SULLIVAN – A 27-year-old local woman was found dead Saturday in a city police jail cell after apparently hanging herself with string from a hooded sweatshirt, reports the City of Sullivan Police Department. Karen A. Palmer, whose address was listed in court documents as 29 E. Washington Street in Sullivan, was arrested Friday on a city municipal warrant for trespassing and placed in the jail cell. Her bond was set at $250. At 12:15 p.m. the following day, on Saturday, Palmer was found dead. According to a city police release issued to the Sullivan Journal, “Officers found Palmer hanging from a string from her hooded sweatshirt.” As is protocol, the Missouri State Highway Patrol will investigate the death.

According to Franklin County court records, Palmer served time in prison for a felony drug conviction. In January 2005 Palmer pleaded guilty to one felony count of fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance. Palmer was ordered to the county’s drug court, but failed to show up to the court, treatment or the probation office. The judge rescinded the treatment offer and she was ordered to serve three years in state confinement.

Palmer was recently arrested in Franklin County for misdemeanor theft and was to appear in court on Wednesday in that matter.

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armywife63080   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-19 11:54:09 I want to send my sympathy to the Palmer family. I went to high school with Karen. My one question is how can someone be in a jail cell with no one checking on them?

sadawson76   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-19 11:53:51 I'm sorry that this happened.It could of been prevented.I thought that when you were arrested that it was mandatory that they take your shoes cause they have shoestrings,so something like this couldn't happen.So why not the hooded sweatshirt.At least they should had made her remove the string from it.To me this is negligence on the Sullivan Police Department.Myabe in the future the police department should make it protocol that anything that can be used to hang oneself not be taken in the cell with them.On another note aren't all jail cells monitored with their own camera.Who was asleep at the monitor that they did not catch this while it was being done?Again negligence!

Shortcake - As much as I love this paper     | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-19 11:52:53 As much as Karen did have a track record, she was a wonderful person, and a good heart. She had a hard life, but she lived to help others. She was one of my best friends for the past 7 years. Before anyone wants to judge her has a junkie or a criminal, please keep her fiancé and her daughter in your prayers. On a side note, since when does the police department put people in cells with hoodies. Last time I checked, they have to take shoelaces,hoodie strings, jewelry, ect. Especially ones that are "high-risk". Karen was diagnosed with being bipolar, and has been in stress-units many times. They ask you that when you get arrested. Negligence, anyone? Just a thought

bebe cakes   | 134.197.22.xxx | 2009-10-19 15:13:53 This is a very sad situation and I feel terrible for the family. Everybody is quick to blame others for things that happen. Whatever happened to PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY? Responsibility for our own actions? Blaming the Sullivan Police Department for Karen taking her own life is ridiculous, in my opinion.

Former Sullivan Girl   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-20 00:47:20 Karen was my cousin. I have known Karen since she was an infant. While it is true that later in life she made a series of bad choices which are directly related to her Bipolar Disorder, for many many years she was a delight. She was bright and talented, and also very funny. She could sing like an angel. I agree with people having personal responsibility for their actions. As a healthcare worker, I also know that mental illness often goes hand in hand with substance abuse, and this can cause people to behave irresponsibly. It is the within the job duties of those in powers of authority--be it in the emergency room, medical clinic, jails, psych units, and hospitals to guard those who are vulnerable. My love and prayers to all who are grieving the loss of this very young life.

armywife63080   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-20 00:46:33 There is such a thing as personal accountability. This could have been prevented. Its my knowledge that you all personal belongings have to be taken from an inmate including things that can be used to harm themselves. Palmer Family you are in my thoughts and prayers!!

clovergirl   | Registered | 2009-10-20 00:46:02 bebe cakes Do you have to show you ignorance on every comment you make on this site? Did you not read to about statement? There is no personal accountability when it comes to psych disorders. Also with drug addiction when you remove that 'cold turkey' you run into bigger issues. This is a sad situation. We have a young girl thats dead and a baby that will never know her mother. There is more to this story than your are aware so please until you have the entire story dont assume that a young girl allow to take her own life while in police custody for just trespassing is reason for personal accountability.

Shortcake - Personal accountability   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-20 00:45:21 Nobody can deny that Karen did make the decision to take her own life. I am first one to say that people are responsible for their own actions. Very firm believer in that. BUT, there were steps that could have been taken to prevent this. It is routine to dress out an inmate with psychological problems. She was on meds for it! When the Sullivan police took her in, she was on their watch. They are here to serve and protect. And they failed. Bottom line is they were supposed to take precautions, and they didn't.

