1. Comment by Donnell Perdue - March 25, 2008 @ 04:47 PM Thank God! Now please allow the family to heal!
2. Comment by John Edwards - March 25, 2008 @ 05:14 PM While this was a tragedy all around, only one person is responsible for the death of that child, and he was told today that he WASN'T responsible. On one hand, he'll pay for this the rest of his life. On the other, that little girl is still dead. I have all the compassion in the world for this man and what's left of his family. But I have more compassion for Madison. I believe him to be guilty. I wasn't at the trial, I freely admit. But if the evidence matches the media coverage (and with this paper, that's no sure bet) then I find him guilty and maybe give him probation. But no child should die for free, no matter who is responsible.
3. Comment by Nancy Meacham - March 25, 2008 @ 05:53 PM The dad, of course, knows he's responsible for her death. However, he has already been punished hugely, and he will have to live with the results of the accident the rest of his life. It was an accident, preventable by choosing not to have sledding fun that way, but that is why we have accidents, because people make poor decisions, or unforeseen circumstances happen, like not knowing that a pile of snow was really a hard bench. I'm glad he can heal better now. Madison is alive in heaven, and all will see her again.
4. Comment by Mike Walters - March 25, 2008 @ 05:53 PM Drinking, wearing a helemt and the most important thing was that the fire station with life saving equipment was one minute away. Pete has had a drinking problem for years and will pay for this for the rest of his days.
5. Comment by Pati Pattison - March 25, 2008 @ 07:14 PM Nice to know you can get away with murder when you kill your own.
6. Comment by A F - March 25, 2008 @ 08:00 PM Apparently it is OK to kill your OWN child. However, if the tables were turned and someone else was doing what Gecho did, and someone else killed his child on "accident" drinking or not, you can bet Gecho would not rest until he sued each and every person involved and would not stop until that killer was behind bars. If Gecho had taken the BAC test, then this never would have been an issue and he would be behind bars where he belongs. Now lets see how long it takes until the next "accident" with is other children. Yes Maddy is dead and YES he KILLED her. He knew better and gave up his rights to be a father when he did wrong. Again, if a neighbor, or friend had killed Maddy on accident, this trial would be done and that person behind bars. Why cant his supporters see this? So sorry Maddy. So sorry you dad killed you.
7. Comment by A F - March 25, 2008 @ 08:02 PM Also to add, I wonder if things will be different if Gecho does get arrested for DUI in the future. Will his supporters change their views THEN?
8. Comment by Robert Bryan - March 25, 2008 @ 08:44 PM First and foremost, for Mr. Gecho this is not the end. He will be reminded of this daily for the rest of his life. People will whine either way. One side says "let him go he's gotten his punishment!" and the other side says "put him in jail, he's a criminal right!?" If anything, jail is the last place he belongs. Why use tax money when this guy can get back into the workforce and contribute to the economy.
9. Comment by Mando Backe - March 25, 2008 @ 09:09 PM AF – you are exactly right! If Maddy had been killed by someone else, her father would not rest until that person was punished fully. His reckless action killed his daughter – how much clearer can it be? I’m sure this won’t change things with Pete though. Everyone still sees him racing around Felida in his big black truck as if this never happened. And yes, it is a well know fact he was drinking the day of the accident – just like most other days!
10. Comment by Stock Guy - March 25, 2008 @ 09:24 PM Boy...this seems like a lack of justice to me. He drinks alcohol, trespasses on school property and through his poor judgment, kills his daughter. And then he doesn't go to jail. I guess that the judge determined that driving in the dark on snow, near a building, while trespassing doesn't qualify for being "aware of the consequences". Well, judges are elected in Clark County and I wonder if Judge Nichols will be running for re-election. As far as everyone claiming "what good would jail do for him?", I'd like to ask - what good is jail for people who commit victimless crime then - Should we let out all of the drug users? Should we let out anyone convicted of running a gambling operation? If Gecho hadn't been caught in the loophole of going to Oregon, where they couldn't require a BAC test, he would have been caught with alcohol in his system. What a crock.
