say the words just like they are printed in the book and of course she wants me to do it to Max too. This was repeated a few times with happy hugs after each "adoption".
They both went down for their naps and shortly after they woke, Dan came home. Sonja and Max, as usual, run to greet him at the door with hugs, kisses and "I miss you Daddy". As Dan unloads his armful of kids and takes his coat and shoes off, he procedes to the livingroom to sit on the couch. As our day is discussed with Daddy, Sonja says, " I "adoped Daddy! I adopt YOU!"
Dan, doesn't know what she's talking about, so I explain, to which Dan just looks at me with that "Isn't that the sweetest!" look. Then Sonja says "I adopt YOU Mommy!"
My heart melts all over again.
I recently started reading "Mommy Far, Mommy Near" to them and Sonja always listens intently.
The other day before their nap, as I was reading it to them and Sonja says "Mommy, Maxie adopted in China?"
I said "Yes Sonja. You and Max were both adopted in China."
She sat and listened quietly again. As I continued to read, Sonja says "Mommy, I have a China Mommy?".
I told her that she has a "China Mommy and me too!" "Two Mommy's!"
She says "Maxie has a China Mommy too?"
I said "Yes, Just like you!"
As I continued to read, she sat very still and listened and looked at the pictures. There is a part that says something like;
You are my baby,
We are a family,
I love you forever,
I adopt you now
(not exactly sure about the words)
Anyways, just like the book, Sonja wants me to "adopt" her. I say the words just like they are printed in the book and of course she wants me to do it to Max too. This was repeated a few times with happy hugs after each "adoption".
They both went down for their naps and shortly after they woke, Dan came home. Sonja and Max, as usual, run to greet him at the door with hugs, kisses and "I miss you Daddy". As Dan unloads his armful of kids and takes his coat and shoes off, he procedes to the livingroom to sit on the couch. As our day is discussed with Daddy, Sonja says, " I "adoped Daddy! I adopt YOU!"
Dan, doesn't know what she's talking about, so I explain, to which Dan just looks at me with that "Isn't that the sweetest!" look. Then Sonja says "I adopt YOU Mommy!"
My heart melts all over again.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Another step into "Big Boyhood"!
Well, tonight I converted Max's crib into a youth bed.
I thought it would be a good thing to do on the weekend since Dan is going to be home and not having to get up for work. The reason being that I suspected a protracted bedtime routine due to the change. Well, I was right! Max was sooooo excited to be in a "Big Boy" bed like Sonja's "Big Girl" bed, he was literally trembling and squealing with delight!!! It was so cute! He kept pointing to where the crib drop rail was previously and saying "Uht Oh!" We told him "You've got a big boy bed now Maxie!" and he would squeal and tremble some more!!
After all of our "Goodnights!" and "I Love You's" were said, we went downstairs. That's when all the fun began. As soon as we got down into the livingroom, we started hearing little feet skampering across the floor upstairs, followed by Sonja saying "Mommy, Maxie's out of bed!"
Here we go....
Dan and I would take turns saying "Max! Get into bed and go to sleep!" followed by little feet running back. This went on a couple of times until I went up and found both Max and Sonja whispering to each other in Sonja's room (no doubt conspiring against Mommy and Daddy!). "Get into bed! Both of you!" I said. Sonja then says "Mommy, can I sleep in Maxie's bed?" (I thought that was going to happen, but I thought Max would be the one squeezing into Sonja's bed with her!) Well.... I thought... why not. I told Sonja to grab her blanket and 1 "guy" (as she calls them) and then walked with both of them into Max's room. Max quickly got into bed followed by Sonja, but they were kind of crowded and I didn't want either one of them getting pushed out of bed. I decided, maybe they should sleep in the daybed in Max's room. So, out of Max's bed and into the daybed. They were both tickled pink!!! They looked sooo cute snuggling and giggling together in that bed.
Again, I went downstairs thinking.....Ahhh..... time to relax.....WRONG!
