Mother Admits to Taking Kids on Armed Robbery, Speaks Out
Mother Admits to Taking Kids on Armed Robbery, Speaks Out Save Email Print
Posted: 9:35 PM Jul 1, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:48 PM Jul 3, 2008
 Reporter: Jessica Ralston; Amanda Barren
Email Address: jessica.ralston@wsaz.com; amanda.barren@wsaz.com
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UPDATE WEDNESDAY
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A mother admits she made a mistake when she took her two young children with her to rob a gambing parlor in St. Albans Tuesday night.

Police say 28-year-old Melissa Spencer, 28 years old, walked into Lewies, flashed a gun and demanded cash around 8:30 Tuesday night. Police say she had her 7 year old son and 2 year old daughter with her at the time.

Here are some of the things she told WSAZ Wednesday from the South Central Regional Jail in Charleston:

    "I wasn't thinking clearly, I was drinking. My son kept going on about a transformer. He's crazy about them I've got to pay bills and rent."

    "Living off of welfare and every time they want something and I look at them and I can't say yes, it breaks my heart. And I am ashamed for what I did."

    "It just happened so fast. It was like a black out. My mind just... I went- crazy."

    "I put the gun in my pocket and told my kids 'let's go.' I mean, the kids didn't know what i was doing. I know my son probably saw what I did."

    "I knew I was going to get in trouble for it, but I didn't know I'd get caught then and there."

    "I felt like I didn't have anyone else to turn to. I had all I could take at the time."

    "I just wanted better for us, you know, better life, better place to live."

    "It was wrong doing. It was very wrong doing."

    "Yes, I think I am still a good mom, I just think that I made a really stupid, mistake."

Spencer says she is bipolar and that is why she can't work. She is 28 now, but spent her life in and out of foster homes.

She says her parents drank too much and gave her up. She says she spent her entire day with her children. She told us she wants the clerk to know just how sorry she is, and her children to know she loves them.

Spencer faces charges of robbery and child neglect. The gun that she used to rob the clerk turned out to be a pellet gun.


ORIGINAL STORY
ST. ALBANS, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- It was anything but your typical suspect in an armed robbery Tuesday night in St. Albans.

Police say a mother with her two small children in tow robbed a video gambling parlor on MacCorkle Avenue called Lewies.

Police say Melissa Spencer, 28 years old, walked into Lewies, flashed a gun and demanded cash around 8:30 Tuesday night. Police say she had her 7 year old son and 2 year old daughter with her at the time.

Investigators say Spencer walked out with the money and the clerk's cell phone and car keys, headed down the street and sat down on a neighbor's porch.

Witnesses told police where to find her and she was arrested a few minutes later on Oak Street. Children's services has taken the children into their custody.

Police say the weapon turned out to be a pellet gun.

Spencer will be charged with First Degree Robbery and Child Neglect with Risk of Injury Death.

