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pj: hey everyone just checking in love you guys and still thinking bout that wonderfull women in the sky i hear her everytime the sky crys
kelly : Our Sept 15th was a success thank you everyone who helped us out
kelly : mary pictures arent workin and the music is gone thought i would let ya know it needs a little fixin
Parrot: Hey u guys I don't know how to get my blog on so some1 call me and walk me through please.luv u c u ...P
kelly: this really needs to get updated
Denise: Today would had been Leah's 31st birthday. I miss her and wish she could be here to celebrate.
Cheap auto insurance quote: Nice site thank you
Cheap auto insurance quote: Nice site thank you
Lutchi : halo blog hopping..you have a nice blog here. Visit me when you have a chance. TC
kelly: hi parrot you need to get a hold of one of us pronto its very necessary please please.
Parrot: Hey just letting all of u know I'm trying to raise $ for Mad. trip I'll check here as often as I can cause I cant figure out how to use my Email
Mary: :( Leah :(
Mary: Guilty Guilty Guilty! :)
Mary: I will be back online today!
Kerri: I am so sorry about your friend. I happened on your site here while journal surfing. I hope you are successful in getting the law passed.
kelly: the parade was great the float was wonderful and everyone that i talked to who saw the parade said we all did a great job.
Nate: Your float looked great at the parade, I am proud of ya'all
kelly: Rummage sale went great. Great job everyone
Mary: We did a good job
nikkiwikki: the parade was so much fun! lol. we did so great, i am looking forward to the 4th of july parade!
MaRY: TESTING....so it doesn't look so blank! :(

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Monday, June 16th 2008

8:01 PM

Sarah's Death WDIO News (Coverage)

Lobbyist for Leah's Law has Died

One of the lobbyists for Wisconsin's "Leah's Law" has died.

Sarah Gustafson, the step mother of murder victim, Leah Gustafson, died
Friday evening. Sarah loved Leah and worked with lawmakers for "Leah
Law" go from a bill into law.  This year the group will push for it to
become law.

The bill is named for 29-year old Leah Gustafson, who was murdered two
years ago in Superior. It would require anyone with a violent criminal
record to register with the state.

Sarah Gustafson died after a two year battle with cancer. She was 56
years old.

Funeral arrangements are set for Tuesday at 11AM. at the Downs Funeral
Home in Superior. Her internment will be next to Leah in the Greenwood
Cemetery.

0 Whattya think? / Send what ya think!

Saturday, June 14th 2008

7:59 PM

Sarah Gustafson Passed Away! :(

  • Mood: sad, very sad

Leah's Law advocate Sarah Gustafson dies

Duluth News Tribune
Published Saturday, June 14, 2008

Sarah Gustafson, stepmother of Superior murder victim Leah Gustafson and advocate of Leah’s Law in the Wisconsin Assembly, died Thursday in Duluth.

Gustafson, 56, of Superior was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, shortly after her stepdaughter was killed, according to Richard Gustafson, Leah’s father. A year later, Sarah developed a brain tumor. She initially responded well to surgery, but her health began to decline again this year. She had been hospitalized for a week when she died.

The Gustafsons led an effort in Madison to create a registry of violent offenders, similar to existing sex-offender registries, that they dubbed Leah’s Law. The man convicted of killing Leah Gustafson in January 2006 had a long history of violent crimes. The Gustafsons argued that residents should be able to locate violent offenders on a registry just as they can locate sex offenders.

Leah’s Law was approved this year by the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice, but didn’t make it to the floor of the full assembly before adjournment this year. Supporters say they will push for the bill again next session.

Richard Gustafson said Sarah, whom he married about a year before his daughter’s death, helped push for the bill in the 2007 Assembly even when she was fighting breast cancer. She did not go to Madison during the 2008 session.

“She wanted to go, but she felt she didn’t have the strength to properly support us down there,” Richard said.

Sarah Gustafson worked as a registered nurse, specializing in adolescent behavioral health at Miller-Dwan Medical Center, her husband said. Her experience made her especially helpful to family and friends who were devastated by Leah Gustafson’s death.

“She was quite experienced in people who had suffered emotional trauma,” Richard said. “Even though it hurt her immensely, she was always willing to help other people in coming to terms with this terrible tragedy.”

