Charges have now been filed in the death of 1-year-old Elaine Keene, of Fort Smith, Arkansas on March
1, north of Roland. The details of this tragedy have already been discussed in this article, but at the time of that writing, it was not known who would be charged in the death. It is now being reported that Michael Clemente, 19, and Aaron Bowen, 17, have both been charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder. They have also been charged with first-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and felony child neglect. Deven Jeremiah, 21, the man who actually fired the shot that killed the little girl, has been charged with second-degree murder, as well as shooting with intent to kill. I am somewhat surprised by the charges of first-degree murder against Clemente and Bowen, given the fact that they did not fire the shots. I would suppose the charges stem from the fact that their actions are what started the chain of events that led to the death of Elaine Keene.
Much of the speculation that has surrounded the death of this little girl has centered on two things. It was at first unclear what charges would be filed against Jeremiah, who only shot at the two men after they beat and robbed him. Since his life was not in eminent danger when he started shooting, we see the resulting charges. The mother was also the center of attention, as many wondered how she could have allowed her daughter to be put in the middle of this situation. As of this time, no charges will be filed against the mother. Here is what John David Luton, first assistant district attorney in Sequoyah County had to say.
At this point, we do not have submitted evidence indicating she had knowledge of what they planned to do when they went over there.
The tragedy of Elaine Keene’s death is not lessened by the news of these charges, but it is some small comfort that justice is in the process of being served. In the day and age we live in, it should also remind us all of the importance of making sure our children are safe.
Sounds like a great home to bring a kid up in. I have very little use for people who put their families in the middle of things like this. When you laid down with dogs you get up with fleas. Maybe justice will be done, but its too late for the child.
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Very sad LD. I do hope justice will be served.
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Thanks for commenting on Political Realities, John. Yes, this is a very sad situation. Even if justice is served, Ron is correct. It is too late for Elaine Keene.
This is my home county. The sad state of Sequoyah County is continued from the late 70′s early 80′s when the Mafia moved in and quite literally bought the entire county justice system. When I was in high school, a man could get away with murder for $1000. The Feds moved in and cleaned house but the mindset of the people who were living in that environment hasn’t changed much since then. Justice is in the hands of each man and each man feels obliged to carry it out to the fullest if and when he feels wronged. Not one of my graduating class remained there.
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My commit is to mr russel who has no idea what kind of home elaine keene was living in. Let me share with him some facts…. My parents home is where elaine was living, a wonderful and loving christian home. Just because elaines mother put elaine in a bad situation how dare you pass judgement on the home she lived in, my parents home. You seem to be right about laying down with dogs and getting flees but by far is my family any kind of dog. In the bible it states that those who judge others will be judged by the lord judgement day. Ill pray for you.