Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Thomas Leggs Guilty, To Serve Two Life Sentences

Today the most infamous crime in Wicomico County's recent memory came to an incomplete conclusion. Thomas Leggs pleaded guilty to 7 counts, including the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Sarah Foxwell. For this he will serve two consecutive life sentences (without the possibility of parole), as SBYNews reported earlier. According to statements by the State's Attorney's office, this arrangement was made at the request of some members of Foxwell's family to provide closure and to spare Foxwell's sister the pain of testifying in a trial.

In a press conference after today's hearing, Roberta Wexler - Grandmother of Sarah Foxwell - used her forum to attack SBYNews and its publisher - Joe Albero. Wexler contends that Albero has "taken advantage" of her family and states that she has filed a complaint with the Wicomico State's Attorney's office. According to State's Attorney Matt Maciarello:
"... I have not received any information that Albero has committed any crimes."
We at SBYNews hope that this plea deal does bring closure to members of Foxwell's family and that Ms. Wexler's baseless comments not be judged too harshly in light of the circumstances. The spin on this case from the State's Attorney's office is that the Foxwell's family is united in this decision. It needs to be noted that some members of her family, including Sarah Foxwell's father, did not agree with this plea deal. (However, today he did.) We also feel the necessity to note that some commenters seem to believe that this is a satisfactory conclusion because of the possibility of Thomas Leggs being murdered in jail. However, we live in a nation built on the rule of law and if Thomas Leggs deserved a death sentence, as we believe he does, then he should have been convicted of his crimes and receive that sentence.

While the State's Attorney's office and one side of Sarah Foxwell's family attempted to divert attention from today's unsatisfactory outcome, the citizens of Wicomico County should remember that this case is about the rape and murder of a little 11 year old girl and the need for justice. This includes justice for the citizens of Wicomico County and the state of Maryland. IF the citizens of Maryland desire to make certain crimes capital offenses, then such crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Using the excuse that no one has been recently executed in Maryland is not a valid reason for not seeking the death penalty. The message now seems to be that, with the possible exception of killing a law enforcement officer, there are no capital crimes in Wicomico County.

84 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's the standard plea deal...state wins and the guilty ovoid the death penalty....unfortunately it's the system under which we live.

Anonymous said...

However upsetting it may be that this case did not make it to trial and the death sentence was not dealt we have to keep in mind that a trial has two outcomes, guilty and not guilty. There is always the possibility that a jury of peers will find someone NOT GUILTY just as easily as they would find them GUILTY. As much as you may think there is enough evidence to prove someone guilty ultimately the jury makes that decision. Just getting the bastard to admit that he commited the crime should be justice enough for the citizens of Wicomico County and the knowledge that no matter what by admitting that he is guilty he will never walk out of a prison alive. Whether he dies tomorrow or in 50 years he will do so in a prison cell.

Anonymous said...

So let me get this straight. Davis Ruark was voted out by thecitizens of Wicomico County last year. The new state's attorney fired Liz Ireland and used what would have been her salary to fund Davis Ruark's prosecution of this case. The reason given was that only Davis had death penalty experience. Turns out, a first year law student could have prosecuted this slam dunk case. So Davis...who is staying on till June 30...(WHY..WE VOTED HIM OUT!) earned some $80 grand for one case in which he did very little while Liz Ireland, who worked tirelessly for 24 years putting away child molesters, elder abusers, and the like....got the shaft. This is inexplicable.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad WBOC turned her off while she was running her mouth. This is Sarah's day, not the grandmother's moment in front of the camera. Not long after mentioning your name that Steve Hammond stopped it in the studio. To my ears she sounded like Barrie Tilghman. Tonight I feel bad for Tommy and his family. Just how pregnant is Jennifer? Will she raise this child?

Grandmom, if you are reading this. Joe has nothing to do with how I feel about you and Jennifer. I knew you way before I ever met Joe. He doesn't put words in my mouth. Often we disagree about things. Today is one thing we agree on.

Anonymous said...

When the press conference replays on WBOC I'll double check, but I thought I heard Mr. Foxwell state that he supported the decision not to seek the death penalty.

Anonymous said...