Karens_sister - Bebe cakes   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-20 00:44:22 You are an idiot, They take her shoe strings, her belt, but not the string off the hoodie. Come on. She sat on a stool for 3 hours according to the investigator and tried to slit her wrists. Who was watching the camera's, why did they let her hang for 2 hours before the found her, why did it take them 4 more hours to call my mother. She was sick and she didnt know what she was doing. They gave her psyche meds that morning, so they knew she had mental issues. So if you think there is no blame on the dept you are one stupid person. There are cameras in each cell. If this was you child, sister, mother, lets see if you feel the same.

babygirl1   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-20 00:43:19 When it comes to losing a family member or a friend it is normal to want to blame someone. The fact is, that law enforcement (people who serve and protect) did not do their job. That is not blaming anyone, that is FACT. Law Enforcement is trained to take out shoe laces for a reason. What makes them not look for any other strings? I am in law enforcement myself, I know that my job would be to evaluate the inmate, look at the medical records, and then determine if she was high risk or not. To me, this seems like a young girl who was lost. To her there was no way out. It is sad to lose a young, beautiful life like that. I think that you should treat people good everyday. None of us are better than the other. We all wake up the same way everyday and put our pants on the same, one leg at a time. To judge someone for being lost is not our place, we should just love them, help them, try to show them another way. I pray for Karen, her family, her daughter especially. To me, Sull...

Rocco   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-20 00:42:10 Sad situation indeed. I knew this girl from the country club and had no idea she was in this bad of shape? Sad horrible outcome but to blame the Police. You all sound like a bunch of left wing suing It wasn't my fault we deserve more extremist. I know ... it was George Bush's fault! Why don't we wait and see what the investigation reports before we start smearing the Police Department. You all probably still think Rodney King got screwed. Like I said .. Truely Sad but, give me a break!

unSullivan   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-20 00:40:27 Judge who is to blame is not here or there Karen has still passed away and what should be the main concern is her family, Fiance, and her young daughter, everyone show some respect to the family and to karen and allow her to rest in peace.

gizmo7 - My Story   | 134.197.22.xxx | 2009-10-21 13:32:36 Before you come to any conclusions, let me tell you this story. I am Karen's mother. There is one thing in the original article that is wrong. Karen DID go to the drug court. She paid her money to advance from step 1 into step 2. There was always some reason they would never advance her. Maybe they wanted more meetings, write another report, or whatever. She was told that drug court would be approximately 18 months. I don't remember how long it was, but it was several months. Each step was to be so many months, you would pay a fee, and advance to the next step. After several months, she still didn't advance for one reason or another. I KNOW she went....many times I drove her to Union myself, and waited in the parking lot till it was over. She finally got tired, and thought it would be faster to get it all over with by just spending her time, so she spent 6 months in the Vandalia facility for women. She got an early out, then spent the rest of the 3 years on parole....

ldhm   | 134.197.22.xxx | 2009-10-20 14:35:15 According to one ex Sullivan Police Officer, it is not their job to Serve and Protect and that is why it is not on their patrol cars. Their job is to uphold the laws and enforce them. That is what he said to me.

carrina   | 216.229.92.xxx | 2009-10-20 15:28:44 I wish I were there with you now Dad an Debbie. I love you I will see you Friday. Those of you with stupid comments like Rocco should keep them to yourselves.

clovergirl   | Registered | 2009-10-26 17:30:13 Please noone comment on rocco. I dont think he has much of an IQ to understand serious situations like this. So just give him A THUMBS DOWN. When he went as far as Rodney King...Give me a break. Dont waste your time.

classof55 - Sad   | 134.197.22.xxx | 2009-10-20 14:32:16 I have just found this site, and would like to Salute, the Journal for a job well done. What a sad situation of Karen Palmers demise. I,m sure that everyone out there, either has or knows someone that has a chemical dependency. Maybe a friend, or family member. There are thousands out there, and help is just not possible for some. Karen had some health problems some years ago, that required surgery, and as a result, pain medication. From there, the effect just, " Snow balled ". When one was not available, she substituded for another. She faught a battle against, the drugs, but the drugs won. Sure, a ball was dropped, but the person, or persons that dropped it will have their conscience to battle with. God Bless the Family, and hug your kids, as they need all the love they can get. We will Love and miss her. Signed, Grandpa and Grandma

Donna   | Registered | 2009-10-20 15:27:02 Just want to let the family know they are in my prayers. Her Mother is a friend of mine, and I am truly sorry for the heartache that this family is enduring.