11. Comment by A F - March 25, 2008 @ 10:01 PM Re: Mando, yes many of us that do know Gecho or have known him know he does drink most of the time. He will still be seen around Felida and all over everywhere else, with his big black truck, going fast, breaking all laws as he does. Re: Stock Guy: Good point. Lets not forget this come election time. We are the ones that vote them in or out. I say out to this. It is also well known fact that Mr Gecho is very friendly with the judges, and lawyers, and his attorney IS a personal friend. He bragged many a times about his friendship with the judges, which may I add makes more sense as to why he chose to NOT have a jury of peers but rather a judge for his jury. The jury of peers would have voted guilty, but his judge friends would have seen it on his side. This is what we deal with each day in our lives, who buys who. Since Gecho also works in Oregon he is familiar with the laws and they sadly do not require a BAC where here in Clark County they do. Makes it seem he knew he could "buy" his freedom this way, going to Oregon. Gecho will get his due, it is all about karma.
12. Comment by J P - March 25, 2008 @ 11:57 PM I sure hope that if I make a stupid error in judgment I can get away with it like he did. Another example of the system failing. He should be in jail for quite a while to think about it.
13. Comment by Penny Schinke - March 26, 2008 @ 12:26 AM Another point is that this just may cause/allow another drunk to act unwisely...thinking that he might "pull a Gecho". So very sad..a child dies..an irresponsible, drunk adult gets away with the death of his child. What does this say to other stupid drunk drivers, adult or teenaged? Small town, inbred stupidity championed by the judge. And Gecho STILL barrels around his neighborhood...no lesson learned there.
14. Comment by Penny Schinke - March 26, 2008 @ 12:30 AM Superior Court Judge John Nichols...a name to remember? Seriously and definitely.
15. Comment by Rick Smith - March 26, 2008 @ 07:35 AM Attention stupid people! The judge made his decision based on the evidence presented. There was no evidence that Gecho had alcohol in his system when the accident occurred. Finally the justice system worked the way it was designed.... I’m glad we don’t elect angry soccer moms as judges.
16. Comment by DENNIS YORK - March 26, 2008 @ 07:58 AM I believe that Peter Gecho has been punished enough by his own conscience. I don't think he intended any harm to his daughter and I think the anger directed towards him on this board is unfair.An accident is an accident and who among us hasn't done something stupid or ill-advised? My Dad towed my sister and I behind a VW Beetle in 1964 through snow that had fallen in the Mojave Desert near 29 Palms,CA. I don't think he was trying to kill us,on the contrary,he was trying to have fun with us,just as Gecho was doing with the kids when the unthinkable happened. Lighten up,people! I have daughters myself who are grown and I cannot imagine the pain this guy must feel.The world crumbled from beneath Gecho's feet the day his daughter was killed;I think declaring him innocent of the charges will help heal the cavern in his heart,but it will never be completely healed-he will revisit this in his private moments for the rest of his life.If his daughter is "in Heaven",then she has forgiven him already. We fellow parents should do the same. Also, since there is contrary testimony about the involvement of alcohol,then there is no basis to castigate Gecho for drinking because we don't know if he was impaired or not. My father was not the day he towed my sister and I in the snow and if you have one or two beers and/or a shot of whiskey,would that impair a man the size of Gecho? I doubt it,especially if it is true as some on this board allege that he has a "drinking problem".Imagine that,having a beer and a shot on a cold,snowy day. Wow. "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone". Those are words to live by.
17. Comment by greg phuter - March 26, 2008 @ 08:04 AM Pete, please stop drinking. Maddy, rest in peace.
18. Comment by Mike Walters - March 26, 2008 @ 08:11 AM No one said Pete is dumb. For one poster who believes Pete should not go to jail so he can contribute to the economy is plain stupid. I wonder if the question was brought up in court about the fire station being about one minute away? It has full time firemen with life saving equipment but instead he drives her to the hospital which took at least 10 minutes or more. Do you wonder why? Was there beer cans in his truck that he did not want anyone to see? Isn't the reason that he and his wife seperated because of his drinking problem?