No amt of wishing & praying NOR bashing & finger pointing is going to change the outcome. Sarah is dead, no matter who she was living with or what kind of childhood she was living. Thomas Leggs killed her. PERIOD! Thomas leggs will die in ...prison, have it be the hands of God, Satan, a fellow inmate, a guard or the very same hands that killed Sarah. Life will continue for ALL of us, no matter how much we throw punches, point fingers & make waves, Sarah is gone forever. Move on. The family opted out of the death penalty to move on & have closure. Ms. Weschler, please ... do what u & ur family need & want desperately... to move on.

Anonymous said...

I agree 8:02 today was not the day nor was it the correct platform for the grandmother to enter into these blog wars. I hope WBOC makes the right decision and doesn't post the video. It belongs right in the trash can.

Anonymous said...

@8:02 pm Are you seriously stating that you feel bad for Tommy? Are you kidding me??? There are not enought words to describe what I feel for you to actually come on here and say that you feel sorry for TOMMY after mentioning that today was supposed to be about Sarah. Scum is the nicest thing I can say and still be published.

Anonymous said...

As for having to pay for tv, elec, food, hvac, health insurance for the scum that killed Sarah: flip it! You're paying the part where he gets beat, kicked, humiliated, raped, sodomized & emotionally tore down everyday till he takes his last breath.

Sarah's grandmother took light from her granddaughter's shining moment of dignity & honor and made it a personal vendetta.

Anonymous said...

Sarah's sister will not have to go through the ordeal of many appeals and trials. I belive this to be the best outcome for all - plus Leggs will not be released to do harm to other children. Appeals and trials would be more costly to taxpayers than paying for a life sentence. The chances of Leggs ever getting off death row would be 0.

Unknown said...

what the public should be out raged about is what it takes for the death penality in the State of Maryland. Marylanders need to go to the law makers and get laws concerning the death penality changed. maybe we should look at how texas does it and become more agressive in using it then texas is. Start putting people on death row and actually killing them would defently deter crime in maryland.

Anonymous said...

Just remember, due to his crime he will NOT be in general population!!! He will remain in segregation where he will have no fear of violence from other inmates. He will have to live "alone" for the rest of his life, but he will still be able to have property (including a tv), access to reading materials, exercise time, and 3 hots with a cot. It will not be the Hilton Hotel, but the important thing (at least I think) is that he WILL NOT have to fear others!!! Just time! I don't think it is an even "DEAL" for taking the life of an 11 year old girl AFTER RAPING HER!!!
Also Joe, I am sorry that the grandmother went WAY out of bounds and took a CHEAP SHOT at you. I thought it was very uncalled for and in extremely poor taste. I think that just defines the type of person she is. Just my opinion.

Anonymous said...

"Sarah Foxwell's father, did not agree with this plea deal"

Guilty conscience????

Anonymous said...

You are leaving out one major detail.

One of the differences in not seeking the death penalty is that #1 he fully admitted guilt. If they had continued with the death penalty he may never have spoken those words.
#2, as part of the deal, he gave more information the the authorities on what actually happened and agreed to be interviewed by the FBI's BAU so that they can better understand the warped minds of individuals like himself.

Anonymous said...

Joe- While I am not a huge fan I do believe there is consistency with your reporting. I feel you certainly report what you feel in your heart at times and maybe stretch some things. That being said, I don't think you have done anything wrong pertaining to Sarah, her family, or this community. Are you a pain in the a$$? Sure, but that's what makes you genuine in this area. If I had one thing to say for advice it would be look into the Judges in this area. As much as I despise Davis Ruark and the whole S.A. office it really comes down to the Judges in this area and the defense atty's that they are in cahoots with. It's down right dirty. Trust me. Money talks in this town and I know it to be true. Kids and crimes against them are pleaded and put on stets everyday. Look it up. Children are returned to their abusers on a daily basis and it's really the atty's for the State, crooked defen$e Atty's and Judge$ that milk the system for their million dollar properties. Trust me Joe, Sarah is not the first nor the last to be overlooked due to deals. It's just horrible! There is no doubt that the good ol' boy system is alive and growing in Wicomico County from the top to the bottom. Guarantee you money changes hands at the Country Clubs and the little people are negotiated. I pray you look into the corruption in our Judicial system. It really is about favors and not justice. The "real people' don't even get a voice anymore. It's the atty's, and the judges and the state, Deals, Deals, deals. I challenge you to look up how many deals the S.A. Office has made over the last 15 years and see how many stets were given to Sex Offenders and you will publish an amazing number! Ruark is gone and another dealer has replaced him. Our children are not safe with those in power at this time. I like Sheriff Lewis like the rest of you but I have to say some of the bloggers on here are correct. He seems to be looking for the spotlight at times and I think politics is well into his head already! I hope he sees the light or his career could take a short path as well. Anyway, lots on my mind tonight. Not crazy about you but for some reason I understand what youre going through and I hope you stick to your guns on this one. Personally, I hope Leggs does get justice in jail, but I also hope that those that used Sarah's death in vain for gain (re-election, election) and popularity with the media also recieve some Godly discipline for their actions. Goodnight, God Bless and Good Luck Joe.

