An overwhelming need for justice
By Daniel L. Bamberg
The birds in Linn Park began to sing. The wind above the treetops began to slowly rattle the remaining dead leaves in the trees above. These things didn’t seem to occur during Saturday night’s prayer vigil held for Desta Dodson Byrd, but immediately after friends and family members were dismissed. Those in a certain state of thinking might see this as Desta’s spirit either leaving the gathering or perhaps dancing to the music of her favorite group Def Leppard, which began to play as those in attendance mingled or departed.
The ceremony organized by family members and a awareness group called, Justice For Desta. Was held to mark the 12th anniversary of Desta’s murder. Her husband Jody discovered her dead near the driveway of her Brierfield home on February 26th 1999. This, an untimely tragedy that has yet identify the name of the person who pulled the shotgun trigger that took her life at the young age of 29.
Desta’s family and friends shared many aspects of Desta’s life before making remarks about the tragedy.
Before her birth Ronnie and Vonceil Dodson, already parents to three boys, believed they were going to have another boy. Her parents already had the name Destin picked out for their expected fourth son. Instead it was a girl with what friends would call one of the most breath taking smiles every invented. It was then that Destin became Desta.
According to her parents Desta walked at 11 months. Friends suggest this must have been a sign for her life of going through without fear.
“She was the absolutely the most secure person I had ever met. I was immediately drawn to her,” stated childhood friend, Nicole Barton. Nicole is also a member of Justice For Desta.
Friends explained that Desta was a self-motivated young woman – a person who dreamed big and lived her dreams. In her teenage years she had two goals in life: to own a corvette and to meet her favorite rock band, Def Leppard. By seventeen, Desta had achieved those goals. She not only met members of Def Leppard but appeared in their video, “Live in Round, In Your Face.” After working a job that she did not like to save money she eventually purchased a 1966, cherry red, corvette.
“She didn’t mind being different,” explained Nicole. “Desta was so comfortable with being herself that it gave us all the validation to be ourselves. She not only accepted everyone but did so with the grace and style that could transform the most awkward person.”
After a brief statement by Miriam Shehane, founder of VOCAL (Victims of Crime and Leniency), Desta’s brother Ty spoke candidly about his sister. Yet he concluded with powerful statements to those who continue to fight for justice and finally addressed the yet to be apprehended killer.
“Thank all of you who continue to keep her memory alive, thank you,” said Ronnie. “To the person who took her life, repent. Judgment is fast approaching. Guilt must be eating you alive. I want you to know that I am praying for you. I pray you answer for you sins here on earth instead of waiting for the moment you answer to your Father in Heaven. Life is short but eternity is forever. God is in control and justice will be served.”
Desta’s mother, Vonceil followed her son, Ty.
“To our knowledge Desta never hurt anyone. She was full of life. She loved her family, friends and her Husky, Dakota.,” Vonceil explained.
She and her husband found out the tragic fate of their daughter when they were out of town. She thanked the effort of Justice For Desta and said her prayer was for justice.
Childhood friend of Desta’s and founder of Justice for Dessta, Christine Shattuck then took to the podium, delivering some of the night’s most powerful statements,
“Strangely as a kid I wrote about my biggest fear – that someday I would lose her. Even as a teenager I recognized Desta as someone who grounded me, who added meaning to my life. She taught me that being myself was worthy of her loving and loyal friendship. She was by my side when I married, as was I when she married. She was the God Mother of my child, a role she took very seriously. For that I am grateful.”
“I remember exactly where I was and was doing when I heard the news,” said Christine. “What good am I in turning my back and do nothing? I will not let it go. I cannot let it go. I don’t do this because I want to. I do it because I have to. This is the person Desta helped me become. Justice For Desta is here until there is justice for Desta. We will not relent.”
Desta’s husband Jody spoke last. Holding a framed photo of his wife in his right hand, Jody explained to the crowd that he did not prepare a speech because speaking from the heart was his only way. Jody was able to hold back tears and keep composure during the time he addressed the crowd.
“I don’t know what it was that she had about her but you wanted to be around her more,” expressed Jody. “She brought out something in you that you didn’t have in yourself. For a girl so small in stature she had more power than anything I have seen in my life. She made me do things I never thought I would do. She made me think and feel things that I never thought I would think or feel. She was my best friend, my wife, and my buddy. I don’t have that anymore. We don’t need to lose the sight that somebody did something to Desta. She paid the ultimate price. For that we’ll never be the same.”
Those in attendance lit candles as spiritual songs were sung in honor of her memory. There were tears but more than anything there was an overwhelming need for closure an obvious desire to bring justice to Desta’s killer.
Several media outlets covered the event. For more information on Desta’s case please visit the website: Justicefordesta.org or look for “Justice For Desta” on facebook.
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