Reader comments: Woman is slain; husband arrested

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observer | 1:23 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Great reporting. The Tribune has none of the facts but now they will (when they steal your story).
Anonymous | 1:59 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Wow, Deseret Morning News, way to get this story up quickly. Within minutes, the Salt Lake Tribune had a story posted on its website, but there was nothing on here for hours and hours. Way to go.
SJ Bobkins | 4:27 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Great guy! and what a way to set the tone for a day to worship with the ward family. I expect as horrible as it was to lose a life, there were many, many small kids and adults who were very traumatized and will live their entire lives with the terrible memories of this tragic day.
I hope this wife killing results in the husband getting the death penalty, unlike other wife or baby killers have received in Utah as of late. The guy who killed his wife less she find out he was a complete fake comes to mind. He wasn't convicted of a capital crime, what a time for the DA to strike a bargain.
My thoughts and prayers go out to this woman's young kids, and to all her family along with the ward family. My God bless them with the knowledge that he is aware of their pain and feels the same sorrow over the actions of a cruel murderer.
Comments continue below
colene | 8:15 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Prayers to them all , especially the children they are so young to lose there mother and over something that could have been avoided. What is wrong with the world today, do wives and husbands really do something that bad that there spouse feels the need to end there life? If you dont want to be with them or there are problems MOVE ON! Dont take the life of a person its so very sad.
Kabrimida | 8:54 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
This is so tragic. My heart goes out to the family and the ward members. Those two little children will never know their mom. (Or their dad, if he spends life in prison). May the good Lord find them a healthy and happy home to be raised in.
Rasco | 9:07 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I feel for the kids.
Member of Lehi ward | 9:47 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I was in the building during the tragic events. It was a very difficult experience for the ward. However, we should all be grateful that there were no other injuries or deaths from this incident. This took place just minutes after church services had begun. The officer told me they found the remains of 10 rounds (not 6-8 as reported). We are VERY fortunate that more lives weren't taken as a result of this inhumane act.

We have a fantastic ward, and a fantastic Bishop. We will get through this, and be stronger as a result. Our most sincere prayers to the family, to all involoved, and especially these two innocent children.
AshamedofHim | 9:49 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
So so sad. He is such a coward
Mike | 9:55 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
In response to the "Anonymous" comment, shame on you. A mother is gone and all you can do is criticize the newspaper for taking the time to investigate the story and report it responsibly? News is more than a running line of headlines.

I pray that the kids and the families will find the peace that they will need to move forward from this tragedy and that they will honor her memory by living their lives to the fullest
Member of Lehi ward | 10:00 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
What a terrible tragedy! It was a very difficult experience, but our ward is strong, and we have a great Bishop.

As tragic as this was, we are so fortunate that most members were in the building. When I picked up my vehicle, the officer told me they found the remains of 10 rounds. We should be so grateful others weren't also injured or even killed.

Our most sincere prayers are with those impacted by this terrible loss. Especially two those innocent children.
Texan | 10:41 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Horrific tragedy. Our prayers go out to the kids and family. Tell me again why we are so afraid of "gun control" in this country?
former Lehi resident | 10:52 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
What a horrible tragedy. My prayers go out to those two tiny children and to the witnesses of this senseless murder. Now those poor babies have their mother's loss and their father's legacy to contend with as they grow up. My prayer is that they have family who can care for them and help them deal with the aftermath.
Marie | 10:52 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
This just breaks my heart. I grew up with this young man, I wrote him on his mission, I sang in a quartet with him in church services. I haven't seen or talked to him in about 15 years - I don't know what happened or where he went so wrong. He played varsity basketball in his youth and was kind and outgoing. His parents are the sweetest. This is just very very sad. My heart goes out to the family of Kristy and all those friends and family members devastated by this event. So tragic.
In Colorado | 10:52 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
My sister lives in Utah and is going through a similar situation. I don't know why Utah authorities won't step up and protect these women. This is a tragedy that could have been avoided! How many more estranged wives will die before the police, DCFS etc. realize that there are a lot of men that know how to "work the system" in Utah (in particular - because it is so 'family-oriented') and exploit it? I feel for this women's family and I wonder how many people close to her are saying, 'we knew this would happen'. Utah is not immune to the problems of domestic violence and the crimes that go along with it. Hopefully this will be a wake up call for anyone in a position to make a difference.
Scuba Steve | 11:06 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
What a tragedy. Can't we all just get along?
Utahn | 11:15 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
This is a horrible event and a real tragedy acted out by a coward. And I don't have any idea why the need of 'gun control' is brought up now. He took a weapon and went to a place that is well known to not allow concealed weapons, and shot an innocent person. If you ask me, something should have been done earlier, now is not the time to talk about new laws. He broke two yesterday what good would it be to break a couple more. A man that hits his spouse needs to be locked up! That's the type of control we need.
Seronac | 11:24 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
"Texan", we are not "afraid of 'gun control'" in this country, we are afraid of being without firearms when the "stuff" its the fan.