Of course, I hear the pitter-patter of little feet upstairs followed by Sonja saying "Uh Oh Mommy!" (arrrhhh.....) "GET INTO BED MAX!". I hear the little feet running again across the upstairs floor again. After this going on a few times Dan decided he needed to intervene. He tip-toed up the stairs and busted Max right in the act, scaring him into running and screaming back into his room and flying onto the bed. Dan says, "That's it! Sonja, you go and get into your bed. Max! Get into bed NOW!"
Silence......
Moments later, Dan walks down the stairs and is just about to sit down when Sonja yells out "Daddy! You didn't read me a story!" Dan just looks at me with that "You got to be kidding me" look, and then yells up to Sonja "It's way past your bedtime Sonja. Please go to bed. We'll get up in the morning and have some fun".
A little crying about the no story thing and then nothing.... I think they're slipping into dreamland......FINALLY!
Just as I was writing this blog, back up a couple of paragraphs, I heard a "thump" upstairs. Someone has fallen out of bed. I put my laptop down and upstairs I go!
I walk down the hall and look into Sonja's room and see her arm through her bed canopy. I procede to Max's room and look in to see him getting back into bed. No crying, just getting back to the business of sleeping. He tries to settle into bed but his blankets, "guys" and pillows are where he's trying to lie down. I go over and he sees me. He starts again with the wiggling and giggling and gives me the BIGGEST smile. I move the items out of the way and put some of them at the end of the bed. As I lean over to give him a kiss, he says and signs at the same time "I ahhh ooohh!" which is I love you in Max-ese..... It doesn't get any better than that!!!
I thought it would be a good thing to do on the weekend since Dan is going to be home and not having to get up for work. The reason being that I suspected a protracted bedtime routine due to the change. Well, I was right! Max was sooooo excited to be in a "Big Boy" bed like Sonja's "Big Girl" bed, he was literally trembling and squealing with delight!!! It was so cute! He kept pointing to where the crib drop rail was previously and saying "Uht Oh!" We told him "You've got a big boy bed now Maxie!" and he would squeal and tremble some more!!
After all of our "Goodnights!" and "I Love You's" were said, we went downstairs. That's when all the fun began. As soon as we got down into the livingroom, we started hearing little feet skampering across the floor upstairs, followed by Sonja saying "Mommy, Maxie's out of bed!"
Here we go....
Dan and I would take turns saying "Max! Get into bed and go to sleep!" followed by little feet running back. This went on a couple of times until I went up and found both Max and Sonja whispering to each other in Sonja's room (no doubt conspiring against Mommy and Daddy!). "Get into bed! Both of you!" I said. Sonja then says "Mommy, can I sleep in Maxie's bed?" (I thought that was going to happen, but I thought Max would be the one squeezing into Sonja's bed with her!) Well.... I thought... why not. I told Sonja to grab her blanket and 1 "guy" (as she calls them) and then walked with both of them into Max's room. Max quickly got into bed followed by Sonja, but they were kind of crowded and I didn't want either one of them getting pushed out of bed. I decided, maybe they should sleep in the daybed in Max's room. So, out of Max's bed and into the daybed. They were both tickled pink!!! They looked sooo cute snuggling and giggling together in that bed.
Again, I went downstairs thinking.....Ahhh..... time to relax.....WRONG!
Of course, I hear the pitter-patter of little feet upstairs followed by Sonja saying "Uh Oh Mommy!" (arrrhhh.....) "GET INTO BED MAX!". I hear the little feet running again across the upstairs floor again. After this going on a few times Dan decided he needed to intervene. He tip-toed up the stairs and busted Max right in the act, scaring him into running and screaming back into his room and flying onto the bed. Dan says, "That's it! Sonja, you go and get into your bed. Max! Get into bed NOW!"
Silence......
