We’ve all heard stories of attorneys that have fallen in love with their clients during the course of a criminal case and some that have even married them, but this is the first I’ve heard of a Public Defender Investigator doing something just as…how do I put this nicely…dim-witted?
Oscar Ray Bolin was convicted of 2nd degree murder in the death of 25 year-old Natalie "Blanche" Holley. Bolin is looking at 22 years in prison for the 1986 Florida crime. Tampa Bay Online reports that, “Since Holley's death, however, Bolin has been convicted of six other felonies: another murder, kidnapping, rape, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, escape and conspiracy to kidnap…Regardless of Bolin's sentence for Holley's death, he has a death sentence for the murder of Teri Lynn Matthews and is serving a 75-year prison sentence on the kidnapping and rape charges.”
Sounds like Bolin is a good, law abiding, and available bachelor right? Of course he’s not! That is where our trusty Public Defender Investigator comes in!
"Holley (Referring to the victims mother) also focused her wrath on Rosalie Bolin, a former investigator for the public defender's office. Rosalie Bolin was working on Bolin's case when she left her husband and four daughters to marry Bolin in prison. Rosalie Bolin, Holley said, wears sparkling designer dresses to court and dresses her husband in Armani suits while the family and friends of his victims watch."
People can find love in anywhere of that, I am convinced, but with a convicted murderer? In Prison? On death row? C’mon people this is completely insane!
In the penalty phase of capital case investigations, we (investigators) are put in a position where we have to know our clients inside and out, documenting every turn in their life, both good and bad. We must then be able to convey this information to an attorney in as straightforward, and comprehensible manner as possible. The attorney will in turn demonstrate to the court and a jury, why our clients are the people they are and why they deserve to live. It's a very basic explanation but it's the essence of penalty phase work.
I can tell you that working on a Capital Case can be a very emotional experience, dealing with a client facing death, the grief of a victim's family, and also with a client's family, facing the loss of a loved one. I have just never imagined falling in love with a client. It’s something I just can’t comprehend I guess.
I’m not saying that Mrs. Bolin is a bad person or that she was wrong to leave her husband and four daughters or some dude in prison. I do however question her ethical, and professional judgment.
Mrs. Bolin (now ex-public defender investigator) has several stories documenting her relationship involving Oscar Bolin, you can read just a few of them here and here.
Oscar Ray Bolin was convicted of 2nd degree murder in the death of 25 year-old Natalie "Blanche" Holley. Bolin is looking at 22 years in prison for the 1986 Florida crime. Tampa Bay Online reports that, “Since Holley's death, however, Bolin has been convicted of six other felonies: another murder, kidnapping, rape, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, escape and conspiracy to kidnap…Regardless of Bolin's sentence for Holley's death, he has a death sentence for the murder of Teri Lynn Matthews and is serving a 75-year prison sentence on the kidnapping and rape charges.”
Sounds like Bolin is a good, law abiding, and available bachelor right? Of course he’s not! That is where our trusty Public Defender Investigator comes in!
"Holley (Referring to the victims mother) also focused her wrath on Rosalie Bolin, a former investigator for the public defender's office. Rosalie Bolin was working on Bolin's case when she left her husband and four daughters to marry Bolin in prison. Rosalie Bolin, Holley said, wears sparkling designer dresses to court and dresses her husband in Armani suits while the family and friends of his victims watch."
People can find love in anywhere of that, I am convinced, but with a convicted murderer? In Prison? On death row? C’mon people this is completely insane!
In the penalty phase of capital case investigations, we (investigators) are put in a position where we have to know our clients inside and out, documenting every turn in their life, both good and bad. We must then be able to convey this information to an attorney in as straightforward, and comprehensible manner as possible. The attorney will in turn demonstrate to the court and a jury, why our clients are the people they are and why they deserve to live. It's a very basic explanation but it's the essence of penalty phase work.
I can tell you that working on a Capital Case can be a very emotional experience, dealing with a client facing death, the grief of a victim's family, and also with a client's family, facing the loss of a loved one. I have just never imagined falling in love with a client. It’s something I just can’t comprehend I guess.
I’m not saying that Mrs. Bolin is a bad person or that she was wrong to leave her husband and four daughters or some dude in prison. I do however question her ethical, and professional judgment.
Mrs. Bolin (now ex-public defender investigator) has several stories documenting her relationship involving Oscar Bolin, you can read just a few of them here and here.
27 comments:
I guess you've never met Rosalie Bolin -- she is very recognized in her profession -- and, it is unfortunate that she has to overcome the media's perception of her -- but, the people she works for -- attorneys-- respect her -- she is very good at what she does -- it is sad for her that you would print such a thing -- without knowing her -- public defender or pretender is that you?
You are absolutely right in one thing, I don't know her.
I AM aware that she is very recognized in her profession and I do know people that have worked with her and have great respect for her. This post isn't about questioning that. This post is about a Public Defender Investigator crossing a line that should not be crossed. Mrs. Bolin is someone that has and although she is no longer a PDI, she seems to be doing just fine.