Shortcake - we will truly miss her     | 134.197.22.xxx | 2009-10-21 13:31:32 As a final note on here, I just want to say that Karen was an amazing, fireball of a redhead, with a good heart. As much as she had a rough life, she had an amazing spirit. I remember when I was 16, and moved out of my house, she came over every morning to make sure I went to school, did my homework, and didn't get myself in too much trouble. She immediately claimed me as her little sister, and took me under her wing. She touched the lives of more people that we will ever know. As for Rocco, and all the others wanting to use their right-wing conservative agenda to chastise us. Gods forbid you ever feel the loss we feel now. The police DID fail at their job. They didn't take the necessary precautions to keep her safe. They, in turn, did have a hand in her death. May Karen find the peace and love she needed in the next life. And again, please keep that baby girl, and her family in your prayers and thoughts. Let this be a lesson, to grow wisdom from, not hate.

gizmo7   | 134.197.22.xxx | 2009-10-21 13:30:54 Just an FYI for everyone to clear something up. Karen DID go to drug court. I found a certificate today where she had graduated from level 1. But after that, they would tell her you need to write another report, or you need to go to more meetings. She paid money to go to Level 3, and it just kept being put off. After several months, she gave up, and figured it would get over with faster, if she just spent her time. I know she went because I took her many times, as did my husband. I just wanted to clear that up where it didn't sound like she didn't try. Thanks for everyone's support, and prayers. We appreciate each and everyone of you!!!

armywife63080   | 64.188.165.xxx | 2009-10-20 20:49:08 don't forget to sign the online guestbook at Eatons Funeral Home website.

concerned reader   | 134.197.22.xxx | 2009-10-21 13:30:24 My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I would also like to add that until we know exactly what happened,we should not be pointing fingers at anyone. As I read comments set forth by friends and family I can understand a great deal of anger which is normal considering the circumstance. However, a part of healing is not necessarly to point fingers especially at the ones that are trying to enforce the law. It also appears some comments from family and friends are setting a foundation for a lawsuit. I hope this isn't the case. As a concerned reader I am asking everyone to put their emotions on the back burner,until the investigation is completed.

thetruth   | Registered | 2009-10-21 13:29:45 This is a very sad situation. And my thoughts to the family in this time. I read the posts above and there is alot of great points. I just want to know the things. If she was on medications for pysch problems then they should have been working , right? If the police department is suppose to take everything that you can hang yourself with then you would probably be naked and cold, then everyone would be claiming "inhumane treatment". I have heard of people hanging themselves with their underwear. But blaming someone for someones else's actions is just wrong. I don't want to get graphic but, did a police officer physically tie it around her neck and then physically hang her. I dont think so. So if her hoodie string would have been removed and she had hung herself with her underwear, then what would have been said. And is the police department suppose to know everyones medical history they arrest? And whose fault was it that she was there in the first place? hers. So know we are b...

thetruth   | Registered | 2009-10-21 13:28:34 The more I read the madder I get. There was no "ball dropped". Everybody wants to be all helpful now, but where were they when she needed $250.00. So everybody is saying that she wasn't worth it? She sat in a cell because none of you wanted to pay her bond but you will be the first to complain and cast blame. So if the police department is responsible then all you are too. A simple $250.00 could have prevented this. Where were you all?

Snoot   | 134.197.22.xxx | 2009-10-21 13:27:59 Rocco, I belonged to the country club back a few years ago. You must be a new member, because when I was a member there, most of the members had some intelligence. They must let anyone in out there now. Signed, Snoot

Snoot   | 134.197.22.xxx | 2009-10-21 13:27:36 idhm, Thank God he is an EX Sullivan Police Officer......maybe what he said is the reason why he is an EX officer. Does idhm stand for I Don't Have Morals???

Sullivangirl   | 134.197.22.xxx | 2009-10-21 13:27:22 Quote: According to one ex Sullivan Police Officer, it is not their job to Serve and Protect and that is why it is not on their patrol cars. Their job is to uphold the laws and enforce them. That is what he said to me. If a former officer really made that stupid statement, it's probably indicitive of why he's a former officer.

lamom   | 207.160.91.xxx | 2009-10-21 11:56:07 baby girl1 - I agree with your statements 100%. Very sad situation.

clovergirl - the $250.00   | Registered | 2009-10-22 11:19:59 thetruth...Maybe the $250 was not posted because she needed a couple days to think about what she did & deal with some consequences. That was suppose to be a safe place off the streets to where no one had to worry about were she was going to be or what she was going to be doing. Sometimes tough love is hard thats why it is called tough. I dont think you have any right to be mad about reading anything & I dont see any foundation for any lawsuit all I see is people that are hurt by the actions of others not just Karen but the police department also. I guess the new 'STATE OF THE ART' jail isn't so state of the art.

gizmo7   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-22 11:19:04 To the truth......The family never got a phone call to let them know Karen needed 250.00 bond. When we were made aware of her arrest, there was way more to it than has been told on here, or in the papers. I am going to release a more in-depth story over the next few days, then there will be more clarity for those that don't understand, or know what happened.

thetruth   | Registered | 2009-10-22 11:18:31 Babygirl, your an idiot. Your in law enforcement? bull%@#%#. How can a police officer get medical records? Oh I guess they just have everybodies on hand huh. Police officers are not trained in removing shoelaces and ect. I have never seen an academy class that trains "removing shoelaces." Their trained in upholding the laws and locking up the ones that dont. So an adult cant be left with their shoelaces or belts? What wrong with that picture. I guess we better hurry to Walmart and remove them all from the shelves before everyone commits suicide. Think about what your saying you sound like and idiot when you make comments like that. The point is that a "adult" made an "adult" decision, no one else made it for her. Yes it is very sad. But it was her not the police. And to say that it was the police's fault for not taking her hoodie string, come on. How many of you have hoodie strings?