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Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 9, 2008 at 01:22 PM
if she sold the pellet gun (or just didn't buy it) she could have bought the kid a few transformer toys instead
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 8, 2008 at 02:23 PM
I have 2 kids and work full time and even then I still have to tell my children "no" sometimes because the bills have to be paid so there is no excuse for this. And when you are taking bi-polar meds the doctors tell you not to use alcohol and there is no excuse if you don't listen.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Please do not pity this woman. She has been abusing the system for years, not only by getting welfare but by making false accusations through CPS on other people for kicks. I wish I had recorded how many times she told my family, "I can let the kids visit, but I can't let you have them cause they are my income." Before WSAZ goes to interview someone for committing a crime like this they should be doing more research on the person's life. This woman already had her first daughter taken away with no visitation rights due to the abuse. Now it is time for these children to be taken away from her for good. With God's grace, I pray that this is what will happen. And please do not speak about the father or his side if you know nothing about them. There isn't enough space to write about all the wrong doing that this woman has done to this side of the family.
Posted by: .anonymous. on Jul 4, 2008 at 08:50 PM
I don't understand how you can get a check for being bipolar or having migraines, like I KNOW some do. My sister had to fight for 2yrs to get assistance and she couldn't walk, could barely feed herself-due to sudden onset of a somewhat rare disease-cerebellum ataxia & atrophy. People take advantage of the system while others who NEED help can't get it..it just isn't fair. While we don't know her life story, what really drove her to commit the crime-surely she knew it was wrong to rob someone, especially taking along your kids. Instead of jail time, she could do community service and have to PROVE she was a fit mother before getting her children back. Parents busted for meth spend -so little- time in jail-why should she get punished any more than they do?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 4, 2008 at 04:31 PM
i have an idea. stop having kids if you cant pay for them.
Posted by: Kentucky Hillbilly on Jul 4, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Anonymous: What college? After reading what you have posted here; you must have been visiting the college as it is pathetic. Poor grammar, punctuation, etc. Pitiful!
Posted by: My-my-my on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:46 AM
My-my-my..all these negative comments!! I do not know any of the reasons behind this woman's situation, but surely to goodness with so many people yelling and calling her names, can't help anything. The ones that are so negative, why don't you just try and understand that all people do not go down the same road? Some are degrading her family, so I suppose means that your families are all doing well and do not care one little iota about your neighbor. Why not seek out the answer and help other people, instead of putting them a lower class than yourself? But if it makes you feel better about yourself, go ahead and degrade her. You never know, tomorrow you may find yourself or someone in your family in a situation that you didn't see coming. God help you when it does happen.
Posted by: To Michelle McCallister on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:30 AM
You ought to be more worried about your sister's children than the opinions of the public. I am sure you realize she could have gotten her kids killed and I, personally, would be more worried about that than the person that put them in the situation. We all have hard luck stories, it is the weak and mentally ill that can't figure out solutions. I don't care what happens to her, I care about the kids. Our great welfare system would probably give them back to her when she gets out. Its time to take care of those kids. A moment of weakness in which your kids could have died DOES make you a bad mother. There should be no second chances if you are that stupid.
Posted by: Kathleen on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:23 AM
One thing is that she just made a bad choice. She is blaming a child for her actions. The child was being a child and asking for a toy. But She was the adult in the situation. Instead of just saying NO to the child, she choose to commit robbery and then blame an innocent child for her own actions. She needs to be punished and maybe while in jail she'll mature a little bit.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 4, 2008 at 09:51 AM
hey hillbilly learn how to type. I do have a job and luckily unlike you I have some college education where Ive learned how to type a sentence correctly all Im saying is dont take all your hard feelings out on crime to my sister. Like she said she just kinda went crazy. I apologize to everyone though its just I havent even met her and I still wouldnt act the way you guys did to her. Yeah people make mistakes but I dont think she knew exactly what she was doing.
Posted by: samm on Jul 4, 2008 at 09:38 AM
To WV Hillbilly, right on, Im glad someone said it like you did and wsaz decided to post it. they didnt post mine. guess they didnt want to hear how I felt that welfare supplies people with taxpayers money to keep up their drinking and drug habits. All kids ask for toys,its natural, what isnt natural is for a mom to take/steal the kids money for booze and to take a gun out and rob for more money. And to Michelle, Michelle shes your baby now, you pity her, YOU take care of her. You feed her,you support her and you buy her booze and the kids toys. Stop asking the taxpayers to do it. Its time lazy bums stopped leeching off the hard working man.
Posted by: sick on Jul 4, 2008 at 09:23 AM
sick of supporting lazy people who will not work. sick of stupid women who have children and then don't want to care for them properly. sick of leaving by child every day to go to work when there are people like this out there sponging of the system buying alcohol with my tax dollars. i hope she is in jail for a long time.
Posted by: nana on Jul 4, 2008 at 08:55 AM
She says: "I spent the entire day with the children."....well boo hoo....that is what a mother does....let the children be adopted...she will ONLY get WORSE...
Posted by: Isaac on Jul 4, 2008 at 08:55 AM
To hillbilly; You know whats even funnier hillbilly, if this was your sister or close family member you would be on here telling us all about how she is a good person and deserves help. Being left alone in this world to fend for yourself is a scary thing!! Everyone should try and look at this like it's their family. It is easy to judge but alot harder to help. This woman seems as if she was at her wits ends. This is a sad society we live in when a mother with no one cries out in this way and all we do is throw rocks at her !!