For the record, I have never written anything about her that hasn't already been published in Florida newspapers. Media perception aside, SHE has been interviewed by media that has in turn written stories that I have read and linked to.
Understand that I am a nobody. You can call me a public pretender all you want from your posh digs in Tampa, thinking it might offend me or put me off some how. It doesn't.
I've worked both sides of the fence (private/public) and found satisfaction in both but my heart will always be in working with those not in it for the fame or money or acknowledgement from their peers.
My opinions are my own, and I stand by them.
One more thing. If you think that I look down upon either ROSALIE or OSCAR, you are sadly mistaken. I'm against the Death Penalty and have fought against it as long as I have been an investigator. As it stands now, I really do hope that Oscar is out one day and able to enjoy the remainder of his life with Rosalie.
It is one thing to be against the death penalty, it is quite another to hope that "Oscar Bolin is out one day and able to enjoy the remainder of his life with Rosalie." Are you kidding me?! This man is a psycho-path...a serial killer responsible for the deaths of young women across the country. He will never be "out". And lucky for "Mrs. Bolin" too, as she'd probably be his next victim. But perhaps more likely, one of her four daughters would be more his thing. And that blood would be on her hands. Not that she cares much about her children, as she has proven long ago by marrying this killer. But as a friend of one of his true victims, I am disgusted by your comments. Why are you wishing this pathetic duo well? Who are you again? What is it that you do for a living? Your obvious admiration for this monster and his publicity seeking sidekick is all one needs to know I supose. And I'm sure that my friend wishes that she could enjoy the remainder of her life too.
Anonymous -
I am sorry for the loss of your friend and let me respond to your comments.
But as a friend of one of his true victims, I am disgusted by your comments.
I myself lost a good friend that was found shot, dismembered, and stuffed in the trunk of his car in Mexico so you might say that I understand where your pain comes from.
Why are you wishing this pathetic duo well?
I won't say they are a pathetic duo. My original post was concerning her professional conduct. It originally came across as personal and for that I apologize to Ms. Bolin.
Who are you again? What is it that you do for a living?
Ummmm...did you not read the title of the blog? Don't get all high and mighty on me without doing at least a little reading. I'm not going to explain. Just read...you can start with About Me.
Your obvious admiration for this monster and his publicity seeking sidekick is all one needs to know I supose.
I know it's hard to deal with the murder of your friend(if she truly was the friend that you say she was). Nothing I say is going to take away the hurt you feel. I don't admire Oscar Bolin. If he committed a crime, he deserves to be punished. To what extent? is really the question I have.
And I'm sure that my friend wishes that she could enjoy the remainder of her life too.
Wow, really? I guess we can both agree here! I won't apologize for being sarcastic because you're stating the absolute obvious.
My friend who was killed was against the death penalty, a peace activist, and a supporter of the rights of indigenous people in southern Mexico. In my eyes he was a saint... but...his life was still taken away at the hands of others.
I was angry with everyone for a long time partly because I couldn't really share my grief with anyone. Time is all I had to help me overcome my feelings of anger, helplessnes, and feelings for revenge.
It's taken some time, but my belief/faith in the good that people are capable of is stronger than ever. Although I don't agree with Ms. Bolin crossing the professional line, I shouldn't and have no right to judge her personal life.
I wish her well mostly because she is someone like me. She happens to be married to someone that has probably done some horrible things and she should not be blamed.
I was forwarded this "blog" by an attorney friend of mine -- and he asked that I might respond. I only intended when I made the decision to marry Oscar that it would bring attention to the injustices in our criminal system. I had such a good view of things -- being married to a criminal lawyer and being a court reporter for almost 14 years --- when I decided that I wanted to contribute something more to the system and I started the Social Services Division at the Public Defender's Office. My marriage to Oscar became somewhat of an interest -- not because he was accused of anything but the fact that I was willing to give up material things -- that was the catch. I never gave up my children -- that has been the worse public perception. My children live with me and have been a part of my life since my divorce from their father. That is the only constant thing -- my children. I have been publically ridiculed for something that simply is not true -- and the victims' family perpetuate this by assuming their information is true that I have no contact with the my children -- simply not true! For whatever reason, they feed on this information to make me out to be a monster -- because I married someone they focus their pain on -- so be it. But would they really want the wrong person executed? I would say that they probably would because they think that would be okay -- well, I will refuse to allow the system to execute someone I know to be innocent -- would it matter to the victims' families that I might know the truth -- since they have never interviewed a single witness in any of the cases Oscar has been tried on -- they just believe everything the State Attorney or their investigators have to say -- how simple minded is that?
Every time I have to sit through a court proceeding and I get insulted by these people -- I think to myself -- how sad -- they do not even know me -- and, they so easy judge me -- they even have publically said they wanted me to die because I have married Oscar -- my children were horrified -- my youngest daughter slept with me for a week because she thought the victim's step sister was going to murder me -- how do I explain that?