concerned reader   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-22 11:17:25 My main questioned would be did your daughter not recieve a pamplet on the different steps and phases that drug court consist of? Before a person can be accepted into drug court they are given guidelines according to the different steps that pertain to each phase up front. Not only are they given these guidelines, the person goes in front of a panel and a judge to go over the different steps and guidelines of the program before they are accepted. The big advantage to the drug court program if completed successfully the individual with the felony charges are then wiped clean. So therefore to be dogmatic about a very successful program that helps individuals to get clean and stay clean is disturbing. I would also like to address the fees and writing assignments that you are refering to.First of all fees are not the reason for advancing, they are for the program itself. As for the writing assignments that you have referred to, those are apart of each phase. The writings are to help them ...

Rocco   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-22 11:16:12 Just to clear things up on the attacks on me. I have never worked for the Sullivan Police and I am not a Policeman. I am not a member of the Country Club, I said I knew her from there ... all though I could probably smoke Mr. Snoots in a round of Golf. As I said this is truly a sad situation for ALL but I think if you read "thetruths" post he has it right on! Mr. Snoot you could of sold that $500 driver you still can't hit and helped this girl out?

Holy Spirit   | Registered | 2009-10-22 11:15:36 Found this in the bible--hope you find some comfort in this message. Isaiah 57:1 Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. To everyone else who feels the need to JUDGE--this too comes from the bible. Luke 6:37 Judging Others 37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. God Bless you all

Snoot   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-22 15:39:54 Hey Rocco, Meet me at the golf course on Saturday, and we will see who smokes who in a round of golf.......that is IF we make it to the tee box.

TheInsider   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-22 15:39:39 If you think the police screwed up by not taking her hoodie string away from her, think about this. You can easily make a string or rope out of a torn bed sheet or pillow case. Just twist it up and instant rope. You could even make it out of your own clothing if you wish. It takes 3-4 minutes to choke to death. If the nearest officer was out on patrol in the town, I would imagine it could easily take 3-4 minutes to make it to the station and into the cell. Too late. My point is, if someone really wants to do it, it is awfully hard to stop them.

Shortcake - I think everyone is missing th   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-22 15:39:14 Hug your loved ones. reach out to those in need. Remember, this is not something to point fingers. She made her choices, and we can only pray she finds peace in the next life. I think if anything, Sullivan Police should take more precautions in cases like this, so nobody else can feel the pain we are feeling right now.They should be held accountable. there is a little girl without a mother, there are parent without their daughter, and I am without a sister. Please remember Karen as the wonderful person she was, and not leave her legacy as a junkie. Peace

Rocco   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-23 11:52:59 Prayers to the Family and may she rest in peace.

clovergirl   | Registered | 2009-10-23 11:52:42 This is what this small town has come to? The tragic end to a young life, a baby with no mother to ever run to, a mother who lost her daughter, a father who lost his daughter and we all start acting like this. WOW I have been in health care for a VERY long time and seen many loved ones being lost. It is a real shame that we get on the internet and speak about it like this. If you want to take your anger and aggression out dont take it out on this story take it out on the man that is sleeping with children. This is a sad situation. Please no more angry comments. The girl is gone let her mother get out of the angry stage.

Ms. Reality - Shortcake, listen up..........   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-23 11:51:50 First, I am sorry for your loss and no doubt an absolute tradegy, no question about that. You write that the Sullivan Police "should be held accountable." Why? Your sister decided it was time to meet her maker, so be it. Who was at fault? Your Sister! There has to be a thousand ways to commit suicide in a jail cell and your sister made her choice. You and your family made a decision to discuss your family business on a public forum so please excuse me if I am butting in. If your sister decided to commit suicide in your house, who would you blame then? My apology in advance; the only person I feel sorry for is the police officer that had to rescue and try to revive your sister and the memory he/she took home with them that day. I think the Palmer family should move forward, not backward. Cherish the time you had with Karen and fill her daughter's life with ABSOLUTE LOVE. This little girl is a miracle in the middle of this tragedy, cherish that if nothing else...

gizmo7   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-23 11:50:55 Thank you Holy Spirit, those are very comforting. Yes Shortcake, I know in my mind, Karen is at peace. She will no longer battle the drug demons. And, she was a wonderful person, and she loved you so much. Even the 2 officers we talked to said Karen was such a joy, and so fiesty. They knew she was a good person, as well. She will be sadly missed by SO many.