Gun control only works for people who obey the law, all others become victims. Those who ignore the law (that is, criminals, by definition), will still have guns. If someone really wants to kill another person, then the law won't stop them, but a 45 slug might. My own sister saved herself from a similar situation, using her gun.

In this case, he might be the dead one if she had had a gun, or, at least, she might have survived. This is so very unfortunate and such a terrible tragedy for the children. Yes, it's true, we need to wake up to domestic violence and enact stricter domestic violence laws and more protections for the victims.
sad story | 11:34 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims family
Riverdog | 11:51 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Does anyone know where David grew up? Marie? I think I might know him but it has been a very long time & I don't want to call the family just in case it is him.
Anonymous | 11:55 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Having seen the male side of a divorce in Utah, I can say that the shooter was probably at the breaking point for some time.

My wife cheated on me, filed motion after motion, had me cuffed and removed from my home several times, filed child abuse charges, etc. Nothing stuck as it was all false, and I have joint custody now. I watched as another man took my place in my son's home.

I came very close to the breaking point many times. I can understand the pain of a divorce and having ZERO people take your side, including the state.

No excuse for the shooting, but people really don't understand the pain associated with these situations until they are in them.

It is sad that now two kids have neither parent.
Walkon | 12:07 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Colorado, What were the authorities suppose to have done to prevent this? He has no history of abuse. She didnt ask for protection. What could anyone have done? Seronac is absolutely right about gun control. If that were the answer I would be all for it - but it's not.
Coloradan | 12:09 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
In response to In Colorado. I have lived in Colorado for 25 years and this happens in Colorado also...........many times. You're making it sound as though Utah is the only state that needs to step up to the plate in making or enforcing domestic violence laws. Not true.
If you knew him | 12:43 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
If you only knew him you would know he was a nice guy that made a really bad choice. I knew him and he was quiet and a little shy, but never would I have thought he would have done this. None of you really know the whole story and until you do dont attack without knowing the facts. Think of their kids.....
katydid | 12:44 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
To one of the last Anonymous--thanks for your comments. There is a breaking point with people and then sometimes they do things that they totally regret later.

It was suggested that I read a book entitled "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker when I was going through a divorce and I was fearful of my husband. This book helped me to see alot of things. People ought to read this book. It would give them a different insight into crime and violent acts. It sure did me.

It is very sad for the babies but having 2 nieces that lost their mother at a very young age (when they were 2 and 4; their mother was 30) they are doing quite well. These 2 young boys losing their father to prison (which is where he should be in my opinion) is devastating. What they will be told about their mother will be the good things about her. What they find out about what their father did will affect them the rest of their lives. That is tragedy.
Littleladybug in WA | 12:46 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
First I would like to send my condolenses to both families as well as the ward members. What a tragic loss for all.
My question though is this...Why is the husband being held on "aggravated murder charges"...why not 1ST Degree, or is this a preliminary charge?
I'm sorry but you don't go visiting your spouse when you have a restraining order against you, let alone with a loaded 9mm Glock intending to scare them...unloaded possibly but even that would have been wrong...but deffinately not with a loaded weapon. So if his intent may have been only to frighten her, why was it loaded and why 8-10 rounds vs 1, except to finish the job.
For many his intent is very obvious, and I feel he should receive the maximum sentence.
How sad that he felt this was the only way out. He has hurt so many with his choice, and changed so many lives. I do not agree that gun control is the answer, people will still find ways of killing each other regardless of how many restrictions you put on guns.
Again, my heart and prayers go out to the families, the children, and the ward members. God bless
nras2 in Wa | 1:10 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Our prayers go out to both families but especially to Al, Anne, and their sons who lost their only Daughter and Sister in this tragedy. All of us here in Washington who know and love the family can only imagin the horror of such an ordeal. May the lord soften and comfort the hearts of all.
Anonymous | 1:11 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Agg. Murder is a 1st degree charge. It can be charged as a capital offense or a 1st degree, the only difference being the option of death sentence.
Anonymous | 1:35 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Also I would like first to send my condolenses to the family and children. But more needs to be done to help family's going through divorce. I am going through one now and at times I feel like my whole world has been flipped upside down. Let alone the feelings of worthlessness and lonlyness. No one wins, families and friends from both sides need to be more supportive to help people get through those horrible times.
Breaking Point | 2:19 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
First, I agree with those who wrote this man is a coward....that he is. I also understand what "Anonymous" wrote. My first wife and I had three children together, the fourth, well, was not mine. Divorece ensued. When all said and done, she gets the kids, almost half the income, the home and the car. She had to "find herself." I was angry, but kept it under control. I would not defame my kids mom, for she was already doing that to herself. Anyway, divorce pain is harsh pain. The muderer made a choice, a wrong choice, he sent a wrong example to his children, and many people lost. Shame on him. He must pay. To you, the divorced and broken-hearted: there are other more productive ways to relieve the stress. Find them.
i'm sorry too | 2:31 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I'm sorry for all involved with this tragic situation. It is soooo sad. I send condolences to the families.