Originally from Grand Marais, Sarah Gustafson has a son and two daughters — Cy Simensen, Maija Krueth and Hillary Simensen — in Duluth. Her father, Robert Morrison, also lives in Duluth.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Downs Funeral Home, Superior. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

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Friday, June 6th 2008

8:04 PM

LETTER: Boyle was true inspiration



The Daily Telegram - 06/07/2008
To The Telegram:

On behalf of the Leah’s Law group of friends and family, I am saddened to see Rep. Frank Boyle retire. He has been a true inspiration, friend, and spoke for our cause when others told us that it wasn’t possible.

I champion his extended work with domestic abuse issues and abuse against women as well. He’s restored my faith in politicians and restored my faith in bipartisan team work on behalf of a greater good. He’s a kind, funny, and dedicated man who served his district and the state well. We wish him many wonderful years in retirement. On behalf of the Leah’s Law group I just wanted to extend my thankfulness to Mr. Boyle and congratulate him on a job well done!

— Mary Day,

Leah’s Law group, Superior

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Friday, May 16th 2008

7:53 PM

Borelli’s ex-attorney defends strategy

Borelli’s ex-attorney defends strategy

Maria Lockwood , Superior Daily Telegram
Published Friday, May 16, 2008

After three and a half hours of testimony Thursday in Superior, the question of whether Jason Borelli should have a new trial remains.
A Douglas County jury found Borelli, 34, guilty of first-degree intentional homicide in November 2006 for beating and ultimately stabbing Leah Gustafson to death with a samurai sword in her Superior apartment the morning of Jan. 7, 2006. Judge Michael Lucci sentenced him to life in prison with no hope of parole.
A motion for a new trial based on ineffective counsel by Borelli’s trial attorney, public defender J. Patrick O’Neill, was filed in January by Wauwatosa, Wis., attorney James Rebholz. He also requested a modification of the sentence.
O’Neill, who has been a public defender since 1985, took the witness stand Thursday to answer questions about his trial strategy. Rebholz questioned why he chose to use the defense that Borelli was not guilty due to mental disease or defect and why he chose to offer the jury asecond choice of second-degree intentional homicide as opposed to first-degree or second-degree reckless homicide. Along the way, he poked at O’Neill’s decisions not to request a change of venue and not to request that jurors be individually questioned after graphic autopsy photos were shown.
Lucci requested that both Rebholz and District Attorney Dan Blank submit written briefs summing up their positions. A decision is expected by the end of June.
The real question before Lucci, Blank said, is whether there would have been a different outcome if O’Neill would have used different strategies during the trial.
Based on the straightforward nature of the case, Blank said, he doubted it would have made a difference.
“It wasn’t a whodunit,” he said. “None of the traditional defenses were available in this case.”
He said O’Neill is a very knowledgeable, articulate attorney who did the best he could with a challenging case.
“I think it’s a darn shame we have to revisit this issue,” Blank said.
Gustafson’s parents sat in the courtroom Thursday as they have during every hearing for the case.
“It was strange being back in court again,” Richard Gustafson said. “But we’re here for our daughter. We’ll always be with her in our hearts.”
“She was a joy to us,” said Leah Gustafson’s mother, Sharon. “We want to be faithful to get her the justice she deserves.”
Once the sentencing was complete, they said, there was a sense of closure.
Now, Blank said, “We’re at the start of a lengthy appellate process.”
Richard Gustafson said he has faith that justice will be done.
“It’s comforting to know people in the justice system are truly professionals,” he said.
In the two years and four months since Leah died, her family and friends have found the best way to cope with loss is together.
“You see evil being perpetrated,” Gustafson said with tears in his eyes. “You have to realize that there’s a lot of really, really good people in the world and it’s wonderful to have them all on your side.”
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Thursday, February 28th 2008

9:12 PM

Superior Days

  • Mood: HAPPY!!!

