Sockpuppets of Robert Coltte (Bernard Red Cherries)

During the various public discussions in the Spring and Summer of 2009, Robert Coltte/Bernard Red Cherries seemed to have some defenders. Some of these appeared to be family members of Coltte/Red Cherries. Others appeared to be various other people. Closer examination revealed that all but two or three of these “people” were in fact one person: Robert Coltte/Bernard Red Cherries.

I’m not going to give too many technical details of how I’ve arrived at these conclusions. But let’s put it this way: Coltte not only had a very distinctive writing style, he used the exact same computer to post comments in his own defense, under a variety of aliases.  Some of the aliases he used were the names of real people, who were in another state or even another country at the time he posted from this computer, pretending to be these people. Sometimes he even signed with an alias but used an email address known to be his. If I say a particular name is Coltte/Red Cherries posting under that name, I have a very high confidence level that this is true. If the evidence seems ambivalent, I will say so. [NB: I am not an expert at intertextual analysis and the relatively small writing sample sizes of some of these writers makes this a less than ideal method. What I do have is a large and varied selection of original writing definitely by Coltte/Red Cherries for comparison. When combined with internet traffic logging and tracking, I can often be very certain of my conclusions.]

In Part 3: Comments from Pudgy Indian 2 – “We’ve Been Had”, the following people posting are Coltte/Red Cherries: “anonymous…isn’t it a classic” and “anonymous known only to Lois”.  In Part 5: Comments from Pudgy Indian 2 – “Kill the Messenger”,  “Wilbur Hawk,” “A friend of the Red Cherries F,” and “Lori Red Cherries” are all the same person posting, with IP address and intertextual analysis indicating Coltte/Red Cherries as the writer.

“anonymous2 – since everyine el” and “anonymous2 – ” are not obviously Coltte/Red Cherries but the writing contains some of his distinctive stylistic quirks along with further threats to his victims. I lack certain data to reach a definitive ID on these writers but inter-textual analysis indicates they are both probably Coltte/Red Cherries.

While Sandra (Sandy) Lipe, who comments in Part 7: Comments from Pudgy Indian 2 – “Apologies”, and Casandra (Cassie) Mehlow (Part 3: Comments from Pudgy Indian 2 – “We’ve Been Had”) are identifiable real people, in the past Coltte has posted in his own defense pretending to be one of these women. The argument for these two writers/posters here actually being the people they claim to be is that neither post actually defends him. Mehlow’s post in particular simply states that he wasn’t violently abusive to her all of the time (only some of the time), and that he had apologized for some of the abuse. As snapshots of abusive relationships and manipulated victims, these comments are hardly a very good defense or even a very good denial of Coltte’s alleged abusive behavior of other women. Additionally, recent court records indicate that Coltte pleaded no contest to a domestic violence assault that involved one of his known victims. (See updated Arrests page)

This is not an exhaustive examination of the comments “defending” Coltte/Red Cherries. It is clear that in the vast majority of instances, Coltte/Red Cherries is pretending to be different people in order to give the illusion that he has supporters willing to vouch for his character. In reality, he is almost the sole person speaking in his own defense through false accounts and names.

Warrants for Robert Coltte (Bernard Red Cherries)

Here is my dilemma:  I have in my possession copies of official documents which I’m not comfortable publishing on The Abuse Papers. I have verified the authenticity of these criminal complaints against Robert Coltte/Bernard Red Cherries to my satisfaction. But since one of the five counts is for rape, I cannot in good conscience publish too many identifying details of the location or the time frame in the complaints here. There are rape shield laws to protect the identity of the victim among other considerations. Violations of rape shield laws are taken very seriously by the courts. I place a very high priority on protecting victims from further harm as well. In almost every case I have knowledge of, Coltte/Red Cherries has continued to harass victims, sometimes for decades. His criminal record certainly shows him capable of violence.

Until now, I have done my best to minimize my interpretation of the evidence of Coltte/Red Cherries’ criminal record. I’ve provided screen shots and links to public records wherever possible rather than have my reader trust my reporting or opinion. I can’t do that in this instance. To remove identifying details on the original criminal complaint documents to my satisfaction, I would have to obscure the overwhelming majority of each page in the series.

Instead, I am going to quote from these documents, removing (redacting) any sensitive information which might identify a victim.

The first criminal complaint names the defendant as “Bernard L Red Cherries Jr.” of “Portland, OR” [includes last known specific street address of the defendant, confirmed but redacted];  DOB –/–/1962 [month and day redacted to prevent identity theft but the date of birth (DOB) on these criminal complaints is exactly the same as the DOB on all prison, arrest, and court records for Coltte/Red Cherries I have seen (e.g. here, here, here, and here among others.)] There are four (4) separate counts of specific offenses listed in this document. This also appears to be a warrant for the arrest of the defendant on these charges.

• Count 1: “THREAT TO COMMIT CRIME… On [date redacted] did threaten to commit a crime against the person or property of another, to wit: murder, in violation of [specific law redacted].”
• Count 2:  “THREAT TO COMMIT CRIME… On [date redacted] did threaten to commit a crime against the person or property of another, to wit: murder, in violation of [specific law redacted].”
• Count 3: “RAPE… On [date redacted] did assault a person with the intent to commit rape, and did commit rape upon such person, in violation of [specific law redacted]. …upon conviction, must register as a sex offender pursuant to [specific law redacted].”
• Count 4: “A&B… On [date redacted] did assault and beat [redacted], in violation of [specific law redacted].”

A second criminal complaint names the defendant again as “Bernard L Red Cherries Jr.” of “Portland, OR”;  DOB –/–/1962 [see DOB redaction note above.] There is one (1) count of a specific offense listed in this document.