Divorce is a hard thing no matter how you look at it. To Anonymous I know the feeling. I went through a divorce years ago. I felt just the way you did--my life was flipped upside down. I often referred to it as a tossed salad--it was up in the air and stayed there for a few years--not knowing what was going to happen. I felt worthless and very very lonely.

My loved my family and friends but I knew (since they had either never been through a divorce or never been married themselves) they did not understand what I was going through. If people have not gone through divorce, they can't really understand.

Hang in there for all you out there going through divorce! You may not believe it now, but you CAN get through all the pain, extreme loneliness and other feelings you will experience with divorce. I did and so have many others (without killing anyone). So can you! If you feel like you can't, get HELP--find and talk to a counselor.
Anonymous | 3:00 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
My prayers are with kristy's family. I wanted more info to hlep me understand why and how this could happen. Kristy was my friend, her husband took her life...he used his agency. He lost it all! We feel a loss in this life, but he lost it all!
And it should be that way!
Debi | 3:24 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Riverdog - I know that David grew up for some time in Fullerton, CA. I went to church with him for several years. I believe, though, that he was only here for the latter part of junior high and high school. His parents still live around here. In any case, I never saw something like this coming.

My heart goes out to Kristy's family and David's family as I know that all will be affected for the rest of their lives by this. And God be with their two young children that the families of David and Kristy will join TOGETHER to raise them and help them to get some peace someday.
protective orders | 3:54 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I had a former sister inlaw who used this so called protective order like a sword because her ex husband was over her crazy yelling at his kids and left her and moved on with his life.....she tried to have my brother arrested and my 86 yr old mother arrested for burglary on Christmas Eve! Fortunately the cops read through this nonsense and no one was arrested. But thhere is no doubt that these types of women tie up the system such that women like Kristy do not recieve the attention to her case that they SO BADLY deserve.
Cold Truth | 4:02 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
The only person who can protect you is you. The "authorities" will get there in time to clean up the mess and refer the survivors to counseling, but not to stop the victim from being killed, raped, or robbed.

