Letter-Writing Campaign Begun In Child Abuse Death Case

Lisa Monahan, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A letter-writing campaign to a judge calls for more punishment in the case of a foster mom found guilty of child abuse.

The Cheyenne-Arapaho tribe is behind the campaign because they want Amy Holder to spend time in jail for the death of two-year-old Naomi Whitecrow.

The family of Whitecrow said they feel the jury put a price tag on the life of Naomi.

The jury found Holder guilty of child abuse and recommended she pay a $5000 fine instead of jail time.

Augustine Redhat, Naomi's aunt, is devastated by the jury recommendation

"It's a slap in the face because I had faith in the court system. The evidence was there."

Redhat says the Cheyenne-Arapaho tribe is supporting the family with a letter-writing campaign.

"We need to send a message: This is not going to happen. You are not going to walk free when you abuse a child,"

Rosemary Stephens drafted the letter and is asking everyone to sign it and send it to Logan County.

The letter asks Judge Stephen Kistler to give Amy Holder a 25-35 year prison sentence despite the jury recommendation.

"One letter in the hands of 10 million people and all of a sudden you're not just one person anymore," Stephens said.

In 24 hours, the tribe reports sending 100 letters to the judge.

Holder's attorney said he sympathizes with the family, but the jury has made a decision.

Legal analysts say the law does not allow the judge to increase the punishment recommended by a jury.

Formal sentencing is set for November 7th.