19. Comment by Mike Walters - March 26, 2008 @ 08:16 AM To Dennis York. Do you know Pete? I do. I have seen him drunk by noon more than one time. We all do stupid things. Why did he wear a helemt? He did not go to the fire station which is on the next block. And the list goes on.
20. Comment by Randa Merrill - March 26, 2008 @ 08:29 AM The first thing I thought when I heard about this accident is, oh my god...we've done that with our kids. And many of us have. This was a very unfortunate accident but we all know that he is not a murderer. From what I have hear he had a very close relationship with his baby girl and I'm sure life in jail wouldn't even be close to the punishment that he has put himself through. Judge John Nichols...is probably a daddy himself!
21. Comment by Randa Merrill - March 26, 2008 @ 08:31 AM The first thing I thought when I heard about this accident is, oh my god...we've done that with our kids. And many of us have. This was a very unfortunate accident but we all know that he is not a murderer. From what I have hear he had a very close relationship with his baby girl and I'm sure life in jail wouldn't even be close to the punishment that he has put himself through. Judge John Nichols...is probably a daddy himself!
22. Comment by Jim Jackson - March 26, 2008 @ 09:01 AM People... he was charged and found not-guilty of VEHICULAR HOMICIDE, the harshest FELONY penalty the City could have thrown at him. You people claiming that you feel he is guilty, are describing a lesser offense, such as wreckless endangerment or even manslaughter. The City chose to go for broke instead, when there was no evidence backing their claim. Be upset w/ the City if you want, but let this man be. Mike Walters - shame on you, you idiot know-it-all, have you seen or heard of Mr. Gecho have a drop of alcohol since this accident? No, and regardless, the Judge made it very clear that it was apparent that alcohol did not play a part in this accident, so quit the mud-slinging. May you find yourself on the wrong end of a tragic accident, and let the vultures come down on you!
23. Comment by Amy Foster - March 26, 2008 @ 09:24 AM I really have a hard time understanding the total lack of personal responsibility so many of people advocate. I don't for a minute think he intentionally killed his child. If anybody did, he would have been charged with murder. I don't care what the judge said, he showed a "concious disregard" for danger when he tied a sled to the back of his truck, put his 9 year old daughter on it, and proceed to drive around a field at 20+ mph. It doesn't matter if he was drunk, it doesn't matter if he knew the wall was there, and it certainly doesn't matter if others were doing it too. It also doesn't matter how sorry you are. This wasn't just a tragic accident, it was parental irresponsibility.
24. Comment by D.L Coburn - March 26, 2008 @ 09:25 AM Its time to let this family heal, and deal with their loss and thier grief. For those of you out there, that sit and judge him, stop! Thats for the higher power and not you. It was very sad to see what the media has done to this family. It was a horrific accident, not murder. Its time to start the healing Gecho family. my prayers are with you and your family! May you rest in peace Maddy!
25. Comment by D.L Coburn - March 26, 2008 @ 09:25 AM Its time to let this family heal, and deal with their loss and thier grief. For those of you out there, that sit and judge him, stop! Thats for the higher power and not you. It was very sad to see what the media has done to this family. It was a horrific accident, not murder. Its time to start the healing Gecho family. my prayers are with you and your family! May you rest in peace Maddy!
26. Comment by D.L Coburn - March 26, 2008 @ 09:27 AM Its time to let this family heal, and deal with their loss and thier grief. For those of you out there, that sit and judge him, stop! Thats for the higher power and not you. It was very sad to see what the media has done to this family. It was a horrific accident, not murder. Its time to start the healing Gecho family. my prayers are with you and your family! May you rest in peace Maddy!
27. Comment by D.L Coburn - March 26, 2008 @ 09:27 AM Its time to let this family heal, and deal with their loss and thier grief. For those of you out there, that sit and judge him, stop! Thats for the higher power and not you. It was very sad to see what the media has done to this family. It was a horrific accident, not murder. Its time to start the healing Gecho family. my prayers are with you and your family! May you rest in peace Maddy!