• Count 1: “ABUSE PREVENTION ORDER, VIOLATE [specific law redacted] On [date redacted] did fail to comply with a court order to refrain from abuse, to vacate the household, multiple family dwelling or workplace, to have no contact with the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s minor child(ren), or to surrender any license to carry firearms and/or firearms identification cards which the defendant held, or to surrender all firearms, rifles, shotguns, machine guns and ammunition which the defendant then controlled, owned or possessed, issued under the provisions of  [specific laws redacted], or a protection order issued by another jurisdiction, as defined by [specific laws redacted].”

In summary, these documents show that Coltte/Red Cherries is charged with two counts of threats to commit murder, one count of rape, one count of assault and battery, and one count of violating an abuse prevention order. My best information is that the warrant for his arrest is still active as of July, 2012.

Part 3: Comments from Pudgy Indian 2 – “We’ve Been Had”

That sucks, eh? Well, Eugene, we’ve all been taken for a ride at some point.

Your heart was in the right place.

Dade | Homepage | 03.25.09 – 11:28 am | #

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Thank you.

Anonymous | 03.25.09 – 12:23 pm | #

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It does suck, Dade, but it also has to be made right. It sucks we’ve been had, but now that we know, we need to make things right on our end, as Shusli has demonstrated on her blog.

You’re welcome, anonymous.

Eugene | Homepage | 03.25.09 – 3:17 pm | #

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For the record, this guy also spells his name “Bernard Red Cherries” and uses the alias “Robert Coltte” or “Robert Oliver Coltte”

Anonymous | 03.25.09 – 4:24 pm | #

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Thanks again, anonymous, those words are very helpful in getting the information out about this guy.

Shusli had good instincts about the guy. I missed it completely, I guess wanting to believe. I should have recognized something in the behavior of Della. I apologize for not, and hope this is making amends for it.

I apologize to my wife, Shusli, too, for not paying more attention to her excellent instincts. She does indeed have excellent instincts. Teach me for not listening.

Eugene | Homepage | 03.25.09 – 7:51 pm | #

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I couldn’t figure out how to leave a comment on Shusli’s blog, so I’m posting it here, hoping maybe Martha will see this page too.

Martha, I am so grateful to you for speaking out about this, and to Shusli for posting your letter.

You probably know it already, but you and Della and the rest of your family were not Bernard’s last victims. He has harmed others. I am one of the people he assaulted.

It’s going to catch up to him. Legally, spiritually, however. The man is a criminal and he can only run for so long.

Bernard/Robert has fooled a lot of people, but those of us who’ve had the bad fortune to live with him know the truth about what he is.

Anonymous | 03.25.09 – 10:05 pm | #

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Wow, anonymous. I’ll make sure Shusli knows about this comment and reads it and can reply to Martha’s e-mail. Holy shit! Much healing to all of you, and much justice to Bernard/Robert.

Eugene | Homepage | 03.26.09 – 11:51 am | #

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Should I feel guilty that I wished my child’s rapist dead…fantasized about killing him…prayed for justice…and then he died of an epileptic seizure in his mid 20’s?

Well, I don’t. I’m glad he died. I consider it justice from a higher source, as does my now-grown child. The law would not help me when I sought justice.

You are right, Anonymous, when you say it will catch up to Bernard Red Cherries.

Shusli | Homepage | 03.26.09 – 12:59 pm | #

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Yeah…I thought that name sounded familiar. I remember 12 or 15 years ago, something called the “Lakota Declaration of War Agains…” was floating around Portland. I was regularly going to sweats over at Dorothy A.’s place and people were worried; some of the guys who’d just come out of OSP were frothing at the mouth over the “exploiters,” and threatening all kinds of stuff. Some of my level-thinking friends knew Bernard and were surprised to see him involved in this. Now, it kind of makes sense: people who scream the loudest about one thing or another are too often trying to silence their own consciences—like the preachers yelling about sin and who mess around with kids.

talapus pete | Homepage | 03.26.09 – 2:24 pm | #

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Shusli has taken down her blog. I hope it’s temporary. But I’m reposting Martha’s letter and some of the comments here: This is Google’s cache of http://deathandconscience.blogsp…tories- and.html. It is a snapshot of the page as it appeared on 19 Apr 2009 02:21:50 GMT:

Hi I am Della’s older sister Martha and I just thought you should know some of the facts about this case. Della is not missing she is in state custody. At that time she was missing but Bernard was under strict instruction not to be anywhere near her or have any contact with her, he had a restraining order for the things he had done to his daughter. Being his step-daughter at one time I know them not to be false. I myself, my two younger brothers, mother, and Della went through a great deal of abuse by this man. These things I will never forget, all though I’ve tried. As of right now Della is waiting to go to court for a measure 11 offense she committed. I don’t blame anyone but Robert for the way she is, I couldn’t image everything that she had to endure living with him but I had a small taste of it compared to my little sister. Next time I will hope you check your facts or at least your source. This man is not to be trusted in any degree. The last I heard he had a warrant in the Portland area for some of the same behavior I’ve seen from him during my years in his house. Thanks for your time.

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Martha

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Ann said…

You are my hero, Martha. I applaud you for coming forward, for Della, for you and the rest of the family, and for everyone who has been harmed by this man. I pray for your healing, and for justice.

Thank you, Rhonda, for posting this. It’s very important that people know Bernard Redcherries (aka Bernard Red Cherries aka Robert Coltte) is not what he pretends to be. Like Martha said, he cannot be trusted, his word is worth nothing. He is abusive and dangerous.

March 30, 2009 4:25 PM

lisa said…

Dude belongs Back in Jail: Bernard Red Cherries aka

Robert Coltte prison record: http://dcs-inmatesearch.ne.gov/C…let? DcsId=37720 and http://lancjes2.lincoln.ne.gov/ L…Case=1986100043

Those poor kids.

April 2, 2009 1:11 PM

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I can confirm that Martha is who she says she is, and that what she says is true.