Moments later, Dan walks down the stairs and is just about to sit down when Sonja yells out "Daddy! You didn't read me a story!" Dan just looks at me with that "You got to be kidding me" look, and then yells up to Sonja "It's way past your bedtime Sonja. Please go to bed. We'll get up in the morning and have some fun".
A little crying about the no story thing and then nothing.... I think they're slipping into dreamland......FINALLY!
Just as I was writing this blog, back up a couple of paragraphs, I heard a "thump" upstairs. Someone has fallen out of bed. I put my laptop down and upstairs I go!
I walk down the hall and look into Sonja's room and see her arm through her bed canopy. I procede to Max's room and look in to see him getting back into bed. No crying, just getting back to the business of sleeping. He tries to settle into bed but his blankets, "guys" and pillows are where he's trying to lie down. I go over and he sees me. He starts again with the wiggling and giggling and gives me the BIGGEST smile. I move the items out of the way and put some of them at the end of the bed. As I lean over to give him a kiss, he says and signs at the same time "I ahhh ooohh!" which is I love you in Max-ese..... It doesn't get any better than that!!!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Justice at Last!
Justice finally came today, that was 1 1/2 years too late. A lovely woman, Linda Neely, was murdered in cold blood in October of 2006, by none other than her husband.
Who was Linda Neely you ask? Linda was a mother of two teenage children who loved her very much. Linda was a sister, daughter, friend, neighbor and community volunteer. Linda was the person who had the biggest impact on mine and Dan's life aside from our direct family, she formed our family. Linda was the adoption coordinator at our adoption agency, New Life. She was the person who called me on May 24th, 2005 at 10:25 am, like she had called sooo many other very happy people in the past, to tell us " Tina, I've got your daughters picture right here in front of me, and she's gorgeous!" I will never forget that day and I've never known such joy in my entire life! She gave me that joy!!
When I told her we wanted to adopt a special needs child, she was so thrilled that we would be adopting again. Her heart was dedicated to helping children who had been orphaned, find their "Forever Families". It seems so tragically ironic, that the person who had been responsible for forming soo many happy families, was so devastatingly unhappy in hers. The last time I heard from her was an e mail I received on my birthday, a few days prior to her murder. She never knew we chose to adopt Max, as we decided November 1st, just a few short days after her passing, but I know she would be delighted that another child found a home.
I know today, many people are thankful that justice has been served. Her husband, who fatally stabbed her in the heart, that fateful day in October, was convicted today of her murder after 1 hour of deliberation. He will face sentencing at the end of February and faces 25 years to life in prison. Even if sentenced to life in prison, he still has life, unlike the beautiful person he took from this world.
Rest in peace Linda.
Who was Linda Neely you ask? Linda was a mother of two teenage children who loved her very much. Linda was a sister, daughter, friend, neighbor and community volunteer. Linda was the person who had the biggest impact on mine and Dan's life aside from our direct family, she formed our family. Linda was the adoption coordinator at our adoption agency, New Life. She was the person who called me on May 24th, 2005 at 10:25 am, like she had called sooo many other very happy people in the past, to tell us " Tina, I've got your daughters picture right here in front of me, and she's gorgeous!" I will never forget that day and I've never known such joy in my entire life! She gave me that joy!!
When I told her we wanted to adopt a special needs child, she was so thrilled that we would be adopting again. Her heart was dedicated to helping children who had been orphaned, find their "Forever Families". It seems so tragically ironic, that the person who had been responsible for forming soo many happy families, was so devastatingly unhappy in hers. The last time I heard from her was an e mail I received on my birthday, a few days prior to her murder. She never knew we chose to adopt Max, as we decided November 1st, just a few short days after her passing, but I know she would be delighted that another child found a home.
I know today, many people are thankful that justice has been served. Her husband, who fatally stabbed her in the heart, that fateful day in October, was convicted today of her murder after 1 hour of deliberation. He will face sentencing at the end of February and faces 25 years to life in prison. Even if sentenced to life in prison, he still has life, unlike the beautiful person he took from this world.