I only try to do the right thing -- I really do believe that there is good in everyone -- I have represented over 200 people that have been charged with murder -- I have found redeeming qualities in every one of them -- does that make me a bad person because I choose to help these people -- try to explain not excuse their behavior -- try and mitigate life over death -- what is wrong with this picture?
I believe that I have the right to choose who I want to love and care about -- and, if anyone expects an apology from me about loving Oscar -- it won't every come. I do feel sorry for the victims and their families -- but, I will not apologize to them for trying to do my job and doing the best I can in proving Oscar's innocence -- the State of Florida is trying to kill Oscar Bolin and I won't ever stop trying to help him or anyone else that is facing that situation.
I believe that every person deserves a fair process -- and I have dedicated my life to that -- and to the Public Defender Investigator in California -- I did cross the line -- but it was not anything I did to hurt anyone -- I lost a lot or credibility doing that -- but I have overcome the adversity -- I am very good at my job -- I do get respect because I did the unthinkable -- I went against the establishment -- and the politics and followed my heart -- and did a good job for others in spite of who I married -- I will continue the fight until there isn't anything left in me.
Thank you for the opportunity to explain my self -- not an excuse but an explanation.
Rosalie Bolin
Rosalie-
Thank you for posting your response. You didn't have to explain yourself to me, anonymous, or anyone else for that matter. Your personal life is your own and I apologize if I've made it harder for you to get past all this garbage. Private or public, you are a criminal defense investigator and for that alone, I respect you.
I also know a little bit about following your heart no matter where it leads. It has caused me a bit of pain in the past but has also given me the greatest joys in my life.
Thank you again for the post.
Sanchovilla-
Yes, I did read the title of your blog. But by the time I got to the part where you hoped that Oscar Bolin was out one day and could enjoy his life with Rosalie, everything that I read before that became somewhat of a blur to me. Including the "About Me". I responded on impulse and emotion to the sentiments of that last paragraph. Everything else you had said kind of got lost on me after that. So when I asked the questions..what is that you do again? etc, that was merely sarcasm. Having followed this latest trial on the web I came across this blog by accident and simple curiousity. When I read your comments however, something compelled me to respond. And as far as whether or not she was the friend that I say that she was, she is closer to my heart than you might imagine. I understand that your original post was to discuss Ms. Bolin crossing the professional line, but I feel it came across as "personal" on your end, not simply towards her, but to all of his victims. It seemed you not only started back-tracking on the original and legitimate points you were making about her role, but went as far as to apologize to her and then wish this killer freedom. That part is "crossing the line" in my opinion. And honestly, I understand it even less now that I've read your own personal experience with losing someone in such a violent way. I don't know what punishment you deem appropriate for the rape and murders of these young women, but the idea that he should ever be allowed to enjoy his life on the outside again is unthinkable to me. And as far as time healing feelings of anger, helplessness, revenge, etc... you have to understand something here, because of the flaws in our criminal justice system, TIME has not been kind to the families and friends of the victims...nor to the victims themselves. Almost 20 years after their loved ones were murdered, they've had to endure sitting through trials and retrials stretching out over the years of their lives. All in the name of "justice". And I'm not going to get into that subject though...but you may be surprised on my own personal position and opinions on the matter. But I am certain that everyone who has been affected by Oscar Ray Bolin wishes for that "time" back, to maybe do something much different with there lives than always anticipating and emotionally preparing for the next murder trial. So time hasn't helped in this situation...the justice system has not allowed them their closure or healing...or even the ability to just let their loved ones truly rest in peace. But this is far too complicated a subject with far too many layers to really be able to explain all of my feelings adequately. I'd be here all day. But I don't think you understand how much Rosalies involvement has contributed to the pain of so many. She made an already painful situation much more difficult all around. Research this story back to the beginning and then say you have no right to "judge her". Look, SHE put herself out there... and loved ever minute of the attention that it brought. Maybe now years later it's not so much fun to be judged, but she herself turned these criminal murder trials into a media 3 ring circus. And the victims themselves and the brutality of the crimes kind of got lost in all of that. THAT is the resentment people have for her. I've personally never seen anyone who has tried to capture a spotlight for herself off of other peoples pain more then this woman did. SHE courted the media herself. I know this for a fact. And when you chose to marry a serial killer on 20/20, aren't you asking to be "judged"? In my opinion, when you put yourself out there in a tabloid manner like that...absolutely. And I know that she has this belief that people were so facinated by her...for giving up the wealth and privelege for a killer, etc etc. Yes, the media may have been intrigued by that aspect, because they love that crap. And she loved the attention that facet of the story brought to it, but the rest of us were anything but facinated by it. Just simply appalled that ANY mother, regardless of her social status or pocketbook, would become involved with a murderer of young women. That a mother of 4 young girls would marry a convicted rapist. Simply hard stuff to stomach for his victims or wrap their minds around...period. The life that she gave up was of no interest to me, only the distraction that she caused by drawing attention to it all. That is the resentment for me. Not who she choses to