I Just got back About 3 am this morning from Superior days and wanted to pass along the great news to everyone! Superior days went real well we attended many meetings including meeting with the department of corrections. But onto the best news of all we attended a committee hearing wednesday at approximately 1pm then waited to hear the results at around 5pm the news we had anxiously awaited arrived..... The vote was unanimous 11-0 for Leah's Law!! We were all amazed and happier than words can express upon this news. I want to convey my deepest gratitude to the public for all their support  I can not begin to say thank you enough. Here are a couple of articles that were run

 

Leah's Law advances from committee

Shelley Nelson The Daily Telegram
Published Wednesday, February 27, 2008

MADISON — By unanimous vote, Leah's Law was advanced from the Wisconsin Assembly's Committee on Criminal Justice Wednesday afternoon.
The legislation is being promoted by friends and relatives of Leah Gustafson, who was brutally murdered in the early morning hours of Jan. 7, 2006. Jason Richard Borelli, who had a long history of violent offenses, was later convicted of killing the 29-year-old woman. The law would establish a registry of violent offenders so Wisconsinites will know if one of them resides in their neighborhood.
The measure, Assembly Bill 566, was presented to the Department of Corrections Tuesday. Written and introduced by Reps. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, Frank Boyle, D-Summit, and Suzanne Jeskewitz, R-Menomonee Falls, it would create a registry similar to the state’s sex offender list.
 
 

Panel advances ‘Leah’s Law’

Shelley Nelson The Daily Telegram
Published Thursday, February 28, 2008

MADISON — A law that would create a statewide violent offender database cleared its first hurdle Wednesday when the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice voted unanimously to move “Leah’s Law” to the full Assembly and Senate for consideration.
People who would be covered under the bill include first and second-degree murderers, terrorists, violent abusers including those who batter, kidnap and commit arson — plus violent individuals who’ve committed very serious crimes, said Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, an author of the bill. Wisconsin would join Florida, Montana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Ohio in requiring repeat violent offenders to register for a searchable database that reveals their presence in the community, he said.
“People have a right to know about them, and they also have a right to know where they live,” Suder said. “I think it’s necessary. We don’t want everyone to be able to search for everything. We think that goes too far. But for those individuals considered violent offenders, we think it’s necessary (that) people be allowed to know who’s living next to them.”
Gustafson
Gustafson

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Shelley Nelson Archive
It’s information friends and family of Leah Gustafson — the woman for whom the bill is named — believe could have saved her life. The 29-year-old Superior woman was murdered in her home Jan. 7, 2006, by Jason Borelli, a neighbor with a long history of violent offenses (see adjacent story).
Two years ago, her friends and family started gathering signatures with the hope of creating a law that would allow anyone search for violent offenders in their neighborhood.
“This law helps other people be protected,” said Leah’s mother, Sharon Gustafson. “That was very much a part of her heart.”
Alissa Wild, a friend of Leah’s, spoke on behalf of her 14-year-old daughter, Janiece.
“She wants you to know that she lost her ‘big sister,’ that confidant she could talk to,” Wild said. “She also wants you to know that when she goes to college, she wants to feel safe. When she moves out on her own, she’ll move somewhere safe.”
Wild said while the law is too late to save Leah, it’s not too late to protect others from habitual violent offenders like Jason Borelli.
Borelli is serving a life sentence without possibility for parole in connection with the murder.
Reps. Frederick Kessler and Tamara Grigsby, both Milwaukee Democrats, said they had concerns about a “catch-all” clause in the legislation presented to the committee, but were willing to work with authors of the bill.
Suder said the clause was included to give judges discretion; however, he was willing to modify the language to assure that the bill is acceptable.
As a former sheriff of Polk County, Rep. Ann Hraychuck, D-Balsam Lake, a co-sponsor of the bill and member of the criminal justice committee, said she appreciated the group’s effort to turn their tragedy into something that benefits the public.
“I really appreciate that you could turn something so tragic into something positive,” said Rep. Sheryl Albers, R-Reedsburg.
It was a sentiment shared by Grigsby and committee chairman, Joel Kleefisch, R-Oconomowoc.
“They’re doing this because they passionately believe this is the right thing to do,” Kleefisch said. He said he was pleased the public hearing could be scheduled during Superior Days.
“It will protect my daughter,” Wild said. “That’s my future there. That’s my whole life right there.”
Contact Shelley Nelson at (715) 395-5022 or snelson@superiortelegram.com.
 