28. Comment by Jim Jackson - March 26, 2008 @ 09:31 AM Amy - fyi - Vehicular Homicide = Murder. He was charged with Murder.
29. Comment by ken samsel - March 26, 2008 @ 09:52 AM We are all innocent until proven guilty....you people use alcohol as an excuse for everything. One drink and you will smell of alcohol, nothing proven there was any abuse of alcohol...This guy will suffer for the rest of his life, more then anything the court system could ever do to him. It's good to see there is still some common sense left in the world. Poeple make mistakes, all of us. Unfortunately, this one cost the life of a young girl. Her father who loved her dearly, will have to live with that, could you? I just hope none of you who are so quick to judge him, ever have to live with the guilt, regret and pain he and his family will have to endure.
30. Comment by Donnell Perdue - March 26, 2008 @ 10:39 AM I seen the most beautiful thing last night....which some of you without Indigo children might have ignored. Shortly after the verdict came through, the clouds got dark and exposed the most beautiful rainbow I have seen in years. That rainbow represented Maddy and her relief that her daddy, who loved her so much, can heal. The rain shortly after represented the cleansing of the earth and all the bad that came of this terrible accident. Please let the family be and let Pete heal...nothing you can do or say will do any good for Maddy's spirit. And I bet if she could see you all and the filth you have said, she would defend her dad to no end. Amazing how we forget to live by God and allow him to judge us. Pete is a good man and a wonderful father. Amazing that they could not prove there was alcohol involved and yet each of you take that as "the word" whether it is true or not.
31. Comment by Mike Walters - March 26, 2008 @ 11:21 AM Jim Jackson writes: Mike Walters - shame on you, you idiot know-it-all, I know the whole family and remember the day Pete's daughter was born. Name calling is not necessary.
32. Comment by J G - March 26, 2008 @ 11:59 AM Thank you Donnell for recognizing the facts which so many who have written comments don't seem to care to hear. Alcohol was not a fact in this case, period. Mike Walters you don't know the whole family and what you write here has no bearing on the reality of Peter, this case and again the facts.
33. Comment by ct ct - March 26, 2008 @ 12:49 PM Peter Gecho should feel empty inside and he should have to always remember that he was the cause of his daughter's death.Personally if I had been responsible for the death of my child I couldve cared less if I was put in prison for the rest of my life. My life wouldve had ended at that moment. His concern has appeared to be for only himself and fear of prison. As in regards to him not drinking anymore, big deal!Him not drinking now will not bring his daughter back.
34. Comment by Donnell Perdue - March 26, 2008 @ 12:52 PM Mike- I also agree about the Fire Station. But in cases of fear of your own child being hurt, I think I also might not have thought of the fire station. My thought would have been on my baby and where is the nearest hospital. Almost like the fear that allows our human body to pick up a vehicle that is under a child. We were always taught to know where the nearest fire station is and I do not place blame that in a moment of fear for his child, that he did not think of the fire station. My heart and prayers are with Pete and his whole extended family! Stand tall Pete!
35. Comment by Donnell Perdue - March 26, 2008 @ 12:55 PM Mike Walters- Shame on you! You write that name calling is not necessary....you must take a look at the filth you have written above. Let me remind you that you are not our mighty God, your word can only cause this family more pain.
36. Comment by Donnell Perdue - March 26, 2008 @ 12:57 PM Come on ct ct! Fear of prison? What about his wife and children?