see the good in. If a woman with 4 daughters wants to love a convicted rapist and murderer, I don't have to understand it. Who am I? But if it has affected me or the people I love.... But her intentions have not been so honorable as she is leading you to believe. She has not simply tried to bring attention to a flawed system in marrying this person, that wasn't her objective at the time. She did it to gain the attention she wasn't getting in her first marriage, and she knows it. It may have turned into a career for her over the years, she may care even care about life vs death issues now, but she knows full well what this was all about when she entered the picture. Her. And her ego was at the expense all of his victims. So if she feels people judge her without really knowing her, let me remind her of how she presented herself and the kind of person she projected. She says that the sisters comments scared her child, did she ever stop to think that maybe some people have questioned HER own capabilities over the years by aligning herself with a murderer? People form opinions of others based on what they see, and she has never presented herself as someone who has just tried to "do the right thing". She's come off as very cold, calculated, misguided in her hostility, and at times...downright dangerous herself. And I don't believe for a minute that she truly believes in his innocence. I really don't. So it is insulting for her to state that the families are so "simple minded" as to believe everything the State Attorney tells them. No, the facts are just the facts, that's all. The evidence is simply overwhelming. Or ALL of those jurors would not have convicted. And I can't speak for anyone but myself, but most people would never want an innocent person to take the fall for something they didn't do. These people have wanted this over with for almost 20 years, and it is insulting to suggest they'd put themselves through all of this just to pin these crimes on him. Funny, she has never been able to really elaborate on her postion as to why he is innocent either. She say the word, but never backs it up with her so called "insight" into these cases. And it is incredibly arrogant of her to believe that she is so much more informed or intelligent than anyone else close to the entire situation. And if her position were soley about the death penalty, and her right to see the good in people and to simply oppose capital punishment, those closest to the situation may have felt mostly an indifference towards her. But she made it very personal by her actions and her public displays on national talk shows. In any event, I'm not sure it is wise of me to offer any more of my feelings on the matter right now. I've never responded to a blog in my life and like I said, I am reacting on emotion about a passionate subject to me. It is probably clear to you that this is no longer about my reaction to your comments. And because of that, it is far too close to my heart and too complicated to really do it justice by responding in a few paragraphs in this manner. Obviously I've read her response by the things that I am saying... and clearly, it is she who I really have the issues with. And what a can of worms to respond to her. Frankly, I've wanted to speak to this woman for years to just ask her some real simple questions that I've had, but I'm not sure that this is the proper forum for that really. I've said far more then I had intended to...this started out as a comment on your statements. But I realize as I write just how intense this is and that it is her response that turns this into something much more for me than just a difference of opinions. I too am the type of person who can find redeeming qualities in some of the worst of people, even after experiencing the evils of the world firsthand. And if that were all she were about, my feelings about her may be quite different. But that is not at all what I've witnessed. And I'm all for following ones heart... but helping someone because it is your calling, or even because you care is far different than marrying someone who was somebodys rapist...someones killer...and then rubbing it in the faces of his victims families. Anyway, I could go on... but I think it would be wise of me to refrain from expressing myself any further right now. So on that note, I was very offended by your comments Sanchovilla, but still I appreciate your right to have your own opinion. And I'm sorry about your friend. But as you can clearly see...this is very personal for me and I probably should have left this alone.
I should have known that when I posted my opinions as to Mrs. Bolin's professional conduct, it would be taken personally.
If someone was critical of my professional conduct, I would sure as hell be offended.
Although my job is NOT my entire life and I don't use it to define who I am...it is a big part of who I am and what I believe in...Justice for everyone in whatever form it comes in.
My friend CG, and his family in the states and in Mexico never saw any form of justice. The reason? He was murdered by the people who were supposed to be protecting him...yes, that's right, the police. There will never be a trial, there will never be anyone to answer for what happened to him. Why? Because no justice system in Mexico or the rest of the world for that matter can't hold a candle to ours.
As ass backward as it might be, I can only imagine a better system than the one we have in the US.
There is a reason for the reversals, there is a reason for the re-trials...the state needs to prove it's case and try it by following the legal guidelines set forth by thousands of legal cases before it. If they don't then cases get dismissed among other things.
If it takes 80 years for a case to be seen through to the end, then so be it. As long as it is done fairly and within the guidelines of the law. The worse thing I can imagine happening is a man/woman (regardless of what he/she has done in the past) be punished for something they did not do or receive a punishment that does not fit a particular crime.
If it felt like I was backtracking, I was...as far as my comments on her professional conduct. If I could find a way to say it without it becoming personal to Mrs. Bolin, I would.
Again, I'm glad you commented and agree or I appreciate your comments.
Yes, my last comment was filled with typos...sorry for the sloppiness, I was trying to write quickly during lunch.
Sanchovilla,
I wish we could have had a meaningful conversation about what we do -- issues about the flaws in the death penalty.