Karens_sister - EVERYONE   | 71.9.21.xxx | 2009-10-24 11:20:05 We didnt chose to put our family business out there. The news did when they gave her name. I am out of the state of Missouri and have not seen my family in a few years. I didnt know Karen was as sick as she was, and yes if she would have done this at home we would be blaming our selves, But it didnt. There should always be a person at the jail for anything, people who try to break out, kill them selves, kill other in mates, so yeah there is alot of blame. I am so glad that I moved away from Sullivan 17 years ago. Everyone is in everyones business. You cant fart without it being spread around that town. What is wrong with you people. Grow up and get a life and left my family go thru the grieving process. Shame on all of you who judge a girl that you do not know. Someone said it is not their business to know the inmates health issues. OK but when you give that inmate medication you know there is a problem then you keep a closer eye on them. Think about this happening to anyone of your f...

ldhm   | 71.9.21.xxx | 2009-10-24 11:14:51 To Snoot. I am guessing as you did when you got my initials wrong, that your name stands for just what it says. You are snooty. first things first, my initials are LDHM. Not idhm. And yes I have morals unlike a majority of the people that I have met in this town. I wasn't saying anything negative about the SPD just stating what one police officer said to me and making the point that those words are not on their cars.

angel76   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-26 02:02:07 Such a sad sad sitaution I understand, But! Regardless of whats being said by everyone here, Other then by her immediate family member's that know what's happen'd, I believe It All Should Be Left Alone With The Accusing, and Pointing Finger's....And Be Glad "KARENS" No Longer Sick! She's All Better! and Just "Pray" for Her Mother and Father and Siblings,That They get through thier "Griefing" times, And "Pray For Her Precious Little Girl" That She Grows Up a Happy,Intellegent,Very Beautiful, and A Blessing Upon Everyone as her Mother Was"! Pray That Her other Family and Friends Can Move Forward and Just remember the Fun and memerorable Times They had with Karen! Regardless Of What has Happend, She will Remain in OUR HEARTS FOREVER!!!!,So Please, BLESS THIS FAMILY WITH OUR PRAYERS and NOT STRESS!!!! They DONT need it! My Heart and Prayers Go Out To This Family, God Bless! May God Touch Each and Everyone Of Her Family Member's As They Go Day By Da...

angel76 - re:   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-10-26 02:00:47 [quote=babygirl1]When it comes to losing a family member or a friend it is normal to want to blame someone. The fact is, that law enforcement (people who serve and protect) did not do their job. That is not blaming anyone, that is FACT. Law Enforcement is trained to take out shoe laces for a reason. What makes them not look for any other strings? I am in law enforcement myself, I know that my job would be to evaluate the inmate, look at the medical records, and then determine if she was high risk or not. To me, this seems like a young girl who was lost. To her there was no way out. It is sad to lose a young, beautiful life like that.

Shortcake - Hey Ms. Not in reality   | 71.9.21.xxx | 2009-10-26 01:58:25 I don't blame the SPD for her decision to end her life. that was her decision. But she was on THEIR WATCH. Not at home,minding her own business. She was in their jail cell that is supposed to be monitored. They knew she was sick. They didn't take the right precautions. I call them out on their negligence. Nobody can change my mind on that. Get over it. My sister is in a better place now. Peace

thetruth   | Registered | 2009-10-25 21:50:04 Ms. Reality, very well said (written). I agree 100%

thetruth   | Registered | 2009-10-26 01:57:47 Karens_sister, you have no problem giving your opinion but when someone else gives theirs you get upset. If you or any of the family dont like it then dont sign on and read it. I see your all caring now but where have you been for the last few years. you didnt even know she was that sick. yeh, your a caring family member, maybe you just see $$$$. just play your blame game and move on. Bottom line is Karen took Karens life, Karen chose to leave the family. And this might sound harsh but I think that was pretty selfish. Theres only one to blame and she's gone.

thetruth   | Registered | 2009-10-26 17:42:20 Oh my god. You mean to tell me that an adult, that is not monitored any other time needs to be monitored while in jail. SHE WAS AN ADULT, not some child running around with a pair of scissors. Did the police go get her out of some institution or treatment facility? NO. Why does an adult need to be monitored. And whats this junk about law enforcement being trained to take out shoe laces. I call several training facilities and all said "there is no class on that subject". Several of the instructors even said, You can take everything away and they will still find a way. If you are in law enforcement and had a class on "taking out shoe laces" then you must have went to Bubba's Cop School. And if she had all these mental issues then why was she walking the streets and commiting crimes. And you say this is someone elses fault. Try again.

clovergirl - thetruth   | Registered | 2009-10-26 17:41:36 You are a very selfish person. That shows in your writing to a hurt family. I pray this never happens to someone in your family. Your mother should be ashamed!! I have not read anything that says $$$. Maybe thats how someone like you sees things. You obviously have no idea what went on in this families life, you dont know what the mother did or the lengths that was gone to. There are certain steps one goes thru in the grieving process & in case someone with your IQ is not aware ANGER is one of them. Let the family complete their steps without someone like you getting in the way.