Posted by: Wv Hillbilly on Jul 4, 2008 at 03:47 AM
TO: MICHELLE MCCALLISTER,Glad 2 hear your doing so good,but maybe u could let sissy sponge off of u instead of us!she's had a bad life GET OVER IT! alot of us have but we dont take whats not ours,as I said YOU TAKE HER, YOU BUY HER BEER/DRUGS, YOU FEED HER AND HER KIDS ,YOU PAY HER BILLS,YOU BASICALLY TAKE OVER 4 ALL OF US,as long as we d taxpayer pay 4 her YES honey we can judge,you or her dont like the terms ya know how 2 solve it GET A JOB THAT WAY WE CANT "JUDGE" HER,if she can buy beer then she could buy a toyI'm sorry she didnt buy it WE DID!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 4, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Good to see my tax dollars at work here. Everybody's got an excuse, blah, blah. Bi polar huh? I may break down and become Bi polar and get a hand out. Sure does not look like she has missed too many meals either. Oh wait, my dollars again feeding her and the kids. Your son wants a toy you can't afford? Heck you should have just called. I would have bought it. Just like everything else I bought for you. I cannot believe any of you would even have an ounce of pity for this woman. She obviously did not care till she was caught. Now you all feel sorry for her?
Posted by: Give Me A Break! on Jul 3, 2008 at 11:54 PM
And another thing, my 23 year old son who works for a living and is paying his own way though school doesn't get a stimulus check because he lives at home. Why should a bunch of welfare recipients get one? Looks like a bunch of C- - P to me!
Posted by: omg on Jul 3, 2008 at 11:11 PM
good lord!! i was abused as a child, and if i were stupid enough to rob a place and take my kids with me lock me and throw away the key she is no victim those poor are so start defending them
Posted by: robin on Jul 3, 2008 at 11:04 PM
people make mistakes, I'm not going to judge this woman, let the courts handle this case, she may get probation, she may not, but people make mistakes and if she learns from it that would be a good outcome. just because someone is a felon it doesn't always mean that they are bad, sometimes it means they made a mistake, the bad one are those who keep repeating the mistakes.
Posted by: NO PITY HERE on Jul 3, 2008 at 09:49 PM
YOU KNOW YOUR CHILDHOOD DOES HAVE AN IMPACT ON YOUR ADULTHOOD BUT I HAVE A HAD A HARD CHILDHOOD AND HAPPENS TO BE BI-POLAR BUT I STILL WORK AND SUPPORT TWO BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN... JUST SOUNDS TO ME SHE WANTS SOMEONE TO HAVE PITY....NOT HERE....
Posted by: vid on Jul 3, 2008 at 09:32 PM
NOW SHE IS OR WILL BE A FELON, NO FED AID, NO BUYING GUNS,PEOPLE NEED TO WISE UP,I HAVE LOST COUNT OF THE FELONS THAT LIVE AROUND ME,EVERY NOW AND THEN THEY WILL BE ARRESTED FOR SOMETHING,ALL THEY GET IS ANOTHER FELON ON THERE RECORD AND MORE PROBATION,NEVER MUCH IF ANY JAIL TIME.THE COUNTY KEEPS TELLING HOW MUCH THERE SAVING TAX PAYERS IN JAIL BILL,IM NOT BEING SAVED NOTHING,ALL I GET IS THINGS STOLED OUT OF MY YARD AND MY TAXES GO HIGHER EVER YEAR.
Posted by: K.P. on Jul 3, 2008 at 08:50 PM
There are still a lot of other adults and kids out there who are leading or have led a crappy life. That's NOT AN EXCUSE! It depends on who you choose to be - A VICTIM or A SURVIVOR - I do understand her problems but many people have difficult lives and CHOOSE to survive by hard work and not breaking the law! Be Respectful to her and PLEASE STOP MAKING HER A VICTIM. - Not to mention the whole world doesn't need to know her life story, she will be punished based on her decisions in this instance. Be there to help teach her how to survive in life not make excuses for her.
Posted by: Michelle McCallister on Jul 3, 2008 at 07:11 PM
Well who are you to judge her?? Everyone here thinks they know her, think they can relate... everyone saying get a job, dont drink, lose weight, dont be stupid, well how about you all look up her life before all this happened, before her cancer and her adoption and her man leaving her and her dad and mom giving her up... so what do you think about her now??? now that you know her so well??
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Jul 3, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Let me get this right, she can buy beer but she has to rob someone at gun point because her son wanted a transformer. Humm, that just doesn't add up now does it?
Posted by: Beth on Jul 3, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I don't care if she did not have money, you DO NOT rob a place. I know people are are by-polar who work, she is just too lazy to find a job. There are so many other resources she could have used to get help. She could find a job if she wanted to. Furthermore, she stated she was drunk when she did it, I would not waste money on alcohol if I was desperate for money. Obviously she does not have her priorities straight. Get a job and take your time in jail, your kids are probably better off with your family anyways.
Posted by: Michelle Mccallister on Jul 3, 2008 at 05:40 PM
why dont you all just shut up!!!! I am her sister, Melissa never got adopted so she never had a family, I did though and now im in college and am married, so its funny how you people think that just because she didn't have parents that thats no reason for her to be the way she is.... i haven't seen her for 15 years and now i finally do, and it hurts to see all you people judging her for what she did... but Melissa i love you and im sorry for your life.... if you ever want help im here. Call Elizabeth for my # i love you bye
Posted by: concerned on Jul 3, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Being bi-polar is no excuse for doing something like that.I am bi-polar and I know right from wrong.So many people use being bi-polar to get away with breaking the law,and to get a free ride in life.Get a job,and use your welfare card to get your meds.Grow up!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 3, 2008 at 05:18 PM
WHY DID WSAZ RUN 2 STORIES ABOUT THEFTS AND GIVE THE EXCUSE OF HARD TIMES. COME ON GET REAL.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 3, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Where does she work? Did she really steal for kids? Times are tough that is not an excuse.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 3, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Welfare does not make you work if you have children under 18. As long as their are children in the home welfare pays for them. I am a social worker and see this all the time! Mothers using the money to buy drugs, beer and things that they don't need! I do agree the they need to make a law that if a mother is able she should work!
Posted by: k on Jul 3, 2008 at 04:11 PM
ok we are all struggling right now but hat is no excuse for crime. I am a mom also and yes my child would love alot of things but the important thing is she has me, me to love her and spend time with her. And complaining that you have no money and then to say you were drinking doesnt buy you tears from the public and hopefully wont buy you tears from the judge. The kids may not have known exactly what you were doing but they know that you done something bad and may not get to see you for a while. That is the real lesson.