It is obvious that I could not participate because of the comments being made about me and my personal choices -- I am really sorry that you had to hear all this -- I wish you could meet me and judge for yourself --
Oh, well -- such is life.
I will not be responding any further and I hope you are successful in "life over death" -- each case brings us closer to the end of the death penalty in our life time.
Good Luck in all that you do.
Rosalie Bolin
I can hardly believe what I have read here. This victims advocate clearly is truly blinded by the fact that the cases of Oscar Bolin being reversed and retried have not been anything in his control. Who do you think is responsible -- the defendant? That is almost laughable. He has no control.
What is really unbelievable here is that this victims advocate believes that these cases are so solid -- the media has played a big part on his conviction -- the evidence -- from what I know -- is based solely on perjured testimony from an exwife who had motive to lie -- just because someone has been convicted of a crime doesn't mean that they are guilty for everything else that follows -- maybe this defendant knew about the crimes -- it could happend to any of us -- and then, all of a sudden everything is all on you -- and then you have to explain -- where you were four years later-- right.
Just because Rosalie Bolin decided to marry Oscar Bolin that didn't bring more attention to the cases -- they were all in the media before she even came into the picture. The victims families were always all over the media -- demanding that he be executed for these crimes -- I can't tell you how many times I've seen one of those three women bashing this defendant -- he would never get a fair trial -- three grieving mothers -- locked together -- it was unbelievable -- he will never get a fair trial.
It is obvious that they never wanted positive feedback from anyone -- much less someone that people know is not someone who takes up lost causes so easily -- Rosalie Bolin -- has always been kind -- my experiences with her have been too many to count. She has never presented herself badly -- if anything she articulates herself pretty well -- maybe that's the problem -- maybe someone will eventually get it -- now that would be novel -- perhaps, someone will come along and notice -- what is wrong with this picture? Six reversals -- 8 trials -- how is that Oscar's fault? Rosalie's fault?
This is really getting to be somewhat ridiculous- these people are meanspirited and I heard what they did to her in court -- that was terribly inappropriate -- but, you know, Rosalie is a really good person -- she has helped so many people you wouldn't believe it -- defendants' and their families appreciate everything she has done -- and, whatever is said about her -- the people that know her are the lucky ones -- everyone else doesn't matter.
So, sorry for them -- they'll never get closure -- hate is a terrible thing --
Just for the record, I don't hate anyone. And also for the record, I am completely aware that the blame for all of the retrials is on the State, not the defendant. But from a human point of view, my heart goes out to the families because it is not their fault either. I'm sure they had different thoughts about how they would live their lives. And maybe you missed my comments about the "flawed" system. You might be interested to know that inspite of knowing one of his victims personally, I myself have become opposed to the death penalty. For this very reason. For the twenty years that these cases have been drug out because of it. It doesn't work. There is no closure. Had his sentence been life in prison the first 3 convictions, this would have have been over for these families in the early 90's. And nobody would have heard of Rosalie...and we wouldn't be having this debate. I don't fault her her right to believe in life over death, I just don't believe she really thinks he is innocent. I'm done participating in this as well though. The emotions are getting carried away. It's a touchy subject and I don't wish to deal with it in this fashion.
You are unbelievable -- Rosalie was somebody before she married Oscar Bolin -- and marrying him -- believe me was something that was totally out of character -- she did it because she wanted Oscar to know that there was one good person in this world that would help him -- her marriage was long ago over -- perception is a strange thing.
I am sure if you contacted Rosalie she would speak to you -- she is not unapproachable -- she has always wanted to speak to the victims' families -- tell them what she believes -- have they even looked at the documents -- analyzed the evidence -- or have they ever contemplated that he might not have done this but someone else close to him did? Why not? Because that is what law enforcement wants them to believe. There are too many careers that were made of these cases -- how would they explain that they made a mistake? Did they ever think of that? Do you think they have been told the truth? Cheryl Bolin lied to them and they knew it all along -- but, they did nothing to fix it when they found out - Oscar gets convicted -- cases closed -- families happy! So many defendants get railroaded -- nobody cares -- system keeps going -- The discussion is over.
To Anonymous and the other various comments,
I can tell you that the victim's families are not happy over this situation in anyway. My sister was Teri Lynn Matthews and she was murdered by Bolin.
I have spoken with Rosalie before. I have seen the same evidence that Rosalie has seen. I can tell you by training that I don't take anything at face value. I ask my own questions and come to my own conclusions. I have experience in conducting myself as such. I am an award winning investigative journalist and scientist as well. I am currently working on a PhD in biochemistry. I have two undergraduate degrees, with one in pre-law, the other in chemistry. I worked at the US Attorney's Office in Detroit during my pre-law degree. I think I have the background to be skeptical and inquiring.
Bolin's guilt is not in doubt by anyone in the system except apparently his wife. You can even purchase a copy of Bolin's confession on the internet. There is so much evidence against Bolin in my sister's case including a relative who was an eyewitness to the actual murder. The legal system will churn through and the outcome will be as it should, verdict upheld.