Former Sullivan Girl   | 134.197.22.xxx | 2009-10-26 22:08:43 As far as the Sullivan Police Department: I am sure the investigators will determine whether the established policies and procedures were followed or not. What we say here means nothing without knowing what those actual procedures are. In the immediate aftermath of such a trauma, people are shocked and angry. Please don't question this families love for one another, because it is true and strong. It is terrible to watch someone spiral out of control. Often, praying that the person will hit rock bottom before they die is the last hope. I watched my mother spiral out of control with alcoholism and nothing I did could stop her downward trajectory. Unfortunately, like Karen, she died before she could get healthy. Please keep our family in your prayers. And please withhold judgement as we work through the phases of grieving... denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Thank you.

Holy Spirit   | Registered | 2009-10-27 16:11:26 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18

mmk3973   | 134.197.17.xxx | 2009-10-27 16:11:02 clovergirl & former sullivan girl, your last posts summed up everything I have thought about the conversation on this page. Please know that the few do not represent the majority. Karen and her family are in my prayers. Despite the judgment being made of Karen, no one knew what was in her heart but her and God. Her life was still precious and just as important as anyone else's. To those attacking and demeaning Karen and her family (especially her MOTHER), Of all the times to treat someone with dignity and respect, now would be the time... grow up. I hope no one speaks of you with ill words when your time comes.

lamom - re: the $250.00   | 134.197.17.xxx | 2009-10-27 16:10:21 clovergirl wrote: thetruth...Maybe the $250 was not posted because she needed a couple days to think about what she did & deal with some consequences. That was suppose to be a safe place off the streets to where no one had to worry about were she was going to be or what she was going to be doing. Sometimes tough love is hard thats why it is called tough. I dont think you have any right to be mad about reading anything & I dont see any foundation for any lawsuit all I see is people that are hurt by the actions of others not just Karen but the police department also. I guess the new 'STATE OF THE ART' jail isn't so state of the art. Jail is supposed to be a safe place off the street??? I don't really think that is what jail is for. This is tragic, but you are placing blame where it doesn't belong. Had they taken that string, what would have prevented her from tying the hoodie sleeves in a noose? It is horrible that she felt this was the answer, but quit trying to place blam...

clovergirl - re: re: the $250.00   | Registered | 2009-10-28 15:28:22 Iamom I dont read anywhere in anything I put anything about blame. So before you say anything about me placing blame on anyone please take the time to read everything first. I placed NO BLAME on anyone but thanks for the quote anyway.

sunshine_8   | Registered | 2009-10-30 18:35:24 this is no one's fault. i have known karen a long time and am at peace with what has happened. it seens as though a lot of people are trying to place blame where there is none to place. just come to grips on what has happened and move on...

sunshine_8   | Registered | 2009-10-30 18:35:13 let's remember something...they are police officers, NOT BABYSITTERS!!!

clovergirl - sunshine/rain   | Registered | 2009-10-31 10:11:30 sunshine when you get big you will realize that it is not nice to tell the family that has lost their daughter to come to grips with it & move on.......Let them grieve & they will eventually be able to heal. You dont come to grips & move on when you are dealing with your child. I am glad you are at peace, now let the family have time to be at peace. Now that you have come to the BABYSITTER conclusion, they also dont need psychobabble from a sunshine when its rained for weeks!!!!!

gizmo7   | 64.85.216.xxx | 2009-10-31 12:52:01 Think of things this way. How would you feel if this happened to one of your family?? Try walking in the family's shoes for just a minute.

carrina   | 216.229.92.xxx | 2009-11-01 17:51:38 I have been siting here today reading all of these comments. I have been trying to think of the right words to say to all of the negative things that are being said. There really are no words. I hope that those of you that think your lives, your children and your family are so perfect that nothing like this could possibly happen to you think again, and when it does I hope that your community is just as supportive as you have been to our family. You weren't there at the funeral when my Dad was inconsolable and crying in my arms. This should have been a forum to give support and prayers to help a family in their time of grief. A family who has lost someone whether she was 27 or 50 she was a child, a sister, a mother, a friend and so much more to those that loved her. She took her life for reason's that we may never know. All of the should of, would of, could of's, don't mean anything. Nothing will bring her back. Let us have our good memories. Let us have peace. Karen's sister

thetruth   | Registered | 2009-11-03 01:20:36 This is a tough time for your family no doubt. But dont come off as this has happened only to you. Every family has had its tough time and more than others. You get angry at our comment on a public site. And no times were not different way back it has always been the same, the only difference is people like me deliver it a different way now (the web). This is not a private place for your sorrows, this is the internet. When a problem or comment is posted dont expect all good and no negative. If you want a "forum for support and prayers" then create one and don't post or even read these public posting. But no, you guys keep coming back. You curse and downgrade someone that makes a negative comment, but its a comment thats the truth. Some people have said people like me are not intelegent, my parents should be ashamed and that i'm selfish well who does that sound like. I say thing that are true and if you dont like it dont read it.