Posted by: cindy on Jul 3, 2008 at 03:54 PM
This is another story of the children should not be in the care of this mother...I am sure this is not the first time she has put these children in jeopardy.. Where is the system?? Yesterday a small child under the age of 2 was severly sun burnt...his mother was telling him to be quiet and stop crying while she was buying a shirt for a man not aloe for this child.. why do the children have to suffer...
Posted by: Vicki on Jul 3, 2008 at 03:32 PM
Oh give me a break! My nephew was born with cancer in Jan.'07 and when my sister (too a single mom) who does work tried to apply for a medical card to pick up what insureance wouldn't she was told she made too much money. This is just another story of a lazy person that we as taxpayers are supporting with her complaining that she doesn't get enough money. What I have to say to her is GET A JOB AND QUIT EXPECTING US TO SUPPORT YOU!!! Oh one other thing maybe if she took care of her children first she would have enough money rather than drinking it up.
Posted by: Anon on Jul 3, 2008 at 03:20 PM
To Anon 7/3 12:59 pm. In response to your comments: An father can see their child as much as they request, but the problem is that they don't "request" it. Regardless of the amount of time they get to see their child, the child still is their responsibility too. I have two children and both have the same father. After our first child was born, I worked at home in our own business, but when we separated, he shut his 6 months pregnant wife and 2 yr old child completely out. Two children under 5 would cost $1,200 for daycare and not having a degree, I would pay everything I made out to daycare. I am now in college and working to make a life for myself and children. When I say the system does not help, what I am saying is that it keeps you in poverty instead of trying to help you out. I could go to work and make min. wage, but it would hurt me more financially to do that than it would to stay on the system. That is what I mean, reward for trying instead of penalizing you.
Posted by: Once single mom on Jul 3, 2008 at 03:17 PM
I don't feel sorry for her, but I sure feel badly for her children. Bipolar is treatable. Instead of feeding her bad habits, the government should help her get treatment for the obvious problems she has.
Posted by: Melissa on Jul 3, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Maybe if you can afford to buy alcohol, then you shouldn't be on WELFARE !!!! and you should have the money to buy your child a transformer.. HELLO I hope your "benefits" are takin away and your kids!! Upon all the other stupid decisions you made drinking & driving was the worst... mostly with the kids !! S-T-U-P-I-D !!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:53 PM
There are no excuses for what she did. Whether you are on welfare or have a job, children have to learn that they can't have everything that they want. My husband and I both have decent jobs, and can probably afford to give our daughter everything that she wants, buts she doesn't get everything she wants. Every time we go the Walmart or wherever we go to shop she normally comes home mad because she didn't get what she wanted. Children have to learn that when they get to be adults they don't get everything that they want.
Posted by: chris on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:28 PM
AWW I see she had Money for beer but not to pay the bills! And ANN do you really think if the Goverment gave her a check this would not have happened? GIVE ME A BREAK!! Welfare people dont deserve a refund check, They dont work!! they dont do anything!! so why give them a check when people like me and so many others are working 50 hours a week to survive!
Posted by: Wv HIllbilly on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:27 PM
GET REAL!! I'm bipolar and skitzo I have a job and support my family,this isnt about mental illness,or WELFARE if she could buy beer then she could afford the"transformer" this woman needs hammered,yes the dad should've paid his child support BUT women and men should concider things like this b4 having children with some1,I dont bash welfare IF it goes 2 d kids NOT 2 moms and dads beer/drug habit! She doesnt need kids in d day and time we live n maybe people should think things out like can I feed them?can I buy food/pay bills/rent ETC..?mistakes happen yes ever heard of a condomn? there is NO excuse 4 what she did and 2 my fellow posterers d food n jail isnt that good maybe when she gets out she wont b as "healthy".
Posted by: To anonymous at 3:47 on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Well, your knowledge of the welfare 'pay-out' rate now compared to 10 years ago suggests that you may very well be a welfare 'lifer' and thus, disqualifies your statements regarding the system. Also disqualified is your assessment of demographics of the longterm welfare recepient and what attitudes the general working population should have towards those who have abused a system that was implemented to give people a little help until they got back on their feet. Those are the objects at the end of your legs that your toes are attached to, so what do you say you, and others abusing the system hop up on those feet and go get a job! Quit whining about how unfair the welfare system is, and how the working person shouldn't begrudge you your choice of lifestyle.
Posted by: She is sorry. on Jul 3, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Better decisions from now on. Don't feel sorry for yourself anymore. Do your time then pick yourself up and advance forward. You shouldn't drink on your medication and you need to get checked for depression.
Posted by: gina on Jul 3, 2008 at 11:37 AM
i feel as if the woman was just screaming for help, both mentally and financially. I think she was wanting to get caught. Perhaps somewhere in her mind she was saying to herself that her kids would be better off without her but still not willing to give them up. Even in most dire circumstances a mother wont let go of her kids or give up. She most likely didn't know where to go or what to do to get the help needed. It was a truly scary way of making her point...someone help us!!
Posted by: Becky on Jul 3, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Way to go "3 kids"!!! You were in a tough position, you refused to be a victim, and you made a better life for you and your kids. As my mother always said, "revenge is living well". Bet your "ex" feels like a schmuck now...
Posted by: Blaze on Jul 3, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Not to add insult to injury, but she's 28? She's had a hard life cause she looks alot older then 28.
Posted by: Its going to get worse on Jul 3, 2008 at 11:13 AM
You are going to see this more and more as time goes by. Times are getting rough and mothers just aren't going to let their kids go hungry. Wake up and realize that everything is changing and it is not all our fault. It is the governments fault for putting our country in so much financial distress.
