"I was fortunate enough to see my dad that evening but I never got to say goodbye"

(Humboldt Cremation)

Many people in the community know Bob Beland and his wife Elizabeth Martin. If you did not know him, the photo above illustrates well the loving memories shared by his family and friends in court today.

There were several letters submitted to Judge Lawrence Killoran from Beland- Martin family and friends. Eight people spoke; two were family friends.

"I read all the letters with a heavy heart and sadness," said Judge Lawrence Killoran.

Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm spoke briefly before and after the victim impact statements. He referenced rule 4.421 (a) (3) "The victim was particularly vulnerable. Mr. Beland was sleeping in his bed when his life was taken."

"No one is living in the Beland home," said Mr. Timm. "There is still a hole in the house covered by plywood."

First to speak was Martin. As she spoke, she was supported by her son and Beland's brother. People sobbed and wiped tears as she spoke. Martin said she was " cheated out of living the life with the man I love." They were a couple for 45 years and "married 37 1/2 years."

"Bob was not sleeping, he was reading a book lying in bed next to me," said Martin. "The fact that Bob's life was so rudely and heinously taken."

In a very vivid description, Martin recalled the events of  that night starting with her husband being "struck" and the emotions and terror of the immediate moments.

Bob Beland was 14 months away from retirement. With his death, the family lost income grom the business but is responsible for two mortgages. Martin had to stay at a hotel for a month and now in a rental house.

"The nightmare Stapp constructed because he chose to drive drunk," said Martin.

"I will never forget the screams that night," said Dylan Beland. "It is only when I saw my mom covered in blood that I realized the screams were coming from my mom."

"I was fortunate enough to see my dad that evening but I never got to say goodbye," said Dylan Beland. "11 years for the destruction caused on my family."

Bob Beland's brother said the Court and the judicial system had failed. He called out "liberal legislators" for the lax drunk driving laws. He specifically singled out Judge Timothy Canning. "Not only did this Judge not follow bail schedule, he rejected Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm's plea to rexamine bail."

Bob Beland's sister in law said she would not use Stapp's first name since her nephew has the same name. She said Ryder Stapp had not earned the term man. She referred to him as a monster, "grim reaper" and then for most of remarks as "inmate Stapp."

There were also letters from Stapp's family.
I am not going to print Stapp's brief statement yet or remarks by his attorney, Mr. Neal Sanders. I did not find Stapp's statement or apology sincere but if it is; time will tell. Actions speak louder than words. Mr. Sanders making excuses for his client is him doing his job.