Rest in peace Linda.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Chinese New Year Party and the four amigos!
On Saturday, January 26th, our adoption agency held their annual Chinese New Year celebration. It is not really a "traditional" Chinese New Year party but the children have a great time. All of the children were given little goodies by the staff of New Life and they were a huge hit. Every little girl was walking around and proudly showing off their chinese purses and beads. The boys were given traditional wall ornaments.I was pleasently surprized at the amount of boys that were there. I was supposed to meet an adoption friend, who I met through University Hospital's staff. I have only talked with her on the phone and via e mail but I was so hoping I could meet her in "real" life. She has 3 adopted children from China, two girls and one boy. She had stated that it wouldn't be hard to find each other as there would be few boys. I would say about 1/4th to 1/3rd of the children there were boys! Needless to say I was unable to meet her. I hope I can meet her at the next get together. Anne, if you are reading this, I wish we could have met! Hopefully next time!
After dinner, the D.J. played music that the kids loved and they danced their little feet off, especially "Maxie, the dancin' machine" I've never seen a kid that likes music and dancing so much! As you may have seen in the videos, he's a little bit country and a lot of Rock n Roll (Oh and rap.... and princess music.... and classical and....)!
Throughout the entire party, the four amigos were pretty much inseparable. The four amigos being Sonja, Max, Drew and Luci. You would think that being cousins, brother and sisters, they would want to hang out with others but NO WAY! Drew was, as always, such a sweetie pie. She and Sonja were together the entire time. Drew, the "little Mommy" was constantly taking Max by the hand and taking him where ever they went. She just LOVES Maxie, and Sonja too! I think she will be the best big sister if she gets a little brother. Luci and Max also hung out together and were frequent dance partners. Luci was tired and would occasionally take a break by getting off the dance floor and doing what looked like calestenics and yoga, "down dog" being her favorite position! It was pretty funny.
Sonja wanted Daddy to take a picture of her new purse!
"Little Mommy" Drew with the peanutheads.
The four amigos doing their circle dance thingy. I can just imagine what this summer will be like with them all camping together! Speaking of camping, Dan and I bought a fifth wheel camper. We don't have it yet, as we had to order it because the one we wanted wasn't available. We expect it to arrive sometime in February. For anyone who's into that kind of stuff, it's a Keystone Montana Mountaineer 345 DBQ. We picked this model because it had four bunks in the back with a wall that separates it into two areas, giving the kids their own separate space and also a half bath. The wall that separates it has closet and drawers on each side. They also have a flat screen T.V. in there! I don't think they'll ever come out!!! Their bathroom can also be accessed from the main living area instead of company needing to go into mine and Dan's bedroom.
My mom even said she might go camping with us now as we'll have plenty of room for her. She never wanted to go up to our camp because it was in the "booneys" and we had no running water. We have a chemical toilet there but it's just not what she's into. Being close to seventy, I guess I don't blame her! I think it will be good for her too. Dan's parents frequently go camping and they are friends with my mom, so she will have others besides Dan, I and the kids to hang out with. I'll post some pics when we get it. I have pics of the one we saw, that's pretty much the same as the one we ordered, that I'll post in my next posting.
Anyways...back to the party!
Sonja and Drew. They absolutely love each other!
L to R. Drew (with back to camera) Sonja, Sarah (Drew's Hunan sista!) and Luci (back to the camera) all having a little pow wow.
Max and Sonja hangin' out near the D.J.
Max with Uncle Deano!!
Drew showing off her new purse!
"CHEESE"!
"CHEESE TOO"!
Sweet little Luci being held by her mommy, my sister-in-law, Becky. I should say sweet little, big Luci! She is taller than the three others and she's the same age as Sonja! She, like Max, loves dancing and music too!In the background of this picture is Art (Daddy to Sarah), Golda, attorney for New Life adoption agency and Colleen (Sarah's Mommy!)
The kids were so pooped out they slept all the way home!
A good day spent.
Until next time....
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
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