Posted by: So it's Society's Fault??? on Jul 3, 2008 at 10:45 AM
I know *PLENTY* of people who are bipolar who work jobs and raise their families and don't resort to robbery to do it. I almost had sympathy for her up until she made the "bipolar and can't work" comment. That's not a valid alibi for what happened.
Posted by: A MOTHER on Jul 3, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Shame on the news stations for interviewing her at the jail, I'm sure that her family is embarrassed enough, not to mention her kids seeing this later on. There are better ways for the news stations to spend their resources. My prayers go to the kids and extended family....
Posted by: Jen on Jul 3, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Actually, she probably walked there since she doesnt' have a car and lives near that place. I agree, though that what she did was wrong. When you do a crime, there needs to be punishment. Most importantly, she needs prayer. Melissa is going through a lot more than most of you will ever know. It's always amazing to me the people who have such hateful things to say about people they have never met. I have met this woman and know quite a bit about her. We should just shake our heads and move on, because I'm sure someone else will do something dumb next week, too!
Posted by: Kathy S on Jul 3, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Don't judge someone until you've walked in their shoes people. Are you perfect? Doubt it. With so many people out of work, everything so blasted high due to our gov't idiocy & greed - people losing their homes right and left & life as it is period anymore...have a little compassion and empathy folks. But for the grace of God, it could be YOU or ME. I've been there almost losing my home & worrying where we'd get the money to feed our kids much less get them anything else. THAT is fear friends. AND b/4 any of you judge ME & say "well you should work". I DID work & so did my husband BUT we both became physically unable to work with no insurance to help us get better & we worked HARD. Long hours and honest jobs since we were young. Try living on disability that YOU have paid in but get back a pittance or nothing at all because they take OUT your FICA but don't want to pay it back when you need it FEAR is not being able to feed your child & keep a roof over them
Posted by: Kathy S on Jul 3, 2008 at 08:12 AM
I agree with Anon (posted 3:47 a.m.) Not everyone who receives assistance from ANYWHERE including welfare is a druggie or low-life. Yes, there are a LOT of those on there that wouldn't work testing pies in a pie factory as my dad used to say & should be out there working. THOSE people make it a generation to generation lifestyle. Not EVERYONE is though. People get down on their luck. Lose jobs. No insurance. AND you will do ANYTHING to feed your kids & keep a roof over their heads folks & it is HARD to see your little ones not have even the basics including a toy like other kids but if you've never been a parent you have no idea how your heart breaks when you can't even give them the basics while everyone else has everything. Kids dont' understand poverty & problems. I'm not saying what she did was right at all, but I'm not judging the woman either. She's a mom & we moms would do anything to feed our kids. Theres going to be more of this with people out of work
Posted by: just me on Jul 3, 2008 at 08:00 AM
I am tired of these young people who don't want to work making any excuse. Bipolar BULL. Just another excuse. Get an education, Get a job, quit blaming everyone else. Stop taking welfare. Quit being a burden on society. I am not worried about your self-esteem. I am worried about the kids who need intervention to not repeat the stupidity of their mother.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 3, 2008 at 07:58 AM
I guess now her kids will end up like her, in and out of foster homes. The cycle just keeps going...its sad. You know, they have Meds out there for those "medical issues". Go see a doctor and get to WORK!
Posted by: No excuses on Jul 3, 2008 at 07:39 AM
re: Anon - You don't hear people bashing the war or talking about Africa because that's not what this story is about. SHE didn't use those problems as her excuse. We were just trying to stick to the point. If you want to talk about wasting billions on a war that may never end, or trying to impress the world with being helpful when we don't know how to help our own country then by all means tell me the time and place and I'll be glad to help. That's not here though. SHE CHOSE TO BREAK THE LAW! Nothing and noone else chose that for her. She can't do that and now she will lose out on her children's growing up.
Posted by: JOHN on Jul 3, 2008 at 07:23 AM
You cry around that you cant afford to buy your son a transformer but you can sure afford to buy alcohol for yourself cant you! Quit crying the blues,we working people are tired of paying for people like you to be on welfare so you can sit around and drink,steal and everything else because you have too much time on your hands.some people need assistance then theres people like you that cry you cant work because you have something wrong with you,Yeah right !!!the west Virginia welfare system is a total wreck, i know people that work,have new cars,a new home and lie to the welfare dept. and get food stamps, medical cards and etc, i have reported them numerous times and they do nothing!As for you , i hope you spend some serious jail time and they take away your welfare and give your kids to a good home to be raised in.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 3, 2008 at 07:06 AM
I couldn't agree more with working Mom. Can't imagine what the 7 year old was thinking while his brainless so called Mom was committing the crime. Take the children away forever!!!
Posted by: Brenda on Jul 3, 2008 at 06:28 AM
1. She says she is bipolar. There are meds for that. That is a treatable condition. With the children's father not in the home, SHE is eligible for a medical card. 2. With her condition treated, she can get a job or attend school where she can learn a trade to help her find a better job. Well, she could have but it will be hard to find a good job now with a criminal record! 3. She needs to set priorities in her life. Such as which is more important...getting her child an occasional toy or sitting on the porch getting drunk. 4. Though it may be too late for her, hopefully others will learn and see that there are other ways of making it in this world. I know that it is tough out there. I live it every day. My husband and I both work to meet our needs and on occassion we are able to meet our wants as well. It just takes planning and priority setting. 5. Come on folks...Pull up your big girl panties and deal with it! ....Stepping down from my soap box now...
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 3, 2008 at 05:22 AM