Anonymous | 04.26.09 – 5:03 am | #

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MAYBE NOT THE FIRST BUT DEFINATELY NOT THE LAST! AS I SIT HEAR AND READ ALL OF THESE PEOPLES TRUETHS AGAIN IN MY MIND – I THINK “MY DAUGHTER MARTHA ONCE AGAIN STOOD UP FOR NOT ONLY HER MOTHER, SISTERS & BROTHERS WHILE LIVING IN BERNARDS HOME IN LAME DEER BUT SHE HAS THE COUARGE TO SHOW ME ONCE AGAIN THAT THIS WAS THE TRUTH AND I DONT HAVE TO BE AFRAID TO SAY IT, PUBLICLY. SORRY I AM NOT VERY EDUCATED, OR INTUITIVE BUT I DO HAVE ALOT OF FEELINGS. I M SORRY TO SAY MY DAUGHTER: DELLA ANN RED CHERRIES IS NOW IN COFFEE CREEK – STATE PRISON IN OREGON. I AM SAYING THANK YOU MARTHA FOR ALWAYS BEING THE LEVEL HEADED, STRONG & PAINFULLY HONEST WOMEN YOU HAVE GROWN INTO. MY GRANDSON IS LUCKY TO HAVE YOU HELPING HIM ALONG NOT LETTING ANY HURT HIM FOR ANY REASON.

MY NAME IS LOIS AND I AM MARTHAS MOM.

BERNARD HAS NEVER EVER SAID HE WAS SORRY TO ME OR MY CHILDREN AFTER ALL THE FIVE(5) YEARS WE SUFFERED FOR “THE CHEYENNE PEOPLE” LIVING IN LAME DEER, MT.

THANK YOU WE ALL NEED PRAYERS…

ONE OF THE EX’S | 04.26.09 – 3:00 pm | #

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Dear Lois, I am so moved by reading your words. I thank you and Martha for your courage. You have helped me and I pray for you now.

I am another Ex who was badly abused by Bernard Red Cherries. He convinced my family to take him in, with his claims of visions and all the ways he needed me to help “save the Cheyenne people”. He lured me in with prayer and songs, but I wound up with rape, battering, my savings stolen, and him still stalking me, threatening to kill me and my family. I pray he gets arrested soon. I now realize that pretty much everything he told me is a lie.

So much of what he told me about his past relationships and children, and who was whose mother, even how many children and exes he had, makes no sense now. He told me all his children had the same mother, and he didn’t tell me he’d done hard time in prison for harming others. No surprise; he’s a liar. He cares about no one but himself. He lied about EVERYTHING. And his big PR move about “Protection of Ceremonies” was just that – a PR move to try and cover the fact that he has been selling ceremony, abusing ceremony, and trying to sell out to new agers. I would love to talk to you if Eugene could set up some way for us to exchange contact information in private. I know of other victims, too.

Lois, my prayers for you, for Della, for Martha, for all of us who have been harmed by this evil man. This man who plays the victim and “spiritual leader”, but who lies constantly, violating everything he claims to stand for, desecrating the memory of his ancestors. Abusing women and children, stealing from elders, selling ceremony while claiming to fight the very abuses he engages in. He even claims to have volunteered at Youth organizations!

I hope he tries to pray or do ceremony, and Maheo and all his ancestors give him what he deserves. This is my prayer.

Yet another Ex who suffered | 04.26.09 – 5:45 pm | #

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I’m really taken back by what one little e-mail has generated. Honestly I’m shocked people took time to listen. It’s been many many years coming and I’m glad people are finally seeing what we saw all those years. Thank you, all of you. I never thought of my self as a strong person I’m only doing what I thought was right for my family. For me it is justice just having people acknowledge what he has done not only to my family but others as well. I can remeber one to many times people of authority turned their backs on us because Robert was a medicine man to his people. To young children it destroys a sense of trust in those figures. Any of those who know him like I do understand it’s not easy facing those memories but I’m not seven anymore and I’m not going to let him have that hold on me any longer. I will never forgive or forget but I will pray for him. As to my little sister I’m only sorry I couldn’t help her more than what I’m doing right now. To my mother, wow, I never knew you saw me like that. To Rhonda thank you once again for seeing both sides of the story. For everyone else thanks for outing Bernard Redcherries, Robert Coltte, or whatever name he chooses to go by now or in the future.

Thanks once again for simply listening

Martha | Homepage | 04.28.09 – 3:02 am | #

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This is an interesting thread on Red Cherries, and I appreciate some information being here to substantiate some of the claims.

What I am hoping to find is some information of who can I contact in the Northern or Southern Cheyenne Nation, in regards to his leadership credentials that he claims in his statements. At least someone with credibility and will speak with me

I am the kind of person that needs facts to make a determination, and I met Bernard in Seattle right after they lifted the border closings in 2001. I enjoyed his company and we discussed the exploitation of Native spirituality. Later, he was campaigning on the protection of ceremonies. And I didn’t have any contact with him until earlier last year.

I got him invited to an event in West Yellowstone and we spoke about frauds and exploitations of ceremonies. When we left, I thought things were good for us, but I learned recently that he is “supposed” to have written a statement against me last September, which only materialized recently. I sent him a message, but have yet to hear from him.

In trying to locate him, I hear that he is in Oklahoma drinking. And then I hear that the titles he has claimed has been stripped from him some time ago.

I haven’t seen this particular thread before, and there seems to be some effort at stating facts and personal experiences. We had heard some things before about his relationships, but only from his point of view. Now I can see there is an obvious pattern emerging from all of his relationships. I’m sorry that some of you had to go through all this. I wished that you didn’t have to.

If anyone is interested in contacting me, I can be reached bencarnesdoteaglecouncildotcom. Thanks, Ben

Ben Carnes | 05.02.09 – 4:31 pm | #

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Psst…..hey knucklehead, Eugene…..where’s your proof? Consider the sources, and NO… statements from scorned new age white women will not work either. Present your evidence…re.”Legal decisions and sentencing dates”. Until then practice being a skin.