The debate of the death penalty is valid and should continue. It is a difficult subject and all should weigh in their opinion on it as is the duty of citizens of a democracy. I have no conflict with a debate on the subject and welcome it. I don't know that there are any right or wrong answers on this. It is a difficult subject to confront and we as a family would never have dealt with it if it had not been forced to our doorstep. My family understands the death penalty only too well as it was imposed on my sister and the other young women without benefit of trial, jury, appeals or mercy. Bolin is probably the most pro-death penalty person I have ever seen as he as carried it out so effortlessly on many young women. Bolin only has a problem with the death penalty as it applies to himself.
What concerns me is the picture painted of the three mothers and other family members as villians in all of this. The mothers never asked to have their daughters brutally attacked and murdered and left like road kill by the side of the road. No one asks to have vultures circling their daughter's body or to see their child on the news in a bodybag. That is the realtiy of what these women have gone through.
No one that I have heard or spoken to in all of this has wished any harm to Rosalie nor made any threats. I feel on one level sorry for her. Being the skeptic that I am, during the 1996 trial I saw her drive a mercedes to the courthouse. I read her quoted in the paper as saying she was going to make a million dollars off of her story. She had signed a deal with an agent who was working on a movie and book deal for her. She covered about every talk show I could think of. When I was on a show with her, she was the only one of all the guests to arrive wearing a fur coat. It just seemed that other things were motivating her than helping a death row inmate. I can only go by my observations, and how she conducted herself in the media and the quotes she gave. I know that there are a thousand Rosalie's for whatever reason. Every death row inmate has women that write to them, send them gifts, marry them. I have no idea why but I know this is such a common occurance. However, it was just one more thing that added pain to what the families were going through.
I can only share what I have learned throughout this ordeal. Love your family and tell them everyday. Live your passions and be thankful for each day that you are granted. Live your life with purpose. I am going to begin my work soon on the AIDS virus and I hope that my small contriubtion will help others. It is with purpose that I conduct each day of my life. Teri has inspired me to work to make the world a better place. I feel like I have to replace some of the good that was taken when Teri was torn from this world.
Civia (Kellie) Katz
Civia (Kellie) Katz
I love my family and tell them everyday. I am thankful for every day I have an opportunity to help those that don't get the benefit of having a loving and compassionate family. And, I am very sorry for your loss. I never wanted to hurt you or anyone else. And, I am very sorry if I ever offended anyone. I am tyring to help someone who never had a chance. I see it differently and I apologize if that I hurt you or your mother or Ms. Collins or Ms. Holley.
My children and my mother have been very deeply affected by the comments made about me through the media. They also see this differently. I have never abandoned my children. I am divorced from their father and married someone else. Oscar is not popular. He can offer me nothing, but I care about him and about the criminal process. I do this job because I see that once the criminal process begins, and defendants are not represented by a "million dollar" lawyer, they are lost in the system. No one cares. This is my passion. Everyone deserves a chance. They may have done terrible things, but there is an explanation, not an excuse. I really do believe Oscar is innocent. I believe that one day the truth will come out, and Kellie sometimes things aren't as they appear. That lady in a fur coat that you saw that day does care. Those were material things that I gave up long ago. Yes, I do have nice things but they do not motivate me. And, I have never made any money off Oscar Bolin (not a million dollars or a penny). I have never billed one cent for all the time I have put into these cases for the last ten years. You really don't know what I've been through to get me to the point all those years ago. Only then could you maybe understand. I am sure you might think of me differently. I am so sorry that you have such a low opinion of me. Truly, I am not meanspirited or wish anyone ill will.
Over the last ten years I have learned a lot. And, I have put myself in your position, your mother's position. And, many times I would not have been as gracious as you. But, please remember, I also have children who love me, and every time these trials come up they are very affected by the things that are said about me. I am not on trial. I have not committed any crime by caring about Oscar. I represent people who have been accused of terrible things but I do not judge them. I accept who they are and try and explain the circumstance. Revenge and retribution are terrible. Forgiveness and Compassion are things that I teach my children.
I hope this "blog" helps you better understand my position. And, I wish you and your family a safe and loving holiday.
Respectfully,
Rosalie Bolin
Rosalie,
Murder is terrible, rape is terrible, kidnapping is terrible. Following the rule of law in prosecuting a criminal case is not revenge, is not retribution. It’s called justice. If you murder, if you rape and if you kidnap you will be judged. Someone must stand in judgment and we call them jurors. My personal opinion as a family member of a victim has no place in the judicial system. I had no voice in the trial, I had no say in the evidence or the verdict. I was a passenger on this train ride like all of the other family members.
You say Bolin is innocent. You’ve had eight trials to prove it. You will have a ninth. Good luck. It’s over Rosalie. The claim and proof of innocence is done. That bus has come and gone.
