Craig Daily Press / Sandi Mansfield-Davis: Craig

Archive for Wednesday, February 16, 2005

February 16, 2005

Finally, a tragedy to a local family has come to a closure and they can start the healing process of losing a loved one.

On Oct. 4, I997, Diana Mae (Mansfield) LeCompte was shot and killed by Howard Towers. The court declared him not guilty because of insanity, confining him to the state mental hospital in Pueblo until he was cured. At that time, he would have been able to walk away without punishment and no criminal record. Through the years, the hospital has wanted to put him in an Alzheimer's ward in Craig or Grand Junction, saying he would never be cured but that the ward would be secure enough -- and we all know how secure those wards are.

On Jan. 20, Mr. Towers relieved our minds of ever seeing him walk free by leaving this Earth.

Nothing will fill the hole that was left in our hearts that day because of a senseless act of violence against two people by a man for no apparent reason. Time has dulled the pain somewhat, but it is still there. Every time there is something she would like to know about or enjoy doing, you reach for the phone to tell her. And then you remember, she probably already knows. The pain is new again.

The family and friends of Diana. We miss you!

Sandi Mansfield-Davis

Craig