From hope, to despair and back

Like a pendulum, swinging back and forth.

That's the span of emotions LaTricia Davis has been going through lately. Davis is the 29-year-old daughter of Patricia Butler, one of six women slain by an alleged serial killer.

On Sept. 2, the day her mother's body was identified, Davis felt grief. The day a suspect was arrested, she felt hopeful. Today, without charges being filed in connection with her mother's murder, she's frustrated.

She's frustrated with a system that would allow a convicted murderer and alleged parole violator to run amok on the streets of Kansas City.

Those were just a few of the emotions that Davis shared with me in a recent interview. Her mother's body was recovered at 2611 Montgall Ave., along with the body of Sheliah McKinzie.

Since July 14, six homicide victims' bodies were discovered in the Prospect Avenue corridor. Last week, Terry Blair was charged with first-degree murder in connection with McKinzie's death. So far, that's the only charge that's been filed in connection with the six homicides.

Davis' emotions switched to anger after she learned that the suspect had been released to an honors center earlier this year, then left and never returned. She finds reports of large numbers of dangerous felons unaccounted for in Missouri extremely disturbing.

“My family wasn't just failed,” Davis said. “The community wasn't just failed. The other victims' families weren't just failed. We were completely ignored. They ignored public safety by letting this man run around freely.”

When Davis found out the suspect in her mother's death was a felon, she grew even more bitter.

“I've run the gamut on emotions,” Davis said. “High on that list of emotions right now are frustration and anger.”

Davis has received a minimal amount of information from police regarding her mother's death. She still doesn't know how her mother was killed.

“I'm frustrated that I'm clueless and still in the dark,” she said. “You can't imagine. I almost don't want to know at this point. You can't imagine what it's like to not know how my mother died.”

The lack of charges keeps her up at night wondering when and if they will ever be filed.

Right now her mother's case is one of the homicide cases sitting on the prosecutor's desk, awaiting charges.

“Not knowing how she died is one thing,” Davis said. “Not knowing when and if he'll be charged is another.”

Davis realizes that there will be tougher times ahead. She is already trying to prepare herself for a potential trial.

“For me, the trial is the most horrific part of a murder,” Davis said. “You have to relive it from the victims' point of view every day.”

Davis has also had to be strong for her family. She spoke on behalf of her mother at a recent memorial service. Butler's remains were cremated. Although Davis hasn't received the ashes, she's been considering what to do with them.

At an opportune time, she plans on sitting down with her two sons and seeking their input.

Davis is considering placing her mother's ashes in a garden she has planned.

“I'm hoping that something beautiful will come from this ugly tragedy,” she said.

It's easy to understand Davis' anger and frustration. The suspect now in custody should have been locked up.

To reach Steve Penn call (816) 234-4417 or e-mail spenn@kcstar.com.