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Blog Entry 22 of 68 The Write Words
I hope to write about anything and everything that comes into my mind, as long as it is in good taste. I hope to communicate effectively and stimulate thought and conversation. I can't wait to get started!

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~ErinsBlog

Excitement comes to Green Valley Ranch

Contributed by: Erin Di Paolo   on 1/4/2007

I have lived in Green Valley Ranch for nearly 16 years. Not much happens here. What I mean is, our neighborhood does not make the news much, which is a good thing. In fact, it is one of the safest neighborhoods every year when the crime list comes out.

This morning changed the trend. I heard a helicopter hovering over my house, knowing that it was more than likely not a positive thing. I called a person I know in law enforcement. That person, my source, informed me of what was happening.

The vehicle that police had been searching for in connection with the murder of Denver Bronco Darrent Williams was located in our little community today. To most people, it may not be exciting. To me, a journalist, it is thrilling. And to think that I had known about police watching our neighborhood for the past several days added to the thrill. After all, every journalist loves a good scoop. Even though I could not do anything with the information, I enjoyed knowing about it before most people did.

The Black Chevy Tahoe was found on a street that I drive on every single day of my life. I may have actually driven by the vehicle yesterday morning when I took my son to the bus stop. Wow! Amazing what is going on around us when we don't even realize it.

When I received word a few days ago from my source that the vehicle was out here and being watched, I didn't really think much about it. Not that my source is not reliable; I was just busy with other things and didn't really think that it could possibly be theactual vehicle involved in the crime. Not in Green Valley Ranch. I didn't give it a second thought. Until this morning.

My son asked me today what I was so stoked up about. After I told him, he commented that finding the vehicle here was not a good thing; maybe there would be drive-bys all the time now. Maybe our quiet neighborhood would turn into a gangster hangout. I explained to him that this was not a random thing, that criminals would not be driving through Green Valley Ranch just shooting at anyone and everyone. This was a premeditated, calculated crime.

After further thought, though, I wonder why the truck was left here. Was it left here becuase the suspects thought no one would ever find it? Was it left here because our community has gang ties? Unfortunately, I also know more about this topic than I can really say.

But I will say that my thrill stops here: I do not want to think of a community I have come to know as safe as not being so anymore. And I have felt content and safe here for a very long time. But we all know that safety really is all an illusion. There really are no truly safe places anymore.

It is sad that Williams was murdered in such a senseless act of violence. I hope that police will be able to find the suspects connected with the vehicle and they will have swift justice brought against them.

But not feeling safe in one's own communiity? Now, that is a tragedy.


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Erin Di Paolo

Denver , CO

Erin Di Paolo has posted 68 blog entries and 1 comment since joining on 3/18/2006. Erin Di Paolo 's average blog rating is 4.45.
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