It is not your fault that you are obviously suffering from survivor decendents syndrome.

Until you are able to prove any alledged retoric, I suggest you stick to the issues you most claim to represent,…(ie. Genocide).

In response to the unproven responses by these in question to this group listing I say……to use this public forum to attack the character of a well known spiritual leader without proof, today makes me ashamed to be white.

Honor and Integrity?????

anonymous…isn’t it a classic | 05.06.09 – 10:15 am | #

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Lois is a liar. And so are those who continue there attacks on Mr Red Cherries….without a thread of proof. In Indian country we call it welfare and commoditie cheese syndrome. I was one of the guys that bedded down Lois when she convinced me that she was single, and gave me a hardluck story of abuse,,,,,I was infected by her with syphilliss. You know me lois, and martha….sad but after years I apologized to Bernard finally. And he prayed with me. So maybe pudgy lil Indian and his captured white wife need to consider the source? huh? fairs fair…And then life goes on…..

anonymous known only to Lois, | 05.06.09 – 4:49 pm | #

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And so Bernard continues his verbal abuse via the Internet. Those of us who know him recognize his speaking, writing and lying style all too well. We know his style of abuse. There is plenty of hard evidence of what he’s done, and he is on the run from it. He knows where to turn himself in when he’s ready to “man up”.

This has always been his pattern: rather than seek healing through traditional means, rather than apologize to those he has harmed and seek a way to make restitution, he continues his abuse and attempts at intimidation long-distance. A woman’s past sexual history, if any, and her religion, if any, is never an excuse for physically assaulting her.

And women who reject a man and leave him after he physically assaults them are hardly “scorned”.

If the above “two” posters are not him, which I seriously doubt, they are those who barely know him. They’ve certainly never been married to him, though I assume that’s the next lie he will post, pretending to be a “supporter” of himself.

As to his statements of being, “a well known spiritual leader,” I suggest you talk to those in his former home community in Lame Deer. I think you’ll find that what the traditionals and elders there have to say about him is starkly different from his claims about himself on the Internet.

Yet another Ex who suffered | 05.06.09 – 6:05 pm | #

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And so Bernard continues his verbal abuse via the Internet. Those of us who know him recognize his speaking, writing and lying style all too well. We know his style of abuse. There is plenty of hard evidence of what he’s done, and he is on the run from it. He knows where to turn himself in when he’s ready to “man up”.

This has always been his pattern: rather than seek healing through traditional means, rather than apologize to those he has harmed and seek a way to make restitution, he continues his abuse and attempts at intimidation long-distance. A woman’s past sexual history, if any, and her religion, if any, is never an excuse for physically assaulting her.

And women who reject a man and leave him after he physically assaults them are hardly “scorned”.

If the above “two” posters are not him, which I seriously doubt, they are those who barely know him. They’ve certainly never been married to him, though I assume that’s the next lie he will post, pretending to be a “supporter” of himself.

As to his statements about himself being “a well known spiritual leader,” I suggest you speak with the traditionals and elders in his former home community of Lame Deer. I think you’ll find that what they have to say stands in stark contrast to his claims about himself on the Internet.

Yet another Ex who suffered | 05.06.09 – 6:16 pm | #

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I have to agree with the above poster who asked the question:”Honor and Integrity”?

Lisa posts links to Bernard’s “prison record”, a record from when he was 24 years old. I think that everyone who knows Bernard knows about that particular event from Bernard himself. Perhaps those of you who do not know (those charges stemmed from him helping out a skin that was being beaten by some whites guys) should take the time to do the research and learn about the facts before posting as if you are a “know-it-all” and that he is some sort of “vile criminal”. Besides, those charges do not in any way relate to these lies nor can they be used to prove these lies. That in itself is laughable.

A good number of the people pointing fingers at Bernard in here also have prison records, juvi records, etc. Maybe we should make those peoples “records” available on here as well? Maybe we should begin with posting Lois and Martha’s “criminal records”?

Ben Carnes is asking for verification from the Cheyenne on Bernard, maybe we should be asking for his own “verification of leadership credentials”, as I was told that this Mr. Carnes claims to be a spiritual leader himself and apparently has some fingers pointing at him as well. And maybe Mr. Carnes “criminal record” should be made available here as well?

My point being that there is a lot of innuendo flying around in here as if it were fact. Where are the facts? Where are the links to Bernard being charged with all this alleged abuse, all these alleged rapes? Where are the “criminal records” to prove these allegations? Oh wait, we have a link to a “driving under the influence” charge in Oklahoma recently, that must prove all these lies to be truth huh? How many of you have a DUI somewhere in your past or present? Truthfully, I do not know very many skins that do not have one! Sadly alcohol is a problem, I think we all know that.

I guess that I am saying: take a good long hard look at yourselves before pointing fingers at another. I do not think it is very smart to try to discredit this man when you have way worse skeletons in your own closet. Martha and Lois should think about what is in their own closets before telling these lies. And they should remember that there are those of us who do know the truth.

Maybe someone should be asking what Della thinks about all these lies about her Dad. I do know what Della thinks, not only about her Dad and the deep respect she holds for him, but also the utter lack of respect she holds for her “by birthright only” mother (her own words) and her half sister Martha. I also know that Martha and Lois’ only motivation in doing any of this is: money. I know this from Della’s own words.