HADAM - omg   | 71.94.75.xxx | 2009-11-03 01:18:06 people are you kidding me with all this?! have we all forgotten that someone lost a mother, a daughter, a sister, a fiance, cousin, etc.!!! let the family grieve! Let them blame whomever they chose! has anyone ever heard of the many steps to grieving? its anger, blame, sadness, etc. let them go through their process without all of ur judgement! furthermore i agree a hundred and ten percent! then police neglected to do their jobs and regardless of who's decision it was to take her own life, she wouldnt have succeeded had the police done their job! Not so much as the police but also the dispatcher who was "suppose" to be watching the cameras! this is very very sad! i agree..i knew karen and i truly hate to hear this..my heart goes out to her family!! family..stay strong and dont listen to the ignorant people and their b.s that chose to leave their unsympothetic comments on here

thetruth   | Registered | 2009-11-03 22:32:23 HADAM, your a %@#^% idiot, you moron. Anybody can hang there self with anything including underwear. So I guess the police need to make everyone strip when they get in their jail cell. Do you know the workings of the police department? how about the fire department? or the water department?. probably not, so dont questions their actions until you know. You are another one of those blamers that have no idea what your talking about and every time you type something in here you sound like an idiot. so go ahead and respond to this and lets see how stupid you sound this time. You say "regardless of who's decision it was to take her own life," WHAT? It was HER DECISION. So if someone in your house kills themselves then its your fault, huh? GET YOUR FACTS.

HADAM - response to thetruth   | 75.129.162.xxx | 2009-11-05 15:28:23 thetruth...seriously your the one that sounds like an idiot on here! All im saying is to let the family grieve and stop being so miseralble with your own life that you have to write such negative things in an already horrible situation! It sounds like you need a lesson in having a little compassion...I did not say it was the police stations fault I said that there were certain steps that they could have taken to prevent this! Are you the dispatcher? is this why you are so offended? because the dispatcher should of been doing her job and watching the cameras that are on the cells 24/7 instead of sittin there with her thumb up her butt! They knew that she wasnt emotionally stable and should have been keeping a close eye on her...instead they let her hang for 2 hours! im sorry but i call this neglect..if they would have been watching the cameras they would have seen her actions leading up to this unfortunate event and they could have put a stop to it and put her in a facility better quali...

thetruth   | Registered | 2009-11-07 16:14:54 No I'm not the dispatcher or even a employee of City of Sullivan , but I am a citizen. I have seen inner workings of police departments and you say the dispatcher wasn't watching the cameras? Well heres a couple ideas, maybe other phone call or people coming in. And since you really want to know, This has nothing to do with being offended, it has to do with common sense. Prisoners have made rope from toilet paper, so maybe we should make them wipe with their finger, or would everyone say how inhumane that is then. And I have been nice so here it is if the editor decides to approve it. This is a sad situation for some and a "who cares" situation for others. Now lets type in her name on casenet. Drug, stealing and other charges. Where was this baby of hers while she was stealing and doing drugs. This baby is the real victim it had no choice, she did, she made it and now its done. Drugs deal, users and non-productive citizens are a virus. They steal, damage property and destroy li...

clovergirl   | Registered | 2009-11-07 17:30:08 Please people stop responding to thetruth...His intellegence level is proven in his writing. Of course he is not a city official he shows he does not have the average intellegence it takes to hold that seat. I would hope that he does not have children of his own that would read his "who cares" attitude. We,as adults,should not respond to someone that holds such low disreguard for any human life not matter what he or she has did. I am glad that thetruth has such the perfect family & life that he can act like a human life means nothing. I am ashamed that he is part of this small town community! I hope that when something happens to him,that he does not have people like him act this way.

clovergirl   | Registered | 2009-11-07 17:39:16 Another sad thing is.. You say the baby is a victim, now the family & child are being a victim all over again. The are being victimized by people like thetruth...sad thing that it has come to this. Victimized by a person that calls himself a citizen. What a citizen he is. Dont want this guy on our side. Shame Shame Shame

Former Sullivan Girl   | 76.224.219.xxx | 2009-11-08 08:05:43 I hope the editor closes out this topic soon. When people call a death a "who cares" situation and when people with a diagnosed mental illness are a called a "virus", it is time to shut down the topic. To thetruth, I hope you never have anyone in your family who suffers from a mental illness. I hope you never get to feel the pain that families feel when a loved one suffers from addiction. One day, you may realize how cold and cynical that you are being--karma tends to be a b****, my friend. Why you would want to be so cruel is beyond me. As I said before, if there was any wrongdoing on the police's part, it will be determined by the investigators--not on a public forum. "thetruth" states from a post above: "Some people have said people like me are not intelegent, my parents should be ashamed and that i'm selfish well who does that sound like. I say thing that are true and if you dont like it dont read it." If you want to be considered intellig...