The cold truth is that if you want to live, you have to practice often and carry always. I do, and that's the only reason I'm alive right now.
Rudy | 4:05 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
This depraved character should have talked with his bishop before doing something so hideous. Thats what bishops are for...to relieve this evil.
Matt | 4:31 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I grew up in the ward David and his family lived in. I worked for his father. He gave me my start in my chosen field. David's mother is an angel that I would have done anything for. Please do not judge these people by this one horrific act. My prayers are with the families of both David and Kristy....
What is wrong with people? | 4:35 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I can't understand how people that have so much going for them can break down to vile and evil people. There seems to be a common thread in society. We are in such a throw away world that when things don't go our way we throw it away and think we can get something better. Mariage isn't always easy but anything worth having is worth working at. How can anyone that claims to have faith in God, and love for a spouse and children break down to the point of killing? There is a major problem in society that needs to be addressed!
Blaine Nay | 4:47 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Another victim of gun-free zones! Utah law allows businesses and churches to ban firearms on their property. The LDS church has chosen to take advantage of that law as have several businesses (Remember last year's shootings in the "gun-free" Trolley Square Mall?). In light of several recent shootings at churches and businesses around the nation, I believe it is time for all businesses and churches to reconsider their bans. While legal, it is morally wrong for a church or a business to ban the best means of self-protection (a gun) while failing to provide an alternate form of protection for visitors and customers. This is especially true in the cases of women with dangerous husbands and boyfriends such as this tragic case.
do I have to know him? | 5:09 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
To "if you knew him", he has done everything I need to know to judge him as a poor excuse for a human being. He shot his wife in cold blood without thought of his poor young children. All he had to do was be man enough to move on. Obviously, he is nothing of a man. Those poor children should NEVER EVER have to endure these events or the lives they will have as a result.
PerryOregon | 5:41 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I want to share with all who read how amazing, kind, funny, outgoing, silly, beautiful and most important wonderful mother, daughter, sister and dear friend Kristy was. I want her family to know our thought's and prayer's are with them. I will always be grateful to our Heavenly Father for allowing me the chance to know and love Kristy. Kristy is home!
why? | 5:46 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Why?
A Father | 6:55 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I feel so sorry for the children. As a divorced father of two young children I have spent my entire life savings trying to fight for their emotional well being. My ex wife started an online affair with another man who ended up leaving his own wife and two small children. My ex took off for nearly a month while I tried to care for my children. Later she decided to come back home and found an attorney who tried to paint me as violent and mentally unstable. Without a shred of evidence a commisioner decided to give my ex and her boyfriend nearly everything I had worked for. She continues to lie to my children in an attempt to justify her own sick actions. I don't know this man, and I can never justify his actions, but I know how helpless and alone a person can feel when his whole world is destroyed and his children taken from him by a system that renders a man powerless. I pray for the family and especially the children.
D11wag Wa. | 7:38 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Our prayers go out to Al, Anne, and Family what a great disappointment to have a life taken in such a cowardly way, May the Lord watch over those little ones.
How? | 7:53 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
This is a sick thing to happen. The man had no excuse to kill his wife, whatever some of you may think. If everyone that went through a bad divorse went over the breaking point and killed their spouse, we would have a lot of tragidies on our hands. There are ways to get past things like this, most people can, he had no right or excuse for what he did.
oj. mentality | 9:06 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
nobody owns anyone! Not my daughers for sure!
Anne | 9:41 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
What meds was this man on?
Anonymous | 9:47 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Although I am going through a divorce I could never do such a thing to my wife or daughter. But I do agree with A Father: "I don't know this man, and I can never justify his actions, but I know how helpless and alone a person can feel when his whole world is destroyed and his children taken from him by a system that renders a man powerless." As I am in a similar situation with my wife threatening to move my daughter 1500 miles away if things don't go her way. Which the system allows! This is not an excuse for his actions he will feel sick to his stomach knowing his kids will never have either parent. But especially with the holidays and the hurt it can bring a man down mentally. And friend and family need to pay close attention to people that are hurting during these times.
SELF - CENTERED | 10:05 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
This woman just wanted what was best for her spirit and the little ones...now there's going to be some real tears from heaven..if there be anyone else out there thinking like this man get some help..this woman was a strong person who wanted to follow the lord..now the sunshine of these two little people's life has been taken..always put the children first and you'll never lose! he went from Hero to Zero..because he couldn't deal, yet she was real! The churches are becoming open ground for the evil one to slip in..pray always.
Anonymous | 10:17 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Anne,
It was just reported that he was on ANTI-DEPRESSANTS.
Read Anne Blake Tracy's book.
Wake up people!
My wife just finished this book.
The officer said.
"He just looked blank. Just sitting there staring."
Just as described in the book.
Lehi resident | 10:45 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
My heart goes out to both families involved in this tragic event. To Kristy's family for the loss of their beautiful daughter, Friend and sister. To Davids family for the loss of their Son, Brother and Friend. To the kids for the loss of both of their parents. Also to any witnesses who had to watch such a horrible tragedy. Nobody deserves to be put through such tragedy. Everyone wants to pass judgement and that is not for us to judge. David will be held accountable whether on earth or in the end. Bless that everyone can just pray for all the innocent Victims. May the lord be with both families in their times of need. And May the Lord watch over the two beautiful children.
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David Ragsdale
David Ragsdale