So, some of you have indeed been duped. Not in the way that you think though. Just some food for thought. Personally, I am sick of this sort of thing and sicker still by the people that will jump on the bandwagon to attack good people without even knowing any of the facts

anonymous2 – since everyine el | 05.06.09 – 7:20 pm | #

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This is simply ridiculous. Shame on you all.

anonymous2 – | 05.06.09 – 7:22 pm | #

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to:”Yet another Ex who suffered”

(and yes we know who you are)

You are so wrong in your assumptions, just as you are in your lies. I know for a fact that Bernard did not write either of those posts, he was on the phone with me when they were being posted! And here are a few more facts for you: he has no internet access where he is, he was just informed of this blog, or whatever it is, yesterday evening, and he will issue a statement as soon as he is able to.

He asked me to tell you all that he is deeply saddened by all of this. But that he will not quit and will not back down. He will continue to be Della’s Dad and will continue to fight to get her sentence reduced and to support her in every way that he can. Something that her “other” family has never done and still is not doing.

This attack on him is without truth, without proof and is deplorable. Especially as it has come on the heels of a number of deaths in our family this past year. He lost his daughter in June, his mother in November, and his sister very recently! My brother is still grieving and mourning these losses and trying to heal.

All of this, is just a bunch of wild, ugly and unfounded allegations, that will be proven to be lies in the end. None of you have any facts, just a bunch of ugly lies. Again I say, shame on you all.

For reasons none of you need to know, that is all I will say on this for now.

anonymous2 – | 05.06.09 – 10:19 pm | #

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Are not all of you being abusive? When you point fingers that is abuse. I have never been into the gossip, pointing fingers, or try to disrespect anyone , and I know better to disrespect a leader.I met Bernard and Della in 2001 and was with him until 2005,left then he wanted me back in 2007 and I left him again May, 6th 2008. We had our fights and arguements like anyone else and yes somethings got out of hand but it didnt last.

He didnt choose to be who he is, his elders did long time ago. No one has been in his shoes.no one knows his pain he has carried all his life. He has cried for his people, I have witnessed him saving people’s life, I cant even count.I witnessed him helping ppl in need in money, food, work on their home or property without asking for anything in return. He has always fought for his ppl. He has had many deaths come his way, let him mourne in peace!He has a beautiful heart. I last seen him in Dec 08. He had called me and asked me to meet him and I did. He asked me to just listen. First thing He did was apologize for everything. he went into detail of everything he was apologizing for.He cried alot and one of the things he said to me thats he has alot of pain and does not want to live with the pain anymore and asked me to help him. He will heal when he is ready just like anyone else.

This is very very sad. I will pray all of you will heal from all ur pain and find answers and peace from your Creater. Think positive always

Casandra Mehlow | 05.16.09 – 1:04 am | #

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My statements are only by my personal witness.

One thing I would like to say is that Della was always a beautiful, smart, and lovely girl the time I had known her. She just wanted someone to love her unconditionally. I was blessed to have been in her life.

Casandra Mehlow | 05.16.09 – 1:20 am | #

The post from PudgyIndian2 I reproduced in my last post generated a lot of comments when it was originally up. What is particularly notable is the level of virulent and vicious response brought to bear against these women who spoke about their experience. Unsurprisingly, some of these women were posting anonymously because of fear.

Also notable is that there were distinct similarities among some of those attacking the women, suggesting at least some sockpuppeting going on from that quarter.

My own research is conclusive that Martha (Alvarez) was indeed Bernard Red Cherries’ stepdaughter and it actually was her posting in the comment thread. Likewise, Lois, an ex-wife of Robert Coltte/Bernard Red Cherries, was really who she said. [June 22, 2011, edited to add: My conclusion is that “anonymous…isn’t it a classic” and “anonymous known only to Lois” are both Coltte/Red Cherries. “anonymous2 – since everyine el” and “anonymous2 – ” are not obviously Coltte/Red Cherries but the writing contains some of his distinctive stylistic quirks. I’m planning a fuller analysis of sockpuppeting by Coltte/Red Cherries in various discussions.]

Note also the implied threats used in an attempt to silence those who were speaking about their experience : “(and yes we know who you are)”

Please be aware that there is some language and attitudes in the following text that may be triggering and/or offensive to some people, particularly people who have been abused.

That sucks, eh? Well, Eugene, we’ve all been taken for a ride at some point.

Your heart was in the right place.

Dade | Homepage | 03.25.09 – 11:28 am | #

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Thank you.

Anonymous | 03.25.09 – 12:23 pm | #

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It does suck, Dade, but it also has to be made right. It sucks we’ve been had, but now that we know, we need to make things right on our end, as Shusli has demonstrated on her blog.

You’re welcome, anonymous.

Eugene | Homepage | 03.25.09 – 3:17 pm | #

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For the record, this guy also spells his name “Bernard Red Cherries” and uses the alias “Robert Coltte” or “Robert Oliver Coltte”

Anonymous | 03.25.09 – 4:24 pm | #

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Thanks again, anonymous, those words are very helpful in getting the information out about this guy.

Shusli had good instincts about the guy. I missed it completely, I guess wanting to believe. I should have recognized something in the behavior of Della. I apologize for not, and hope this is making amends for it.

I apologize to my wife, Shusli, too, for not paying more attention to her excellent instincts. She does indeed have excellent instincts. Teach me for not listening.

Eugene | Homepage | 03.25.09 – 7:51 pm | #

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I couldn’t figure out how to leave a comment on Shusli’s blog, so I’m posting it here, hoping maybe Martha will see this page too.

Martha, I am so grateful to you for speaking out about this, and to Shusli for posting your letter.

You probably know it already, but you and Della and the rest of your family were not Bernard’s last victims. He has harmed others. I am one of the people he assaulted.

It’s going to catch up to him. Legally, spiritually, however. The man is a criminal and he can only run for so long.

Bernard/Robert has fooled a lot of people, but those of us who’ve had the bad fortune to live with him know the truth about what he is.

Anonymous | 03.25.09 – 10:05 pm | #

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Wow, anonymous. I’ll make sure Shusli knows about this comment and reads it and can reply to Martha’s e-mail. Holy shit! Much healing to all of you, and much justice to Bernard/Robert.