 
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Sunday, January 6th 2008

4:13 PM

It's Been Two Years Tomorrow!

  • Mood: sad
Leah was brutally murdered two years ago tomorrow. It's strange that this anniversary came to pass, yet again. Another year. Another year of toying with the idea of the law, and people actually taking steps to make it happen (in Wisconsin). It's been a hard year for everyone within the Leah's Law group, and I am very sorry I haven't been able to update.

I recently left my position at Cellular One and things have been a little hectic.

I had an unexpected move, a visit from a sister out of state, and of course -- no computer still at my new house. I was also recently diagnosed as bipolar II which gives me an official disability and an entire host of other problems to deal with. We've had a very sad illness in my family as well, which is hard to deal with at this time.

 I will have a computer by the end of January and you'll receive many more updates.

If you've had the chance to read the Superior Evening Telegram recently you might've noticed Jason Borelli is trying to get another trial, as we suspected he would. Considering this is the two year anniversary of Leah's murder this week -- I hate him more now. I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive him, and this new insight into how "sorry" he is only makes it worse. Appeal all you want, sweetie. You're going to be in jail for a long, long time. Any possibility of parole ever, and I will be at that trial with the rest of the Leah's Law group telling the parole board why you should NEVER BE PAROLED.

In other news, the Leah's Law group (minus me) will be attending Superior Days again in February, 2008. I'm excited to hear what happens although sad I cannot attend myself. I have a new job and I cannot miss my training.

Melinda's also going to be having her surgery very soon and I hope you keep her in your prayers.
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Sunday, October 28th 2007

8:34 PM

GOOD NEWS!!!!!!

  • Mood:

Legislation for Leah's Law introduced in Madison

Duluth News Tribune
Published Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Wisconsin lawmakers introduced “Leah’s Law” today in Madison, legislation that would create a public information system and online registry of violent felons living in the state.
Friends and family of Leah Gustafson, a Superior woman who was killed by her neighbor, Jason Borelli, in January 2006, have been working on enacting the law since her death. Borelli has a long history of violent and criminal behavior, and those close to Gustafson believe if a registry had existed she would still be alive. Borelli was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide last year and sentenced to life in prison.
State Reps. Frank Boyle, Scott Suder and Suzanne Jeskewitz introduced the legislation. The registry would be similar to the Wisconsin sex offender registry, and would require the Department of Corrections to create and maintain a violent offender registry. Violent felons would be registered upon release from prison, and would remain on the list for 15 years for a single offense, and for life for multiple offenses. Those who move to Wisconsin would be required to register. Florida, Montana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Ohio have violent offender registries.
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Friday, July 6th 2007

3:39 PM

Needing Funds

 Hello everyone I wanted to let you all know I found the link to the fox news interview but before I paste it here I would like to WARN everyone that the first 20 seconds or so does play a portion of the 911 tape so if you would like to view it you may skip the first little bit of it. The remaining portion of the interview was thoroughly and well done and we do understand the reason for the use of the 911 tape but we found it to be upsetting and a bit disturbing so use your own discretion if you choose to view this. 

 We're also planning a HUGE Leahs-law benefit rummage sale as our funds have run low and we have some legislative activies coming up in the fall and we need to have funds ready so we can do what is necessary  to see that this law is passed and enable us to travel to Madison when needed to speak with legislators and lend our support to all the legislators working on our behalf.  The date is still not confirmed but we will post the date, time, and place as soon as we have it set to go.

Here is the Link to the fox news interview for those who would like to view it.  http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pages/ContentDetail?contentId=3274704

10 Whattya think? / Send what ya think!

Saturday, May 26th 2007

11:15 AM

Happy B-Day Leah

  • Mood: sad

Happy 31st birthday Leah, we miss you.

As for the rest of you, we're trying to organize a rummage sale because the Leah's Law group needs funds soon or we might lose the website!

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Saturday, May 12th 2007

8:51 PM

Donations

  • Mood: sad

We're still waiting for the FOX NEWS report to air this month (the interview Sharon and Melinda went to). We're also in desperate need for donations, anything can help. Other then that we're planning a possible rummage sale some time soon and of course deciding if we're going to be in the Superior Fourth Of July parade again. Without money though, our options right now are very limited.

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