She wanted a transformer for her son but didn't have the money but she had money for alcohol. Not only does she take her kids along for the ride but she was driving under the influence. Yeah real good mom here huh? Its makes me so angry when I hear things like this. People try so hard to have babies and people like this can have them with no problems. I only hope that the kids learn from their mom's mistake so they won't be repeating history. "I knew I was going to get in trouble for it, but I didn't know I'd get caught then and there." If you know you're going to get in trouble then why do it? Talk about dumb blondes.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 3, 2008 at 03:47 AM
bull walfare dont give like they did 10 years ago. get a life people. quit this welfare bashing. i dont hear people bashing the war money, the big money sent to africa every month. whats your problem people. being on welfare doesn't mean your on drugs, smoke, lazy, they dont even give anymore you have to work now to get it and most people dont take it cause working at gas station is less work. grow up
Posted by: 3 kids on Jul 3, 2008 at 02:38 AM
I had 3 kids, an alcoholic husband, who abused me, I decided enough was enough, I delivered newspapers and divorced the abuser. When my youngest was 12 i got a job in a local factory, now at 49 I am employed as a supervisor with one of the nations 4 Class 1 Railroads, yeah my kids wanted Nikes, and playstations, but I as an adult made the decisions, not them, ya know??
Posted by: paul on Jul 3, 2008 at 02:05 AM
NO EXCUSE she took a gun and robbed! People there are places to go and get help, getting drunk and taking your kids to rob a place is not getting help they could have been killed. Yes she needs help and maybe they can help her all the way to jail for a few years. Not sure on the price of beer but I bet you can buy a couple good meals for about the same price. Not heard anything about the clerk in this who knows they may have been a single parent but they were working for their family and had to face a gun and give their stuff up they had worked for. Times are hard so we will just have to try harder to make it. The kids may have a better home now but they don't have MOM with them and I bet if you ask them that would mean more than getting a "transformer" Welfare is out there to HELP and at times everyone needs help use it don't abuse it food and cloths and pay bills if the electric gets turned off you'll be ok I grew up without it and we done fine done school work with an oil lamp!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 3, 2008 at 01:30 AM
why does she need help cuz she said she was bipolar heck that may have been a line she was tellin people just to get out of trouble..i say lock her up take away her kids
Posted by: bipolar but works on Jul 3, 2008 at 01:09 AM
I have severe stage 1 bipolar and I work everyday. I have a child on the way and don't live off welfare! I think these women out here need to quit feeling sorry for themselves and get to work! If you want it better for your children don't line up in the welfare line get yourself a job application! You complain about having kids and it is so hard to raise them. Next time get to know the person you are having them with and see if you can handle it financially! Don't blame your problems on bipolar disorder or the government! I think the government helps too many moms who can work! They should make a law that after your kid gets old enough for day care then you can work! My husband pays almost 1000 dollars for 2 kids a month and he only make 11.00 an hour an their mother uses the same excuse she is bipolar and can't work! Get a job ladies, it actually helps your mentality! Make a better life for your kids other than welfare hand me outs and complaining all the time!
Posted by: To Jack on Jul 3, 2008 at 01:02 AM
Be honest...You're an aging hippie aren't you?
Posted by: To Anon on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Bull! She BROKE THE LAW and does indeed deserve jail time,period.Secondly, regarding the income %, that is a two way street. 1-How often does an ex normally get HIS kids? 10% of the time if he is VERY lucky. More like 4 days a month. Are there any limitations as to how many dads you can collect this from? No, many women are getting two and three checks from daddies.Does his(their)support end when you find another man? No..many women use this "child support" for the new family's "mad money." Lastly, quit blaming the state and everyone else for your problems.That is killing this country.Until you decide that you are not a 'victim', you will always be one. It's time you grew a spine, decided that you are going to help yourself, and quit with the "woe is me" attitude. The state does not keep you in poverty, neither does your ex, neither does anyone else. Your present condition is prob. a culmination of a bunch of bad decisions by you, so YOU turn it around and stop blaming everyone else
Posted by: green on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:13 AM
I agree with WORKING_MOM on Jul 2, 2008 at 10:42 PM. People on welfare have no right to complain about having no money when they spend what they do have on things such as beer and cigarettes.
Posted by: Anon. on Jul 2, 2008 at 11:57 PM
While I do not agree with her judgment, I don't think she needs jail time. She needs help. I am a single parent of two and trying to make a better life for yourself and your children in the country is very hard. 1) Fathers who do pay child support are only required to pay approximately 25% of their income whereas mothers are expected to pay 100% of our income. 2) The state keeps you in poverty. If you try to do better they penalize you to the point that it does not pay to work. Please do not judge her because you have not been in her shoes. Like I said before, I do not agree with what she did, but we all make mistakes, some worse than others, but the lack of education and support makes her especially vulnerable.
Posted by: Just Me on Jul 2, 2008 at 11:43 PM
You hit it right on Working_Mom!
Posted by: Anon. on Jul 2, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Oh, cry me a river! She knew what she was doing whether she was drunk or not! Take her kids...and publicly humiliate her! Make her stand outside the business with a sign saying that she robbed the place because she's a sorry welfare case....get a job..get a life...quit living off John Q.Taxpayer
Posted by: wow on Jul 2, 2008 at 11:08 PM
glad no one was hurt, poor kids maybe something good will come out of this, I wished we had some happy ended stories on here, but with the shape of the world I do not see it happening!
Posted by: Laura on Jul 2, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Well times are difficult and if she is mentally ill she does need help. We get paid and are still flat broke. Everything is so very expensive, include the fact my husband has cancer and well it adds up. No I'm not planning on a hold up or anything illegal. But it is hard when you have kids to have to tell them no everyday because after the utilities and insurance is paid then gas up your car, there is just nothing left. ZERO, and no it's not about being lazy, it's about alot of different variables that just overwhelm the strong minded, let alone those with mental disease.