Eugene | Homepage | 03.26.09 – 11:51 am | #

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Should I feel guilty that I wished my child’s rapist dead…fantasized about killing him…prayed for justice…and then he died of an epileptic seizure in his mid 20’s?

Well, I don’t. I’m glad he died. I consider it justice from a higher source, as does my now-grown child. The law would not help me when I sought justice.

You are right, Anonymous, when you say it will catch up to Bernard Red Cherries.

Shusli | Homepage | 03.26.09 – 12:59 pm | #

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Yeah…I thought that name sounded familiar. I remember 12 or 15 years ago, something called the “Lakota Declaration of War Agains…” was floating around Portland. I was regularly going to sweats over at Dorothy A.’s place and people were worried; some of the guys who’d just come out of OSP were frothing at the mouth over the “exploiters,” and threatening all kinds of stuff. Some of my level-thinking friends knew Bernard and were surprised to see him involved in this. Now, it kind of makes sense: people who scream the loudest about one thing or another are too often trying to silence their own consciences—like the preachers yelling about sin and who mess around with kids.

talapus pete | Homepage | 03.26.09 – 2:24 pm | #

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Shusli has taken down her blog. I hope it’s temporary. But I’m reposting Martha’s letter and some of the comments here: This is Google’s cache of http://deathandconscience.blogsp…tories- and.html. It is a snapshot of the page as it appeared on 19 Apr 2009 02:21:50 GMT:

Hi I am Della’s older sister Martha and I just thought you should know some of the facts about this case. Della is not missing she is in state custody. At that time she was missing but Bernard was under strict instruction not to be anywhere near her or have any contact with her, he had a restraining order for the things he had done to his daughter. Being his step-daughter at one time I know them not to be false. I myself, my two younger brothers, mother, and Della went through a great deal of abuse by this man. These things I will never forget, all though I’ve tried. As of right now Della is waiting to go to court for a measure 11 offense she committed. I don’t blame anyone but Robert for the way she is, I couldn’t image everything that she had to endure living with him but I had a small taste of it compared to my little sister. Next time I will hope you check your facts or at least your source. This man is not to be trusted in any degree. The last I heard he had a warrant in the Portland area for some of the same behavior I’ve seen from him during my years in his house. Thanks for your time.

—

Martha

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Ann said…

You are my hero, Martha. I applaud you for coming forward, for Della, for you and the rest of the family, and for everyone who has been harmed by this man. I pray for your healing, and for justice.

Thank you, Rhonda, for posting this. It’s very important that people know Bernard Redcherries (aka Bernard Red Cherries aka Robert Coltte) is not what he pretends to be. Like Martha said, he cannot be trusted, his word is worth nothing. He is abusive and dangerous.

March 30, 2009 4:25 PM

lisa said…

Dude belongs Back in Jail: Bernard Red Cherries aka

Robert Coltte prison record: http://dcs-inmatesearch.ne.gov/C…let? DcsId=37720 and http://lancjes2.lincoln.ne.gov/ L…Case=1986100043

Those poor kids.

April 2, 2009 1:11 PM

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I can confirm that Martha is who she says she is, and that what she says is true.

Anonymous | 04.26.09 – 5:03 am | #

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MAYBE NOT THE FIRST BUT DEFINATELY NOT THE LAST! AS I SIT HEAR AND READ ALL OF THESE PEOPLES TRUETHS AGAIN IN MY MIND – I THINK “MY DAUGHTER MARTHA ONCE AGAIN STOOD UP FOR NOT ONLY HER MOTHER, SISTERS & BROTHERS WHILE LIVING IN BERNARDS HOME IN LAME DEER BUT SHE HAS THE COUARGE TO SHOW ME ONCE AGAIN THAT THIS WAS THE TRUTH AND I DONT HAVE TO BE AFRAID TO SAY IT, PUBLICLY. SORRY I AM NOT VERY EDUCATED, OR INTUITIVE BUT I DO HAVE ALOT OF FEELINGS. I M SORRY TO SAY MY DAUGHTER: DELLA ANN RED CHERRIES IS NOW IN COFFEE CREEK – STATE PRISON IN OREGON. I AM SAYING THANK YOU MARTHA FOR ALWAYS BEING THE LEVEL HEADED, STRONG & PAINFULLY HONEST WOMEN YOU HAVE GROWN INTO. MY GRANDSON IS LUCKY TO HAVE YOU HELPING HIM ALONG NOT LETTING ANY HURT HIM FOR ANY REASON.

MY NAME IS LOIS AND I AM MARTHAS MOM.

BERNARD HAS NEVER EVER SAID HE WAS SORRY TO ME OR MY CHILDREN AFTER ALL THE FIVE(5) YEARS WE SUFFERED FOR “THE CHEYENNE PEOPLE” LIVING IN LAME DEER, MT.

THANK YOU WE ALL NEED PRAYERS…

ONE OF THE EX’S | 04.26.09 – 3:00 pm | #

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Dear Lois, I am so moved by reading your words. I thank you and Martha for your courage. You have helped me and I pray for you now.

I am another Ex who was badly abused by Bernard Red Cherries. He convinced my family to take him in, with his claims of visions and all the ways he needed me to help “save the Cheyenne people”. He lured me in with prayer and songs, but I wound up with rape, battering, my savings stolen, and him still stalking me, threatening to kill me and my family. I pray he gets arrested soon. I now realize that pretty much everything he told me is a lie.

So much of what he told me about his past relationships and children, and who was whose mother, even how many children and exes he had, makes no sense now. He told me all his children had the same mother, and he didn’t tell me he’d done hard time in prison for harming others. No surprise; he’s a liar. He cares about no one but himself. He lied about EVERYTHING. And his big PR move about “Protection of Ceremonies” was just that – a PR move to try and cover the fact that he has been selling ceremony, abusing ceremony, and trying to sell out to new agers. I would love to talk to you if Eugene could set up some way for us to exchange contact information in private. I know of other victims, too.