37. Comment by A F - March 26, 2008 @ 01:00 PM In reply to Jim Jackson and your comment below to Mike Walters: (shame on you, you idiot know-it-all, have you seen or heard of Mr. Gecho have a drop of alcohol since this accident? No, and regardless, the Judge made it very clear that it was apparent that alcohol did not not play a part in this accident) To answer your question. Yes I have seen Mr Gecho drinking, down at the coast, a few months after this incident mind you, while he was with his older child and his friend (Petes friend) and before he got into his suburban to DRIVE away. Had my camera been on me at that time, and not back in my home, YOU would know this too. Yes I do know Pete, very well in fact, and yes he does have a drinking issue. So I assure you that he has, in fact had more then a drop of alochol since the incident. I shall not call it an accident, but an incident, since it could have been prevented, while accidents cannot be. Alcohol did not play a factor into this hearing. Why? The ONLY reason it was not played into it was because Pete refused the BAC. That is the ONLY reason. Should he have taken it and failed it, he WOULD be in jail, no questions asked. Also go read the divorce records of he and Jill and you will also see it was mentioned that Pete do not drink while the children are in his care. Hmmmm. Now why would thay have been mentioned if he did not have a drinking problem? My ex and I did not have that wording in our divorce. There were MANY laws broken here. Many! It is just people like you that dont WANT TO see it.
38. Comment by Holly Fay - March 26, 2008 @ 01:42 PM I believe that many don't have all the facts in this case and the media created Peter into this moster that he is not... if you ask those who know him best. I have the deepest simpathies for him and his family. To think that some may feel he was acting on anything but as a father who is having fun with his child is quite sad. And to think this child died for free... well sir, I can tell you don't know this family and I would say that your assumptions are sadly misguided... I'm sure from the media, which you now assume that you are the expert! Thank you to the judge who saw Peter and this situation for what it was. I have been praying for you and your family!
39. Comment by Holly Fay - March 26, 2008 @ 02:02 PM My family has been friends with Pete for years. I do not know him personally, but for them to continue to stand by him... it says something to me. It is apparent that you have not been a true friend to Pete and if anything you must be a judgemental neighboor or someone with the motivation to distroy what is left of his reputation. HE is going to live with this for the rest of his life and you all should be ashamed that you are getting in the middle of the and sighting devorce issues.... well you know if you are privey to the devorce paperwork, then your definiatly one sided!.... you know get your bashing out of this... we are talking about the loss of a young girl and the pain the family will have to get past regarding the manner this accident occured in... none of the name calling is going to help heal anyone....
40. Comment by Amy Foster - March 26, 2008 @ 02:37 PM Jim - fyi - Vehicular Homicide does not equal Murder Per the RCW: "A person is guilty of murder in the second degree when: With intent to cause the death of another person but without premeditation, he or she causes the death of such person or of a third person." "When the death of any person ensues within three years as a proximate result of injury proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person, the driver is guilty of vehicular homicide if the driver was operating a motor vehicle: (a) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW 46.61.502; or (b) In a reckless manner; or (c) With disregard for the safety of others." Not even close to the same thing.
41. Comment by JD Anon - March 26, 2008 @ 04:32 PM AF - if indeed you do know the family as you say, then you know those documents you are referring to were for his wife as well. Please don't make this a one sided issue - you're as bad as the press. I suspect however you are an outsider neighbor who has some issue with Pete because of your petty jealousy. Whatever. The nurse who took Maddy from Pete's arm was inches from his face, having conversation regarding her care, and he did NOT smell alcohol. Even those who thought they did smell alcohol said he was not inebriated, slurring his words or otherwise acting impaired. Please also note, it's not illegal to have one drink and drive. Penny - I'm sorry, I don't remember seeing you in the court room? Did I miss you? You're spouting off facts in this case you don't have a clue about. Please don't be so obtuse (look it up). John Edwards - please read the article again, and if that isn't clear enough for you check out the court docutments. Nichols' finding was that Peter Gecho did not intentionally (KEY in this case) put the children in the tube or the occupants of his vehicle in harms way - one of the 5 prongs the state had to prove. In order for someone to be found guilty of Homicide you have to show intent to harm - this was CLEARLY not the case. Amy Foster - I hope you never make a mistake in your life, children involved or not. You seem to think you're above others. Yikes. Some of the people on this blog really scare me. They believe everything they read without question, and don't bother to look at the facts for themselves. They presume someone guilty and make judgements about people they don't even know (most of you who say you "know" Pete I have no doubt are lying). They remind me of my Busybody Neighbor who gossips about elementary aged schoool children.