Posted by: WORKING_MOM on Jul 2, 2008 at 10:42 PM
YOU HAD MONEY FOR BEER!!!!!!!!!! WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE IS YOUR BLAMING YOUR CHILD FOR YOUR STUPIDITY. IF YOU HAVE TIME TO DRINK THEN YOU CERTAINLY HAVE TIME FOR A JOB.
Posted by: stupid on Jul 2, 2008 at 10:14 PM
this woman should really be ashamed of herself...how sad to involve these young children on a stupid act...probably for drug money..the poor children. i hate stupid people! she needs locked up forever and never see those kids again!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 2, 2008 at 10:10 PM
I just watched this woman on the news and she says she only gets 300.00 a month on welfare and she was just financially spent. But, yet she could afford to buy the beer that made her drunk when she robbed the place. I'm glad that I go out and work hard for her to be able to buy beer!!!!
Posted by: Single Parent Father on Jul 2, 2008 at 09:39 PM
ANN - Surely you're kidding, you're being sarcastic Right! The government didn't choose to have these kids and its not the governments responsibility to earn money to take care of them. Thousands of single parents either moms or dads work very hard including right here in the Kanawha Valley to support their children, some even refusing to accept offered government help. You choose to survive doing legal hard work or choose to break the law, no one is forced! Please don't insult hard - working people trying to explain how you had to rob someone or do any other illegal act. Just depends on what type of person you want to be.
Posted by: Elizabeth on Jul 2, 2008 at 09:31 PM
missy is my sister she is a good person..she just wanted what was best for her kids..i do not believe she knew what she was doing,she needs help not jail..this problaly would not have happed if their dad would have paid child support. or her parents would have been their for her,i was lucky i was adopted when i was 12.but no one wanted her because 14 is to old for people to adopt people want babies not teens..please dont judge her pray for her instead..missy i love you, elizabeth
Posted by: J on Jul 2, 2008 at 09:27 PM
She probably had to sit down to rest. Must be quite a struggle to carry that load.
Posted by: j on Jul 2, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Jerry Springer material, what a loser
Posted by: ANN. on Jul 2, 2008 at 06:31 PM
IF THE GOVERMENT WOULD HAVE GAVE HER A STIMULUS CHECK THIS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPEN.
Posted by: mom of 2 on Jul 2, 2008 at 06:16 PM
When they interview her on the news, she said she just wants to do better for her kids, has she ever heard of a JOB?????
Posted by: carolyn on Jul 2, 2008 at 02:52 PM
nobody in their right mind would take their kids on a robbery,,to sit on a porch and wait,maybe she wanted to get caught,maybe she couldn't take care of her kids and the state could,,who knows,,it is getting really bad out there,,it is going to get a lot worse
Posted by: WOW! on Jul 2, 2008 at 09:33 AM
what an idiot!
Posted by: mike on Jul 2, 2008 at 08:52 AM
I haven't seen too many meth addicts that healthy.
Posted by: chris on Jul 2, 2008 at 08:49 AM
I really hope this women ol sorry IDIOT! never sees her kids again. Because someone who would put there kids in that kind of danger doesn't deserve kids or to breath as far as Im concerened.
Posted by: na on Jul 2, 2008 at 06:30 AM
either she was so high on drugs she didnt knwo what she was doing or else she wanted to get caught and her kids taken away. maybe she just couldnt care for them any longer and wanted them to have a better home. it gets her 3 squares a day as well. with prices going like they are I expect to see a lot more of this in the near future.
Posted by: mlk on Jul 2, 2008 at 03:40 AM
is this the $100.00 bank robbers kid ?
Posted by: to Amazed on Jul 2, 2008 at 02:13 AM
Either that or something not right upstairs. Either way it's pretty bad. It's really sad and infuriating at how much the crime in our communities have gone up. When are we going to stand up and do something about it?
Posted by: Mike on Jul 2, 2008 at 02:12 AM
We know what reflects the views of the station, MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mike on Jul 2, 2008 at 01:23 AM
I think she was one brave young lady!!! She probably is in dire straits! And of course the merchants of chaos will try to fry the young lady!
Posted by: Jack on Jul 2, 2008 at 01:01 AM
Amazed, sounds like the girl was in desperate need of money. This is just one example of what happens when governments have no one to answer to and the sheep (loyal citizens) don't question them...ever.
Posted by: reader on Jul 1, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Obviously she wasn't thinking clearly, don't judge since we don't know the whole story. I hope there's other family for the kids, but this might be for the best for them too. You just don't know what was truly going on.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 1, 2008 at 10:28 PM
is it getting so bad that people are taking their kids to rob places....
Posted by: Amazed on Jul 1, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Robs the place, and then goes down the street and sits on the porch?? What are these people on? Meth? Probably...
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The Yell: Comments for the Week of 11/30
  • Posted By: Bill: I am a native Mountaineer...what's up with "The Yell"? Couldn't there be a better name for your soundoff? Love the idea...
  • Posted By: Sophie: What is going on with all of these "home invasions!" This really scares me. I hope they catch these thugs. How tramatic!
  • Posted By: Kevin: I am just fine with the new look of your website, no problems navigating at all. The people who complain are the ones who fear change, to me this explains why Robert Byrd keeps getting voted into office.
  • Posted By: Ari: I feel SOOO bad for that poor bear that those people are keeping as a "pet" a bear is not a pet, these are the people I dont feel sorry for when they get mauled and there hand bitten off
  • Posted By: Me: I like the postings from other outlets, (wowk etc.) This lets me see a varitey of headlines and stories without moving all around
  • Posted By: Debbie: Your website looks great! It is very appealing to the eye when it comes up on the screen and user friendly. I not an expert by any means, yet I find your site non-threating for someone like me. I check your site twice daily and though I usually do not like change, I like this one! I'm thankful for WSAZ's coverage of Southern Ohio. You treat Ohio with the same level of importance as West Virginia. Thanks for a job well done, with heart.
  • Posted By: Alycia Marie Adams: I think that your new layout is really top notch! It looks much more professional and streamlined than it used to! Thank you for a job well done!