Lois, my prayers for you, for Della, for Martha, for all of us who have been harmed by this evil man. This man who plays the victim and “spiritual leader”, but who lies constantly, violating everything he claims to stand for, desecrating the memory of his ancestors. Abusing women and children, stealing from elders, selling ceremony while claiming to fight the very abuses he engages in. He even claims to have volunteered at Youth organizations!

I hope he tries to pray or do ceremony, and Maheo and all his ancestors give him what he deserves. This is my prayer.

Yet another Ex who suffered | 04.26.09 – 5:45 pm | #

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I’m really taken back by what one little e-mail has generated. Honestly I’m shocked people took time to listen. It’s been many many years coming and I’m glad people are finally seeing what we saw all those years. Thank you, all of you. I never thought of my self as a strong person I’m only doing what I thought was right for my family. For me it is justice just having people acknowledge what he has done not only to my family but others as well. I can remeber one to many times people of authority turned their backs on us because Robert was a medicine man to his people. To young children it destroys a sense of trust in those figures. Any of those who know him like I do understand it’s not easy facing those memories but I’m not seven anymore and I’m not going to let him have that hold on me any longer. I will never forgive or forget but I will pray for him. As to my little sister I’m only sorry I couldn’t help her more than what I’m doing right now. To my mother, wow, I never knew you saw me like that. To Rhonda thank you once again for seeing both sides of the story. For everyone else thanks for outing Bernard Redcherries, Robert Coltte, or whatever name he chooses to go by now or in the future.

Thanks once again for simply listening

Martha | Homepage | 04.28.09 – 3:02 am | #

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This is an interesting thread on Red Cherries, and I appreciate some information being here to substantiate some of the claims.

What I am hoping to find is some information of who can I contact in the Northern or Southern Cheyenne Nation, in regards to his leadership credentials that he claims in his statements. At least someone with credibility and will speak with me

I am the kind of person that needs facts to make a determination, and I met Bernard in Seattle right after they lifted the border closings in 2001. I enjoyed his company and we discussed the exploitation of Native spirituality. Later, he was campaigning on the protection of ceremonies. And I didn’t have any contact with him until earlier last year.

I got him invited to an event in West Yellowstone and we spoke about frauds and exploitations of ceremonies. When we left, I thought things were good for us, but I learned recently that he is “supposed” to have written a statement against me last September, which only materialized recently. I sent him a message, but have yet to hear from him.

In trying to locate him, I hear that he is in Oklahoma drinking. And then I hear that the titles he has claimed has been stripped from him some time ago.

I haven’t seen this particular thread before, and there seems to be some effort at stating facts and personal experiences. We had heard some things before about his relationships, but only from his point of view. Now I can see there is an obvious pattern emerging from all of his relationships. I’m sorry that some of you had to go through all this. I wished that you didn’t have to.

If anyone is interested in contacting me, I can be reached bencarnesdoteaglecouncildotcom. Thanks, Ben

Ben Carnes | 05.02.09 – 4:31 pm | #

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Psst…..hey knucklehead, Eugene…..where’s your proof? Consider the sources, and NO… statements from scorned new age white women will not work either. Present your evidence…re.”Legal decisions and sentencing dates”. Until then practice being a skin.

It is not your fault that you are obviously suffering from survivor decendents syndrome.

Until you are able to prove any alledged retoric, I suggest you stick to the issues you most claim to represent,…(ie. Genocide).

In response to the unproven responses by these in question to this group listing I say……to use this public forum to attack the character of a well known spiritual leader without proof, today makes me ashamed to be white.

Honor and Integrity?????

anonymous…isn’t it a classic | 05.06.09 – 10:15 am | #

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Lois is a liar. And so are those who continue there attacks on Mr Red Cherries….without a thread of proof. In Indian country we call it welfare and commoditie cheese syndrome. I was one of the guys that bedded down Lois when she convinced me that she was single, and gave me a hardluck story of abuse,,,,,I was infected by her with syphilliss. You know me lois, and martha….sad but after years I apologized to Bernard finally. And he prayed with me. So maybe pudgy lil Indian and his captured white wife need to consider the source? huh? fairs fair…And then life goes on…..

anonymous known only to Lois, | 05.06.09 – 4:49 pm | #

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And so Bernard continues his verbal abuse via the Internet. Those of us who know him recognize his speaking, writing and lying style all too well. We know his style of abuse. There is plenty of hard evidence of what he’s done, and he is on the run from it. He knows where to turn himself in when he’s ready to “man up”.

This has always been his pattern: rather than seek healing through traditional means, rather than apologize to those he has harmed and seek a way to make restitution, he continues his abuse and attempts at intimidation long-distance. A woman’s past sexual history, if any, and her religion, if any, is never an excuse for physically assaulting her.

And women who reject a man and leave him after he physically assaults them are hardly “scorned”.

If the above “two” posters are not him, which I seriously doubt, they are those who barely know him. They’ve certainly never been married to him, though I assume that’s the next lie he will post, pretending to be a “supporter” of himself.

As to his statements of being, “a well known spiritual leader,” I suggest you talk to those in his former home community in Lame Deer. I think you’ll find that what the traditionals and elders there have to say about him is starkly different from his claims about himself on the Internet.

Yet another Ex who suffered | 05.06.09 – 6:05 pm | #

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And so Bernard continues his verbal abuse via the Internet. Those of us who know him recognize his speaking, writing and lying style all too well. We know his style of abuse. There is plenty of hard evidence of what he’s done, and he is on the run from it. He knows where to turn himself in when he’s ready to “man up”.

