Shreveport woman stabbed to death was denied three restraining orders against ex-boyfriend
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTBS) -
26-year-old Kelvin Brown II was out on bond when police say he waited at the home of his ex-girlfriend, 33-year-old Alicia West, and cut her throat early Saturday morning.
And, it was far from the first time Shreveport Police had been to West's home.
Authorities say Brown had been arrested on November 6th for stalking and cyberstalking, but was released on bond.
That happened even after West filed for - and was denied - three separate temporary restraining orders (TRO) in Caddo Parish.
She also placed more than a dozen calls to SPD requesting officers come to her home in reference to harrassment by Brown since this summer.
According to police records, Brown broke out the windows of her home, tampered with the alarm system, set small fires outside her window, and relentlessly sent her harrassing texts and phone calls.
The abuse West describes in those TRO requests is nothing short of chilling.
At one point, she makes it clear that she's "afraid of what Brown will do to her.. and the effects it will have on her son."
She writes that "[Brown] pops up at her house and when he's angry, she no longer knows the extent to which he will go."
But each request, one filed in June, September, and most recently on November 4th, were all denied.
Only one judge gave an explanation, stating that West "does not state sufficient facts to constitute a violation of the Domestic Abuse Act and that [West] and [Brown] do not have a relationship as required by Louisiana Revised Statute 46:2131 or 46:2151."
But domestic violence victims' advocates say filing for a restraining order is only one step in the process of getting away from an abuser.
"We actually have a lady who specifically does protective orders, where she helps you make sure that you have the right form, make sure that you have an escort for court, and makes sure that all of those details are there," says Petrina Jenkins, the Community Education Advocate for Project Celebration in Shreveport, which provides resources and a safe house for victims in NWLA.
She says in addition to requesting a TRO, this means changing your daily habits, including the time you leave for work, come home, and the route you take to get there.
"You're looking at an individual who knows your day-to-day routine. You're looking at an intimate partner who knows a lot about you. So safety planning where work is concerned, even with your children, drop-off points. Sometimes you may have to change your day-to-day routine in order to remain safe."
If you do obtain a restraining order, Jenkins says you should inform friends, family, your employer, your child's school, and even the employer of the person against whom you've filed that order.
She also acknowledges the stigma that's still attached to even the idea of domestic violence, and that the community can take an active role in holding offenders accountable.
"We have to stop victim-blaming and making excuses for abusers. If [a neighbor] recognizes a suspicious car or suspicious activity, or maybe sees someone hanging around that shouldn't be there, notify them to alert police immediately, even if you have a photo of this individual."
It's important to note that West was granted a TRO by a judge in Bossier Parish, which is where she worked and Brown lives.
He's facing a charge of second degree murder.
A vigil for West is planned for Tuesday evening, December 9th, at 7 p.m. at the Duck Pond on E. Kings Hwy in Shreveport.
She leaves behind an 8-year-old son. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help her family with funeral expenses.
If you or someone you know needs the services of Project Celebration, call 1-888-411-1333. That hotline is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You may also call (318) 226-5015 to reach the center.
For additional information regarding the signs of domestic violence or stalking, click here
http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/index....p=home&pid=283