42. Comment by Mike Walters - March 26, 2008 @ 04:56 PM If it does say in the seperation agreement not to drink while the kids are in his presence then its up to his Wife to enforce that. But she also must get support from him??????????????
43. Comment by Lisa D - March 26, 2008 @ 06:11 PM Clearly here, as it everything in life, there are two sides. Those that support Gecho, possibly those that party with him, do business with him, work with him etc. and those, like myself, that think he belongs in jail, as he is the adult and really should have acted properly in HIS actions. So to JD Anon: Many of these people DO know Pete. I do so as well. I at first supported him, but then when I sat down and seen the facts, learned what he did, went to Oregon instead of here in Clark County with Mad, to avoid a BAC, contacted his FRIEND and Attorney FIRST, it all came into place. You to assume they are all jealous neighbors is pretty darn stupid on your part. To assume they are jealous of a man with money, is absurd. Why would anyone be jealous of a man that killed his child due to HIS negligence? IF he was sober at the time, it is irrelevant, he still was the adult and knew what he was doing was wrong. Trespassing, driving like an idiot on snow, tying a tube to the back of his truck, not placing a helmet on Mad, it is all on him. He IS guilty of all of that. As you mentioned to AF about knowing the facts of the divorce, you are correct, it did apply to BOTH Pete and Jill. However, this was NOT Jill that did this now was it? It was her ex husband that did it. Asking Penny if she was in the court room, well mr know it all, if you know the facts you will know that if anyone of us could have been on the jury we would have done so, to get the "facts", but Pete decided to not use a jury of his peers, and just use the judge to decide his fate. Someone mentioned this above as well. Pete is "friends" with many of the staff in the Washington Courts. This IS fact. Ask him. He mentions it frequently. A jury of his peers would have voted guilty. Again, check your facts. You can stand by Pete all you want, as those who do not support him will never change their views. I was a part of both sides at one point and now have chosen to remain on the side of NOT supporting Pete.
44. Comment by Lisa D - March 26, 2008 @ 06:13 PM Also to JD Anon, if you really know Pete you would also know that IF the tables were turned and IF someone else has been this stupid, and took his daughters life from him in what you are calling an "accident" then you will know that Pete would not rest until justice was served on the person responsible for the "accident". He would spare no expense to get what he wanted, and make sure the person was prosecuted, so now mr jd anaon, why is THIS different??? Think about that. You know Pete. I know Pete. We both know what I just said is true!
45. Comment by Tony Starks - March 26, 2008 @ 07:06 PM Maybe all you people that are commenting don't realize that people in the family do read these nasty hateful judgments you are making. Maybe you don't realize that your statements hurt them deeply because you are speaking about someone they love and who Mr. Gecho has done everything for. All you bible thumping judges might want to take a look at the things you do and compare them to the things you judge people for. I'm sure there are many things you are ashamed of. Why don't you keep you hateful comments to yourself, people from the immediate family do read this. Quit hiding behind a computer, if your going to say something mean, own up to it and post your full name, cowards.
46. Comment by Stock Guy - March 26, 2008 @ 08:50 PM I am an avid skier. I have a daughter; she's too young to ski. When she's old enough to ski I would not take my daughter skiing down the hill in the dark. Gecho decided to drive in an offlimits area, at a speed over 25 mph+ (both experts in court testified that the "raft" was above this speed), without a helmet on his child and IN THE DARK! Regardless of if he was drinking or not, he was being reckless. This was not an accident. An accident is when something out of one's control happens (a bridge falling, getting hit by a meteor, etc.). Gecho placed his daughter in this dangerous situation. I am amazed that people think that Gecho's mental anguish is punishment enough. His decision to trespass, drive at a high rate of speed and in the dark led to his daughter's death. As far as the judge basically saying "well, us Clark County folk aren't all familiar with what's safe or not in the snow" - that's a total crock. Driving in a school field at night in the snow is illegal. Basically, the judge has said that Gecho didn't know that was dangerous. If this is the case, the judge is also saying that Gecho is a total moron. And as far as people saying anything about judging other people: The next time your house gets burglarized, your car gets stolen, your child gets killed riding behind your neighbor's truck in the snow, tell me that you won't be judging the person that did your family harm. If we don't judge anybody, I guess that we can through the whole legal system out the window and if the perpetrator of a crime feels bad about what he did, we'll just let him go.
