Statement from Kelly Ann?s family

For almost 38 years our family has Spoken for the one who was silenced and whose

young life was cut short 4 Kelly Ann Presser.

When Kelly Ann left for school the morning of September 20?, 1982, we did not
expect our time with her would abruptly end or that our future would change in every way
imaginable. One moment we had this dazzling, mischievous 8?year-old little girl. Then
suddenly all we had left were memories, photographs that will never age, a calendar

marking a dreadful new ?holiday,? a grave, and pieces of Kelly? 5 life stored in a box.

0111' family has spent many long years waiting for Kelly Ann?s murder to be solved.
But Kelly?s family is not unique. Those who have suffered the murder of their loved one
knows how devastating waiting for answers can be. Nor are we the only family who has
laid awake at night hoping and praying that their missing child would. return home safely.

Today is one of those bittersweet moments that has been a long time coming. Our
family is blessed to have ?nally gotten an answer, after nearly four decades, on who
abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered our darling KellyAnn.

While new technology, advanced investigative techniques and other factors have
been an undeniable part of solving this homicide case the real credit goes to all the local,
state, federal and partnering law enforcement agencies who showed tenacity, dedication,
and tremendous teamwork in solving Kelly Ann?s case. There are no words to express

how deeply our gratitude extends to all of you.

We would like to specially recognize the many Columbus Division of Police
Homicide detectives who have worked countless hours on this case trying to ?nd Kelly?s
perpetrator to hold that individual accounfable for her murder. Most recently this has
been Detective Dana Croom, Sergeant Terry McDonnell, and retired detectives Ron
Custer and James McCoskey. Of?cer Greg Colarich also contributed by developing a
podcast about Kelly Ann?s case. Gentlemen thank you for never giving up, thank you

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for never forgetting about this innocent child, and thank you for never forgetting that you
were working for Kelly Ann. Your perseverance and determination, your caring and
professional manner, your patience, diligence, and sacri?ces have not gone unnoticed.
Columbus is a better place because of your service with the Columbus Division of Police,
Cold Case Homicide Unit. Please know this today you have given us the most incredible
gift. And this gives us hope that other homicide cold cases will be solved.

Kelly Ann?s family is also appreciative of the continued interest by the media with
regards to Kelly Ann?s abduction, sexual assault, and murder'case. Although many of you
would like to talk with us please understand that old wounds have been reopened and our
family now faces new heartaches. Therefore, as Kelly's family begins this new cycle of

healing we do ask for privacy and we trust that you will respect our wishes.

Kelly Ann was our beauty and our love. She Sparkled with laughter and her
blooming spirit shined amidst the thorns. Her light has been and will always be deeply

missed. Today, and forever, family and friends will remember our precious little girl.

May Kelly Ann, in the arms of her beloved grandmothers Rose and Eleanor, now

rest in peace.

Statement from Kelly Ann Prosser?s family age 2 0f 4

 

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Questions most asked by the Media

Do we feel a sense of justice? The answer is no. Justice is only a ?consolation
prize?. Mthout any means of restoring the precious life that was taken there could never
be such a thing as justice. We are grateful however, since Kelly Ann?s killer is deceased,
that we will be spared the ordeal of suffering through a painful trial. And we can be
thankful we will escape the miserable torment of a murderer who would spend his empty

prison days testing the weaknesses of the court system.
OR if living and will go to trial:

We are grateful that Kelly Ann?s killer has been found and he will go on trial for her
abduction, sexual assault, and murder. We do not look forward to suffering through a
painful trial and know we will not escape the miserable torment of a murderer who will

spend his empty prison days testing the weaknesses of the court system.

Does this bring us closure? The answer is no. The word closure in and of itself
is a word too often used. One can have a conclusion, but one can never have closure.
Personally, for Kelly?s Mom, closure will only happen when she takes her last breath.
Today, Kelly?s family and friends have arrived at one long awaited moment they now

know who murdered her. Ultimately this may be the only answer we will receive and

that is a reality we will face.

Do you have any advice for other victims of crime? Surviving is not a
destination but a journey. As a survivor of crime, you hate that the person responsible for
this crime is hanging around inside your head. SO, WELCOME THEM AND THANK
THEM. Thank them for helping make you strong. Thank them for going to prison (or
dying) so you can go on. Thank them for teaching you more about forgiveness. Thank
them for showing you that YOU ARE a survivor. A person who could commit such a
horri?c crime has no defense against your gratitude. So, welcome them and thank them

and they will leave your head and your heart all on their own.

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Can you forgive Kelly Ann?s killer? This Bible quote from Numbers Chapter
14, Verse 18 says: "The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving
iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty." In other words, God
will handle those who have wronged us, for He does not let the guilty go.

Forgiveness is not just a kindness to others; it is a kindness to us. Forgiveness is
for our own growth and happiness. Forgiveness frees us to live in the present.
Forgiveness allows us to move on without anger, contempt, or seeking revenge.
Forgiveness is not forgetting; forgiveness means letting go of the pain the incident caused
us. And truthfully, hatred is too heavy a burden for anyone to bear.

So, in time, we will be capable of showing empathy for the person who refused to
show any compassion to our Kelly Ann. The reason we will do this is BECAUSE of Kelly

Ann - to honor the sweet and loving little girl that she was.

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