The question for you is what you will do with your life. If you have found your calling as an investigator for the worst of the worst in our society than more power to you. Everyone deserves representation, everyone deserves their day in court. You got divorced because you said you had issues in your marriage, well, you’ve joined half the country in that one, nothing unusual there. No one accused you of abandoning your children, I think I asked you how you could make this man the step-father to your children and I still can’t fathom that one.
Your personal choices are ones I would not have made, but that is your business till it infringes on the lives of others and that is what you have done. You are no victim in this. Rosalie, the wife of a criminal attorney, a mitigation specialist, a court reporter, a mother was not going to be on 20/20, was not going to have talk shows calling her, was not going to have an agent, book deal and movie deal on the burner. But Rosalie who left a good life and married a serial killer would.
You say you are trying to help someone who never had a chance. I’m trying to find justice for those young girls who never had a chance. Teri never had a chance once the knife was at her throat, she never had a chance once she was stabbed, then stabbed again and again for about 9 more times, she was near death when her ceratoid artery was cut. She was done when the tire buddy hit her head the first time, making the other 14 blows a moot point. She was gone to us all when the buzzards circled over her body, the last testament to Bolin’s work.
So don’t talk to me about trying to help someone who never had a chance, my family are experts on this subject.
You don’t like what people say about you or how they look at you or whatever your complaint is, I have some advice. Don’t talk to the media and you won’t be in the papers. Don’t write on blogs and people won’t respond. Don’t make your life and choices a public spectacle and people won’t respond, care or say one thing about you because they won’t even know who you are. Stay at home, away from the media and you won’t be in the media, it’s that simple. Don’t show up, give an interview, then complain about the publicity. Life is full of choices and quite frankly you have made some whoppers, and now you complain about the way you are perceived. What do you think these choices were going to make you look like, Mother Teresa?
What you do not seem to understand is that none of this is about you. This is about several young women, and I mean several, not just the three women whose murders Bolin has been tried for, who did not have the chance to live their lives. They did not get to go to college, get married, buy a house, have children, and live a normal life. This is about what happened to these innocent young women whose only crime was being young, beautiful, female and in the wrong place at the wrong time. I want to celebrate their lives. I want people to remember their lives, not their murders.
The trials are almost over, the media will soon be done with the story and they will be done with your story as well. There will be other news stories on the burner, new killers, new trials. It’s time to move on Rosalie. Let the families of the victims have some peace. Let your family have some peace. I wish for your family and mine and all other families affected by this to find peace and happiness in their lives, to find meaning and direction. It is time to reach for the good, to leave what is terrible behind. A fresh start is in order.
I know you love your children, that you are passionate about your work, these are good things. If you ask me to understand your marriage and media carnage, I cannot. I hope you will uncover the truth because you are really the only one who can. I hope Bolin will tell you the truth of what he has done so all of the families can know the truth and several more cases can be closed at various police departments. That is where the real story is Rosalie, the one the media would report on. I hope you do that someday for everyone involved in this, including yourself. That continues to be my wish.
I wish your family a good New Year and I wish all peace and joy.
To new beginnings,.
Kellie
Kellie,
I was in a terrible accident a few days ago and my car was totaled. The state trooper told me that I was lucky to be alive. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. My children were so frightened that just like that my life could have been taken away. I thought about what it must have been like for you all. I really did. The trooper recognized me and asked me why I was married to Oscar. Again, I was overwhelmed. I am reexamining my life. I do want to do the right thing.
And, be sure, I want the persons responsible for these murders exposed. It simply is not that black and white.
Oscar has been convicted 8 times and I realize that the evidence has grown weaker each time. I had only wished that I would have been involved from the beginning. I would not have been in this position all these years. It would have been done right from the start. There would not have been all these retrials.
There is so much you don't know because law enforcement has kept so much from you. It truly does infuriate me. They have lied to you guys. And that certainly is not your fault but you must wonder to yourselves that I must know something to be so passionate about this case. I am not a stupid woman and I have worked on literally hundreds of murder cases.
One day Kellie you will know the truth and then maybe then you will understand. I pray so anyway.
Thank you for wishing my family well. The girls are all so grown up now. I only have 2 left at home and soon they will be on there way. Being with Oscar has been at great personal sacrifice and it has not been without much reflection. I can tell you this - had I had a better support system 10 years ago - my actions may have been a little different. I truly do regret any misconceptions of my actions. I really never wanted to hurt anyone. My actions were entirely knee jerk to what was happening and I got caught up in it - no excuse but an explanation. I hope you can forgive me.
Rosalie
Rosalie,
I’m sorry to hear about your car accident. One of my children was in a car accident with their friends and both cars were totaled, in fact the other car flipped over from the impact. It was one of the worst nights of my life. Everyone survived which was a miracle. That is the point though, life can end so suddenly and when it’s your child it’s all the worse.
I do sympathize for you and your daughters, knowing the trauma a terrible accident brings. But take that amount of trauma and pain you feel now, and imagine how many times greater it would be if one of your daughters had been lost. And it was no one’s fault. Imagine how you would feel if you lost a daughter to someone who brutally ripped her from this life. Trust me, you don’t ever want to be in that place.