47. Comment by JD Anon - March 26, 2008 @ 08:57 PM Lisa D - Shame on you. Maddy was transported to Oregon in an attempt to save her life and this decision was in no way made by the Gechos, it was made by ER physicians. It so happens it's the best trauma unit for this type of injury. To suggest for a minute that Pete let his child die by demanding she be moved to an out of state hospital in order to save his own skin tells me absolutely you do not know Pete Gecho, nor do you understand the health care system we have to protect childrne. I don't think the worst parent in the world would do what you suggest, even a judgemental person like you. And Lisa, I was in that court room and YOU were not. You do not clearly understand the facts in this case (such comments as wearing a helmet prove that) unless you were there. I understand you're outraged - but really, you need to calm down. Pete's relationship with his estranged (not divorced) wife is his and hers. As is the loss of their child. Let's cut the negativity and bomb throwing. This family deserves that much to get on with their lives as best they can. If you don't care about Pete, then think of Jill, she and Pete's other children and her parents. I doubt there is anything anyone can say to change your mind. So why post hateful, nasty messages on this site? It proves nothing, does nothing to change behavior of others, or make anyone including yourself feel better.
48. Comment by Clarence Brown - March 27, 2008 @ 06:30 AM Judge Nichols has come up with a novel concept in jurisprudence: Not guilty by reason of stupidity. This defense alone will solve our prison overcrowding problem. Or was Nichols just empathizing with Gecho because that's how stupid he (Nichols) is? Interesting that "ignorance of the law is not an excuse" but just plain ignorance is.
49. Comment by JD Anon - March 27, 2008 @ 12:37 PM Ya Clarence, that's it. Again, unless you heard all of the evidence (the State took 5 days to present it, there was plenty there), you really don't have a clue what you're talking about. The ruling didn't say Not Guilty because of stupidity. The ruling was Not Guilty because it wasn't possible to see the bench - in a place where one would not expect a bench to be. THAT is they key factor in this case. It's a bench in the middle of nowhere, and it's not reasonable that someone should know a bench would be there covered in snow. Period. My goodness - can no one have an accident in this day and age? I hope all of you judgemental people live charmed lives.....
50. Comment by Lisa D - March 27, 2008 @ 01:11 PM Just go look here, http://dw.courts.wa.gov/index.cfm?fa=home.namesearch&terms=accept&flashform=0 . Put in last name and first name for any person you are looking for. This is all PUBLIC record. The Washington State Courts. Anyone can look up what they need to know on anyone they wish, as long as that person has been in court, and YES, the Maddy case is there. If you do not know the codes they use, such as petition etc, then look them up online as well. JD Anon is trying to make Pete Gecho a perfect angel. He is by far not, nor is this JD Anon I am sure. However since MR Anon does not use HIS real name, then we cant look up his PUBLIC records on file, now can we MR Anon? No surprise you were in the court during the entire process. Seems you had nothing better to do and had a VERY personal interest in this. Yes I feel for Jill, she is after all the mother that carried Maddy for 9 months then lost her to a very careless person, that happened to be the father as well. That is very sad. Maybe next time Pete wants to play with his kids in what could be a very dumb move, he will think twice. Maybe not? Maddy, again, rest in peace. I am sorry this is what took your life. A person you loved and trusted. That is so tragic. (Remember that those who take the lives of others never make it to Heaven. Accidently or purposely)
51. Comment by Donnell Perdue - March 27, 2008 @ 04:54 PM Oh Lisa D- Come on! Maddy was transported due to the fact that Legacy does not have a trama unit. I live within minutes of it...and did I know that...NO! So no, Pete did not ask that his daughter be transported to Portland so that he could avoid the system. EVEN IF HE WAS TO DO SO, THE STATE GIVES THE HOSPITAL TO OVER RIDE THAT REQUEST IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD!!!!!!!!!!! In a crisis situation do you know what all you would do? Easy to point fingers when you are not the one involved. Please everyone remember Maddy and stop the mud slinging! Please remember that Jill and the family are watching all of this... and this is NOT HOW SHE WANTS HER DAUGHTER TO BE REMEMBERED BY! To Jill and Pete- my prayers are with you and the whole family.