  • Posted By: Christian not offended: Thank you g, I'm glad there is someone else who understands the HOLIDAY meaning to HAPPY HOLIDAYS. If that offends some of you, then maybe you should leave town. This is a FREE country, not a communist one. HAPPY >>>insert holiday here<<< There is that less offending to you?
  • Posted By: Cathi: Thanks for the new website. I think it is truly great. Lots of information, great design. I get on this site many times each day and love the new look and info.
  • Posted By: drsenile: In the spirit of this joyous season, let us remember what it celebrates...the love and compassion for our fellow man. So, those of you who do NOT believe the way I do, get out of town! Sound like anyone you know? If you missed the sarcasm, may I suggest you also leave town.
  • Posted By: mooonie: I like the new layout , it is easier to find what you're looking for . I can't understand what others are complaining about . Great job !!
  • Posted By: drsenile: Well, I just attempted to submit a comment and it disappeared. And no, it wasn't my computer. My basic problem with this site...too much glitz, not enough substance; slow to load information; and, it appears none of the WSAZ staff ever read much of what's here and it might actually improve.
  • Posted By: drsenile: It is the season for honoring a man born 2000 years ago and to celebrate what he brought to all of us in the spirit of love and compassion for our fellow man. So, all of you who DO NOT BELIEVE as I do, get out of town! If you fall to see the sarcasm, by all means, find another planet.
  • Posted By: drsenile: I realize I live in the ultra-exclusive suburb of Milton, but I am curious as to the reason gas prices (for one) are consistently higher than our less fortunate neighbors (like Huntington). As of tonight, there is still a 16 cents per gallon differential between Milton and Huntington (and we are NOT lower). I guess we are helping to pay for improvements to the mayors pet projects.
  • Posted By: Paul: Your new web page is greate, Your local and national coverage is so much easier to surf. You will have critics out there, but any change that is new will not be accepted for a while, this is common for the region that we live in. Keep up the good work WSAZ. Please excuse some of my spelling)
  • Posted By: Taxpayer: At least one Senator has put a secret hold on the nomination of Neil Barofsky to be appointed Inspector General to oversee the $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). It is not clear why the lawmaker is holding up the nomination. Mr. Barofsky appears to be eminently qualified for the Inspector General position, and whether you support the bailout or not, all taxpayers have an interest in making sure every dime is spent appropriately and not subjected to waste, fraud or abuse. Please call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to connect with your Senator's office and find out whether they are responsible for holding up this nomination of the watchdog for the massive bailout package.
  • Posted By: Jennifer: To Volley Mom, yes that's true about life in general but we're talking about a web page, come on. It's not THAT important.
  • Posted By: L.: A little feedback on the site redesign; I like the layout, but it's very crowded and cluttered. I browse the site frequently on my iPhone and I have great difficulty doing that with the new layout - I can't scroll using the touchscreen because all of the columns are crowded together and when I try to scroll I end up clicking on something.
  • Posted By: : I DO NOT LIKE THE NEW PAGE. THE OLD PAGE WAS SO MUCH BETTER!!!
  • Posted By: Melinda: THE ONLY THING THAT NEEDS FIXED ON YOUR NEW WEB SITE IS THE VIEWING OF THE VIDEOS LIKE YOU HAVE GOING ON AROUND THE WORLD I HAVE A POP UP BLOCKER THAT WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO VIEW IT AND BEFORE IT NEVER STOPPED ME.
  • Posted By: Melinda: I LIKE THE NEW WEB PAGE KEEP THIS ONE! ITS EASIER TO READ AND GET TO THINGS.
  • Posted By: Volley Mom: The only thing in life consistent is change. We all need change to keep life interesting. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you deal with it. Learn to deal with things in life a little better. I happen to like the new site.
  • Posted By: Bling Bling: Like the new site, but like asked before why are you running the competitions headlines? Also another recommendation - somewhat croweded but hey it is the news so I will live with it
  • Posted By: Buckeye: I like the new site. Just get sick of seeing the shaking "classmate.com" advertisement. But, they pay a bill I'm sure.
  • Posted By: ann: I HATE THE NEW SIT IT WONT FIT ON MY SCREEN RIGHT ITS MESSED UP CHANGE IT BACK PLEASE HURRRY
  • Posted By: ann: love the new site
  • Posted By: Jennifer: I don't like the new page either, I know change is something you have to get used to but....just my opinion.
  • Posted By: IdiotsUAre: The United States of America was founded under God! The creator of this earth, the father of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is why we even have Christmas. So say Christmas an not holidays! If you want to say holidays then go to another county or even California it might as be its own.
  • Posted By: yuck: I don't like change, please go back to the other website.
  • Posted By: Bob: WSAZ, Why are you linking to WOWK headlines on your website? Even linking to the Daily Mail, Gazette, and H-D isn't smart - because in the online world, they're even more of a competitor to you.
  • Posted By: Bob: Someone could be shopping for Hanukkah gifts. Read a book other than just the Bible.
  • Posted By: BibleThumpers: It's actually a pagan festival for the Winter Solstice. The Christians adopted it as Christ's birthday later on and even adopted many of the pagan items, such as putting up a tree and having a great feast.
  • Posted By: g: it is the stupidest thing I have ever heard, to be offended by the word "Holiday", this all comes from you bible thumpers that all want to tell other people how to think and what to say. You offend me! This is the Holidays! Even 50 years ago before all this ridiculous crap started, cards said Happy Holidays, because it covered Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, it is the Holiday Season! So Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays Y'all!
  • Posted By: to Lady A:: The "holiday" season also encompasses Hanukkah, a major holiday for those of us who follow the Jewish faith. We also give gifts and do "holiday" shopping this season; thankfully WSAZ is less ignorant than you are and recognizes that their viewership reflects more than one faith.
  • Posted By: to Lady A: FYI, Hanukah is also coming up and we of the jewish faith also exchange gifts during this HOLIDAY season. I, for one, am thankful that WSAZ considers all of their viewers. Your comment was incredibly ignorant.
  • Posted By: What the heck: I agree with Pat, I'm not liking the new page AT ALL.
  • Posted By: Christian not offended: Ok there Lady A, just slow down a minute. Huntingtonian made a good point. Have you ever heard of Hanukah? Some people shop for Hanukah. Jesus was Jewish, so don't tell me that being a Jew is a sin, & Christmas is THE ONLY HOLIDAY this time o