Though I know you have been hurt by the accusations against your husband and yourself, there is no denying what your husband has done. If you think you are the only one who has spoken directly with people involved in the trials that is certainly not the case. No matter how much you believe something, that will not change the evidence or the convictions.
So again it comes back to what will you do with your life? It is one of those moments that requires having the wisdom to tell the difference between what you can and can’t change. Crossing lines that were not meant to be crossed bring consequences with it. I’m sure the decisions you have made have required great sacrifices. A teacher can be passionate about teaching but that does not mean it’s appropriate to marry a student or a psychiatrist that specializes in paranoid schizophrenics should probably not consider marrying one of their patients.
I suspect that you married young and went right from your parent’s house to your husband’s house and then right to your current situation. You never had the chance to be your own person. That explains a lot to me.
I don’t think some of the choices you made in your personal life were good ones or well thought out. But again these are my opinions, each of us must live with the decisions that we make. I believe each person needs to reflect and examine their life from time to time. Only out of examination can we make the course corrections to live a more meaningful life. I do believe you are intelligent and have a lot to offer the world but I don’t believe your legacy was meant to be wife of a serial killer. I would hope there is a greater destiny for you
Enjoy the time you have with your children, it goes so fast.
Kellie
Rosalie-
You have been of great support to me, my brother, my mom, my dad, and my brother's girlfriend since Oct 2003. We love you and respect you and don't ever doubt that. You are a wonderul person with a heart of gold.
I happen to work at the prison Oscar Bolin is currently incarcerated in, However It is not him I wish to Comment on.
It is the fact that alot of women marry death row inmates.This is a issue that I have a very hard time comprehending.Women come from as far away as Sweden to visit, and become there girlfriends, and some marry.
What do these men have to offer. Forget that they are convicted of horrible crimes. What can they do for you? , they cant send flowers, they cant hold you when u cry,..What is the fascanation?
As far as Rosalie, I see her on a regular basis, She comes to see Oscar on Friday as his investigator, and Sat and Sun as his wife. Go figure that. But all in all , she has always been a very pleasant person, and always nice.
Oh yes, Let him out, let him out, let him out. Please, please, please. But I will need his address.
-Blanche's sis
Rosalie Bolin is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. And for the one of you who posted that she does not care about her daughters... your wrong. It's been clost to three years now since you posted that statement. I hope you were happy with yourself. One of Rosalie's daughters just had a baby. Her daughters happen to be the only thing that comes before Oscar. I guess I am frustrated by your accusations and your prejudice to the situation. I have been to death row and I have visited inmates there many times. I know Rosalie well. We have been close for many years. And yes, I even know Oscar. He is an intelligent man that cares about nothing other than Rosalie and making sure that she knows he loves her when they are in that visiting park. While I guess I can understand the frustration from the victims family, you need to realize that he has a right to love and be loved. That happens to be a liberty that you can't take away from him. No One can. You really need to let Rosalie Bolin continue with her life with out all of the persecution over who she fell in love with. And the one who complained about the suits he wore in court... get over it.
Rosalie Bolin targeted death row inmate Mike Lambrix when he dared to expose her privileged position at the prison. She was nasty and vindicative and refused to take down her defamatory blog even when he was forced to take down his accusations.
She may help some of the inmates but she is poison to others.
see her rant michaellambrixtheliar
You have got to be kidding. Michael Lambrix is known for being a snitch. He can not even leave his cell. I know him. I am a guard. He is a POS. It is well known that Rosalie Bolin did nothing to him. He attacked her for nothing. Michael Lambrix is a user and whoever is putting this stuff on the internet about her is just like him. Why won't people leave her alone? She has done nothing but help people. I see her all the time helping anyone that asks her. What does Michael Lambrix do but take up air. Why doesn't the governor sign his warrant already? And, as for Oscar Bolin, he is very quiet and does not say one word to anyone. He keeps to himself. He reads all day long. So whoever is reading this you do not know anything. If you believe anything you should ask someone who really knows. Retards.
Yeah Rosalie, you'd know for sure because you are so up and close with the guards aren't you? Al those extra priviledges you get, extra visits, getting the guards to issue false drs.
I'm another deathrow wife, Rosalie and I agree with anonymous. There are quite a few of us who resented seeing you getting all those extra priviledges while your husband was at Union. It's not fair that you get the extra visits while we don't.
How can you possibly advocate for the execution of a prisoner because he wrote things you didn't like in a blog?
You really are a tough and nasty cookie, just like your husband.
Rosalie, You are obviously BLIND to the facts. Stephanie was a wonderful girl. She had a piece of paper with Ray written on it and his car tag number. She was seen with him in a van. He bludgeoned her to death. He would do the same to your daughters if they were pretty and available. That is why people hate you. Because you refuse to see the truth. At some level you mucy know the truth. It must eat away at you.
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