April 23, 2008
Ms. Barb Stone honored with 2008 Victims Hero Award

   

MACHESNEY PARK - When a loved one is murdered sorting through emotions is one thing, but navigating through the court system is another. And this year's annual homicide survivor's support group memorial offered families a unique opportunity.

Usually they get support from Barb Stone. She's a victim’s advocate through Winnebago County State's Attorney's office, but today they reversed roles.

It was a standing ovation for the woman who stands up for many. Barb breaks down the complex justice system for families who lose a loved one to violent crime. She keeps tabs on court dates, appears by their side during trials and refers them to other services. But this evening Barb received the Illinois Victims’ Hero award for going beyond the paperwork.

“I met a family that was going through it and saw how they were reliving the pain,” Barb tells 13 News. “So I just felt that because the crimes happened in our county, it was important that we were there for them.”

Just last year Barb touched Fred Halsted whose son, Nick, was found murdered in his living room. “It's someone outside of the family who can communicate with you. And you need that,” says Fred. “It helps because if you didn't have that and didn't believe in the guy upstairs, it's tough, real tough.”

For Fred and many others in the audience Barb has become more than an advocate, she's their hero. “I have made so many wonderful friends” she says. “I have people I speak to everyday that were at one time my victims, so it's a rewarding job.”

It's a mentally and emotionally draining job, but Barb says she deals with it by leaving work at work. Of course, she admits, that isn't always easy or possible.

Barb Stone & Jennifer Jenkins (center) with members of the Mayborne family.



    March 15, 2008  

Friends of Mike Mayborne 2008 "Battle" planning meeting covered by local media.



Local media covered this years kick-off meeting in the on-going fight to keep Detective Mayborne's killer in prison. Terry Mayborne-Rudeen conducted on camera TV interviews explaining the various avenues available the the public to protest the parole of Theodore Bacino. Our main goal this year was to formally introduce Mike's web site, the on-line petition form and the various locations around the Rockford area with paper petition forms. The meeting March 15th, marked the 34th anniversary of Officer Maybornes death by the hands of Theodore Bacino and the 30th year the family has fought parole in defending Mike's honor, service and friendship.

In addition to media representation at the 2008 kickoff meeting, the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office was represented by Deputy Sgt. Jason Newell.

Thanks to all for coming & your support! 

Tuesday March 11th, 2008

Illinois Senate Bill SB-2254
"PASSED IN COMMITTEE THIS WEEK"

Bill SB-2254 passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, of March 10th. It will raise the standards concerning the voices of victims and prosecutors before the Prisoner Review Board can vote to release one of the C number, or indeterminately sentenced killers that come up for regular review before the PRB. It will require that the ENTIRE PRB would hear the testimony of victim’s families and prosecutors before they can decide to release an inmate.

Terry Mayborne-Rudeen and Karolyn Mayborne-Lund testified in Springfield before the Senate Judiciary Committee on behalf of the Mayborne family and other Illinois victims in support of this critical legislation.

Bill Status of SB2254  95th General Assembly
Senate Sponsors: Sen. William R. Haine
Hearings: Judiciary Criminal Law
Hearing Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 2:30 PM
Capitol Room 212 Springfield
 


May 13, 2008



Inmate C02070 Bacino Parole Hearing
Dixon, IL
"Family presents testimony on why the board should deny parole"
"see home page for link to news story"