Former Sullivan Girl   | 76.224.219.xxx | 2009-11-08 14:51:59 My post was cut off... I said...If you want to be considered "intelligent", learn how to spell it correctly. Undereducated idiot!

itznuz2me - Sad, Sad, Sad   | Registered | 2009-11-09 07:58:57 Former Sullivan Girl, you are right. Karma is a B****. So many very good posts here. Even if you don't know the person, and you have 1/2 an ounce of compassion in your body, this is still a very sad situation. How can any decent human being label this as a "who cares" situation? And addicts are a virus??? How sad. We are all God's children. Some just go astray and can't find their way back.

itznuz2me - Continued   | Registered | 2009-11-09 08:04:38 It is the drugs that make people do the things they do. It is not the real person doing those things. They are still human beings. They don't like the person they have become, but some aren't strong enough to say NO. Some of these drugs are so powerful, once you get on them, it is very hard to turn back. It changes the person to something totally opposite of the norm.

itznuz2me - Continued   | Registered | 2009-11-09 08:09:14 How can a person be so cold and callous to say this is a "who cares" situation in anyone's eyes. This is still a loss of a young life, and should be considered "SAD" to anyone. You still don't turn your back on someone because they are an addict. I so hope that any of you with the attitude, "she was just another junkie...so what", NEVER, EVER, has to go through the problems that you have with a drug addicted family member. Will you still think "who cares" if it is your family??

itznuz2me - To thetruth   | Registered | 2009-11-09 16:28:04 You are so free to make cold callous statements, I bet you wouldn't want people to know who you are. There's a good chance you have some skeletons in your closet, as well. Maybe you would be on casenet. Not even preachers judge people like you have here. Remember, judge not, lest ye be judged.

spyke1   | 134.197.22.xxx | 2009-11-09 16:27:01 Thetruth... If this forum wasnt anonomys would you have the balls to say the B.S. your saying now. Since when did life become so cheap that you feel it is ok to degrade peoples lives. You truly have no soul do you? People like you is whats wrong with our country, do yourself a favor and shutup, let this family have there peace.

thetruth   | Registered | 2009-11-09 16:26:38 My post was also cut off. I said Drug dealers, drug users, and non-productive citizens destroy lives. No where did I say people with a mental illness are a virus. If you quote me do it right. Drug dealer and drug users are a VIRUS. And anyone that defends or tries to justify them are in the same class as above. I had a cousin die from a drug overdose and my feelings are the same. No family is perfect and if you want to make yourself feel better by trying to twist my words the so be it.

itznuz2me   | Registered | 2009-11-09 16:51:02 It is a sad situation for one to be so bitter, so cold, so uncaring for another person's life. A life that was obviously in so much torment, they didn't know anywhere to turn. She must have thought this was the only way she could make things right. But again, it was not her that made this decision. It is very evident there were e great many people that cared for her.

itznuz2me   | Registered | 2009-11-09 16:54:22 I heard there were close to 300 people that attended the memorial for Karen. She probably didn't know there were so many people that cared so much for her. She had a great blessing in her short life. So many good comments on here, too. I pray she has found the peace she so desperately needed, and may her family find the peace they need right now. They need all the comfort they can get at this time.

itznuz2me   | Registered | 2009-11-09 16:56:29 The song "In the Arms of the Angels" comes to my mind. I think Karen has finally found her place in life, and is in the arms of an Angel right now.

lamom   | 207.160.91.xxx | 2009-11-10 11:26:05 Perhaps it is time to just let this young lady rest in peace and her family to grieve in private. What is is, and what comes out of the investigation is out of everyone's hands. It is a sad situation and apparently has been for a while. Sympathy to the family, especially for the child.

mmk3973   | 216.229.64.xxx | 2009-11-10 11:40:10 Mr. Sites, Do you really see this as productive discussion? Why are you allowing this to go on and why do you keep approving these vicious posts?

Former Sullivan Girl - Direct quote from "thetruth"   | 134.197.17.xxx | 2009-11-10 14:36:27 "Drugs deal, users and non-productive citizens are a virus" This after you searched Karen Palmer's name on case net. Your implication is quite clear. People with all sorts of handicaps could be considered "non-productive"---be it due to addiction, mental illness, or physical illness. When people age, they often become non-productive due to the vagaries of aging. Children born with cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy could be considered non-productive. Where do you draw the line "thetruth"? Who should we eliminate first? Shame on you!

newseditor1   | 134.197.17.xxx | 2009-11-10 14:53:45 I agree that commenting on this story should be closed. As of today, it is. Thank you for commenting. It's important to hear the voice of the community.

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