This has always been his pattern: rather than seek healing through traditional means, rather than apologize to those he has harmed and seek a way to make restitution, he continues his abuse and attempts at intimidation long-distance. A woman’s past sexual history, if any, and her religion, if any, is never an excuse for physically assaulting her.

And women who reject a man and leave him after he physically assaults them are hardly “scorned”.

If the above “two” posters are not him, which I seriously doubt, they are those who barely know him. They’ve certainly never been married to him, though I assume that’s the next lie he will post, pretending to be a “supporter” of himself.

As to his statements about himself being “a well known spiritual leader,” I suggest you speak with the traditionals and elders in his former home community of Lame Deer. I think you’ll find that what they have to say stands in stark contrast to his claims about himself on the Internet.

Yet another Ex who suffered | 05.06.09 – 6:16 pm | #

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I have to agree with the above poster who asked the question:”Honor and Integrity”?

Lisa posts links to Bernard’s “prison record”, a record from when he was 24 years old. I think that everyone who knows Bernard knows about that particular event from Bernard himself. Perhaps those of you who do not know (those charges stemmed from him helping out a skin that was being beaten by some whites guys) should take the time to do the research and learn about the facts before posting as if you are a “know-it-all” and that he is some sort of “vile criminal”. Besides, those charges do not in any way relate to these lies nor can they be used to prove these lies. That in itself is laughable.

A good number of the people pointing fingers at Bernard in here also have prison records, juvi records, etc. Maybe we should make those peoples “records” available on here as well? Maybe we should begin with posting Lois and Martha’s “criminal records”?

Ben Carnes is asking for verification from the Cheyenne on Bernard, maybe we should be asking for his own “verification of leadership credentials”, as I was told that this Mr. Carnes claims to be a spiritual leader himself and apparently has some fingers pointing at him as well. And maybe Mr. Carnes “criminal record” should be made available here as well?

My point being that there is a lot of innuendo flying around in here as if it were fact. Where are the facts? Where are the links to Bernard being charged with all this alleged abuse, all these alleged rapes? Where are the “criminal records” to prove these allegations? Oh wait, we have a link to a “driving under the influence” charge in Oklahoma recently, that must prove all these lies to be truth huh? How many of you have a DUI somewhere in your past or present? Truthfully, I do not know very many skins that do not have one! Sadly alcohol is a problem, I think we all know that.

I guess that I am saying: take a good long hard look at yourselves before pointing fingers at another. I do not think it is very smart to try to discredit this man when you have way worse skeletons in your own closet. Martha and Lois should think about what is in their own closets before telling these lies. And they should remember that there are those of us who do know the truth.

Maybe someone should be asking what Della thinks about all these lies about her Dad. I do know what Della thinks, not only about her Dad and the deep respect she holds for him, but also the utter lack of respect she holds for her “by birthright only” mother (her own words) and her half sister Martha. I also know that Martha and Lois’ only motivation in doing any of this is: money. I know this from Della’s own words.

So, some of you have indeed been duped. Not in the way that you think though. Just some food for thought. Personally, I am sick of this sort of thing and sicker still by the people that will jump on the bandwagon to attack good people without even knowing any of the facts

anonymous2 – since everyine el | 05.06.09 – 7:20 pm | #

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This is simply ridiculous. Shame on you all.

anonymous2 – | 05.06.09 – 7:22 pm | #

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to:”Yet another Ex who suffered”

(and yes we know who you are)

You are so wrong in your assumptions, just as you are in your lies. I know for a fact that Bernard did not write either of those posts, he was on the phone with me when they were being posted! And here are a few more facts for you: he has no internet access where he is, he was just informed of this blog, or whatever it is, yesterday evening, and he will issue a statement as soon as he is able to.

He asked me to tell you all that he is deeply saddened by all of this. But that he will not quit and will not back down. He will continue to be Della’s Dad and will continue to fight to get her sentence reduced and to support her in every way that he can. Something that her “other” family has never done and still is not doing.

This attack on him is without truth, without proof and is deplorable. Especially as it has come on the heels of a number of deaths in our family this past year. He lost his daughter in June, his mother in November, and his sister very recently! My brother is still grieving and mourning these losses and trying to heal.

All of this, is just a bunch of wild, ugly and unfounded allegations, that will be proven to be lies in the end. None of you have any facts, just a bunch of ugly lies. Again I say, shame on you all.

For reasons none of you need to know, that is all I will say on this for now.

anonymous2 – | 05.06.09 – 10:19 pm | #

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Are not all of you being abusive? When you point fingers that is abuse. I have never been into the gossip, pointing fingers, or try to disrespect anyone , and I know better to disrespect a leader.I met Bernard and Della in 2001 and was with him until 2005,left then he wanted me back in 2007 and I left him again May, 6th 2008. We had our fights and arguements like anyone else and yes somethings got out of hand but it didnt last.

He didnt choose to be who he is, his elders did long time ago. No one has been in his shoes.no one knows his pain he has carried all his life. He has cried for his people, I have witnessed him saving people’s life, I cant even count.I witnessed him helping ppl in need in money, food, work on their home or property without asking for anything in return. He has always fought for his ppl. He has had many deaths come his way, let him mourne in peace!He has a beautiful heart. I last seen him in Dec 08. He had called me and asked me to meet him and I did. He asked me to just listen. First thing He did was apologize for everything. he went into detail of everything he was apologizing for.He cried alot and one of the things he said to me thats he has alot of pain and does not want to live with the pain anymore and asked me to help him. He will heal when he is ready just like anyone else.

This is very very sad. I will pray all of you will heal from all ur pain and find answers and peace from your Creater. Think positive always

Casandra Mehlow | 05.16.09 – 1:04 am | #

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My statements are only by my personal witness.

One thing I would like to say is that Della was always a beautiful, smart, and lovely girl the time I had known her. She just wanted someone to love her unconditionally. I was blessed to have been in her life.

Casandra Mehlow | 05.16.09 – 1:20 am | #