52. Comment by Donnell Perdue - March 27, 2008 @ 05:00 PM Really Lisa D? You sit infront of a computer looking up people and then looking up codes? Those "codes" do not tell you if they are innocent or guilty. They are that....JUST CODES! Nice that you can judge Mr Anon for not putting his name....but hummm....I think I missed your full name on there as well????????
53. Comment by Stock Guy - March 27, 2008 @ 08:13 PM Even if Madison was transported to Oregon for the best care, why did Mr. Gecho decline the BAC test? One would think that if he hadn't been drinking he would have taken it to clear his name. It seems pretty suspicious to me, especially when a police detective testifies that he smelled alcohol on Gecho's breath. I guess I'm wrong but I thought that if you are asked to take a BAC test and you decline, your driver's license is automatically suspended under the implied consent laws. Again, she wouldn't have died if he hadn't been driving/trespassing in the dark on that field. And as far as leading a charmed life - I'm not dumb/careless enough to drag my daughter behind my vehicle on a school field in the dark in the snow. I know that's a dangerous idea and I wouldn't do it. It's not being charmed, it's common sense.
54. Comment by Donnell Perdue - March 28, 2008 @ 03:23 PM Memorial contributions can be made to "Madison Jo Gecho Foundation." You may Send contributions to River View Hazel Dell Branch, 7735 NE Highway 99, Vancouver, WA (360)574-2084. The Madison Jo Gecho Foundation will be Contributing to the Skinner Montessori Scholarship Foundation, The indigo Children Hay House Foundation, The Battered Woman and Children's Foundation, The Madison House Children's Home, The Ocean Foundation and other organizations that best celebrate Madison's love of life, earth and humanity.
55. Comment by jack crosley - May 04, 2008 @ 11:16 AM Regaurdless if you are the one who stands by Pete Gecho or the one who would like to continue throwing stones his way, I know Pete and grew up with him. He is not a bad guy, he did not murder his daughter, and he is not O.J Simpson, he is not Wesley Allen Dodd. He was having fun with his daughter the same way we had fun as kids. We use to do the same thing when we were younger, sleding behind a truck, whether it was at frenchmans bar, or on the snow. Its funny how all you non supporters have your oppinions of a man, when you really dont know him. I use to work for the Medical Examiners office in Clark County and saw many deaths that were of a result of many different things "Anger, accidents, homicides, suicides, and so on. Pete was doing what he did as a kid. Not everyone grew up the same, so dont blame someone who might have had a funner time then you did as a kid. Just because people did different things as a kid, does not mean they are bad people. Before you people go on hating, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if you have ever been lucky enough to have loved someone as much as Pete loved his daughter that is now gone. And then ask your self if you feel any better about yourself and your life for writing some of the things you have written here. We are not perfect people, we live, we learn and if we have hearts, we also forgive, that is why we are human. Chill out people Jack Crosley
56. Comment by MeMe Jones - May 12, 2008 @ 06:47 PM Commentor # 5 Obviously you have never had a child that you loved so much. As a mother I would hate my childs father for drinking and then taking my child out to end up dying. I too had a lot of fun doing somewhat dangerous things as a child but my parents NEVER mixed alcohol with our fun. I hope that you do not have children to subject to the negligence. If we are breaking laws to be drinking and driving then how is it ok to be out "having fun" while we have been drinking then operating a motor vehicle. That is the problem everyone thinks that it is ok to be negligent. I am sure he is very remorseful about the situation. BUT it does not bring back the little girl that died.
57. Comment by MeMe Jones - May 12, 2008 @ 06:48 PM The comment # 56 was meant to be directed to the guy commenting # 55 on May 04.
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