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The Face of Injustice

2/20/2023

8 Comments

 
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I believe every adult person on Earth has, at some point, for some reason, imagined their own death. Whether it be for estate planning purposes, contemplation of their life’s relevance or a simple daydream about what exists beyond mortal life, the thoughts occur, and are entirely normal. I have never met an adult human being who has considered what it would be like to lose a child, for the simple reason, that I believe, that it is unimaginable. Fortunately, very few ever experience such a tragic event. Even fewer experience the inconceivable reality of losing a child to violent crime. 
As parents who have been dealt this unfair hand, we can tell you with certainty that such an event does not end one life, but no less than three lives in one horrific moment. Days come and go. Weeks turn into months. Somehow, the calendar continues to turn. Year after year those outside of the epicenter of any such tragedy move on with their lives, and rightfully so. The parents of a child taken by violence have nowhere to go. Sleep is unrestful. Breathing is no longer an involuntary action and moments of joy are quickly interrupted by anxiety and guilt. Time does not heal all wounds.
The death of a child by violence is completely avoidable. This simple fact brings on unique challenges, and according to what we all know as a “system of justice”, very straightforward resolution. We are here to tell you that our system of justice is more fallacy than it is solace.
We are, and will continue to be supporters of military personnel and law enforcement. We have known many admirable men and women who embraced their roles of responsibility and served the general public with honor, humility and dignity. Unfortunately, none of those men and women have handled our daughter’s case. Those responsible for attaining justice in her case have displayed immense dereliction of their duties. Just like those who murdered our sweet girl, the investigators, elected and appointed prosecutors and active duty U.S. Marine Corps Officers creating the ensuing injustice have names. Those men and women, regardless of uniform and affiliation, need to be held accountable.
Confirmation bias in a major crimes investigation is never acceptable. The path of least resistance will never lead to truth and justice. It is a wrenching feeling to become aware that people we have always respected because of their oath and uniform; people we believed would be our strongest allies in our moment of great need and despair, could actually be so disinterested and lacking in empathy. These public servants range from lazy to incompetent, and in a few instances, corrupt! They failed to put themselves in our shoes, realize that these crimes could have happened to any young lady. It could have been their own sister, wife or even their daughter. Without conscience, they continually ignore our calls, our emails, our pleas and our daughter’s God given rights, distracted, instead, by an easy victory to add to their resume. All of this while we remind ourselves to breathe, wait endlessly to be treated with the simple dignity of a response to questions and concerns, all the while praying that this will not happen to another family. Another child.
This is not justice as any of us were taught to understand it. This is not justice by a jury of the accused’s peers. This is no justice at all for the one who needs it most. Her name is Morgan Renee Patten. She was abducted and killed by two enlisted members of the United States Marine Corps on November 8, 2019, at the age of 24. Morgan’s story needs to be told!
8 Comments
B Ribbit
2/21/2023 04:13:53 am

As always hugs n prayers to you all. As a father of 5 with 2 girls your story will always be in my mind. I will continue to share Morgan’s story till the end of time.

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Steve Patten
2/21/2023 07:41:02 am

Thank you very much sir.

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Meg
2/21/2023 05:57:11 am

Sending you strength and love everyday believing that Justice will be served. I think of you three daily, will continue to share Morgan’s story as Morgan deserves better. You two deserve better. 🤍

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Steve Patten
2/21/2023 07:43:25 am

Thank you for keeping our sweet Morgan in your heart, and for sharing her story.

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Rhonda & Skip Rollins
2/21/2023 07:00:58 am

We know what it is like to lose a child by violence. However our son knew the odds when he signed up to be in the Army. We knew the odds, we knew he was in danger, some would make it home and some would not. Who would ever think that having a daughter go on a trip to visit her fiancé in our own country, staying at a safe hotel that is close to a restaurant chain, so she didn’t have to venture far for dinner, would put her in harms way? This is outrageous that the murder of Morgan Patten was covered up, her parents have had to fight for answers to no avail. Their beautiful, smart, daughter that had her bright future ahead of her with a wonderful, loving fiancé, Phillip Brandon, was tragically robbed by two enlisted men, that are carrying on with their lives. We want Justice for Morgan, her parents and Fiancé.
We are proud of our son, who gave of his life for our country, lived an honest life, unlike these two Marines! We are appalled that the government and the Marine Corps allow such corruption. Miles to go for Morgan! ♥️

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Steve Patten
2/21/2023 07:47:14 am

We are all proud of your son, Justin Rollins! Renee and I have learned much from your strength and courage. Thank you for standing with us in our battle for justice.

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Deedee Ponte
2/22/2023 01:51:24 pm

I am a good friend of Phil Brandon. He was like a son to me. He dated my daughter back in high school and has remained good friends with her. I have followed this story from the beginning and feel for you!! I strongly believe justice will come for Morgan. Keep prying and talking! The truth always prevails!!

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Steve Patten
2/23/2023 04:10:37 pm

We love Phil! Thank you for reaching out. We wholeheartedly believe that the truth will prevail, but have no idea how long it will take. The problems need to be addressed openly and a thoroughly in order for me to be convinced that this will not happen to someone else’s daughter. Perhaps someone who simply does not have the strength and/or conviction to fight the system

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  • Home
    • Events
    • Morgan
  • From The Beginning
    • November 8, 2019
    • Two Sad and Frustrating Years
  • Why Miles to Go?
    • Scholarship
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  • Donation
  • Contact
    • Miles To Go LINKTREE