Investigative Update

Here is a picture of Rosalee with 6 of her 8 grandchildren on her birthday.

I think the Bayles family is great. I particularly treasure my relationship with Rosalee.

We met four and a half years ago when she came out to Manassas after Devin died. For the weekend Drex and Rosalee were in Virginia, I really tried to do what I could to help. It was good to have somewhere else to focus my energies, grieve together, and share stories. Grief is very personal, and affects us all differently. I have read that losing a child is often the hardest of any relationship. I know that Rosalee still struggles to know what to think about Devin’s death, and I often pray that she will find the peace she seeks.

A big reason I came out to Phoenix was to see what we could do to further the investigation of Devin’s death. The Department of Commerce Inspector General still has my work computer and forensic copies of my personal computers. It’s been over two years since they agreed to investigate, and still no update. Recently we had an expert in computer forensics look at Devin’s hard drive. I brought the hard drive to DC with me in May, and picked it back up on my next trip in June. We gained more information than the police have been able to provide about the night of Devin’s death. Although the net yield was no additional information about the potential cause of death, we did find out that he did not access his home computer that night. If there was in fact an email from John (as John indicated there was), Devin did not access it from his home computer.

John still hasn't been questioned directly about his whereabouts the night of Devin's death. Although there are a few more potential avenues of investigation, I think I'm done. We may never know in this life the cause of Devin's death - if it was suicide (as the coroner indicated), an accident (like Prince William County suggests), or a Homicide (given the same motive and opportunity as in Todd's death). I do feel at peace that Devin is in a better place. He is working hard to share the gospel and learn what he needs to learn.

Recently at church we discussed the story of Ruth and Naomi, and it really hit me on an emotional level. While Rosalee fortunately has not lost her husband as well as her son, I see some parallels to the story with our relationship. When Devin died I received a blessing where I was told to be a comfort to Devin’s family. I am so grateful for her listening ear, genuine interest, and patience with me. It’s interesting that I have been able to follow her to Phoenix for this brief time. I really value her permission (and even encouragement) to continue to date and find someone to have a family with. We all have lessons to learn, and I am grateful for reminders of what is most important, and examples of valiant women.