Signed, Truly Concerned For Our Community!!!

Anonymous said...

WOW I did not notice that she was pregnant until you said something and I had to go look. I wonder that also will she or the aunt be the child's guardian. Where was the aunt today? She should of had something to say about her ex boyfriend which I might add was a really dumb mistake on her part to have him around those girls. Also why did the aunt have guardianship? Also they said it was a slap in the face that he spoke to them Really is that not what they wanted him to plead guilty He did call himself a monster after all. I feel horrible for little Sarah and I can almost guarantess that if that was me in from of that camera today I would not have been able to speak for the tears and crying, Because I COULD NOT SEE THE TV WEEL FOR THE TEARS I WAS SHEDDING SITTING AT HOME for that beautiful little girl. R.I.P little princess <3

Anonymous said...

8:02 didn't give any indication on whether he/she felt sorry for the father. He/she just stated what was said at the press conference about whether Mr. Foxwell supported this decision.

Anonymous said...

Even in the State of Maryland killing a law enforcement does not mean that you will get a death penalty. When Eddie..Trooper Plank they over turn it. In the end it was better..because for the family you are not held up in appeals. It was nightmare what the system up us through. You can only hope that someone will get him in jail. Lovell got the crap beat out of him.

Anonymous said...

all they needed was to have one juror not be able to make a decision and they would have had to keep redoing the trial

Joseph Albero said...

Maciarello told one side of the family in the last few days that the other side of the family came to him for a plea deal. Turns out, this was a lie. In Maciarello's own statement today he openly admitted that the defense came to him asking for a plea and he was obligated to tell them. Hmmmmmm, if you look at yesterday's post from an old article we posted from the Daily Times, the entire family asked for the death penalty. The whole thing has flip flopped and some people aren't telling the truth. I can tell you that Tommy Foxwell stated to his family just a few days ago that he did NOT agree with the plea deal but was over ruled by the aunt and mother.

Joseph Albero said...

anonymous 8:45, let me guess which states attorney you are pulling a CYA.

Anonymous said...

I just watched the whole statement the grandmother made. That woman is crazy! How dare her to diminish the gravity of today with her own agenda! Any other day than today on the steps of the very courthouse where the murderer of her granddaughter was convicted would have been way more appropriate. These people just make me sick. I used to feel sorry for them but not so much anymore. You could just see Matt and Lewis just cringing. How dare her put them on the spot with her nonsense.

Anonymous said...

All in all, I think the plea was the best decision for the protection of the siblings, especially the one witness. She(?) certainly does not need to be drug through lengthy trials, appeals, etc.

Who are we to determine what is best for the family of the victim? It's their decision; one they have to live with.

Anonymous said...

one more thing when the state was naming witnesses and speakers to address the court when they were preparing for trial months back, there was a statement that was on the maryland judiciary site that was removed. It was the defense bringing up the fact that the little sister who was to testify had alcohol fetal syndrome and that would impair mental compacity or something to that affect... goes back to that family not wanting to own up what they really are.

Anonymous said...

I've said from early on there is more to this story and I personally believe this goes way further than protecting her sister from having to testify. That bloodline is tainted.

Anonymous said...

The family and parents of Sarah did an about face because of Sarah's sister as much as anything. What would be the purpose of putting her through the ordeal of countless appeals and trials. It is done - and Leggs will spend the rest of his life in prison. Now lets stop codemning everyone for opinions that are worthless now.

Anonymous said...

today was for sarah and good for her...but really her so called mother is pregnant again...really...she hasnt raised her own kids for how long and yet there must be some reason and she is having another...please lord tell me they arent going to allow this so called mother the right to that..she doesnt deserve it...either way horray for sarah...

Anonymous said...

Much as I would have liked to see this monster get the death penalty, Sarah's little is now spared what the barracuda lawyers would have put her through. Thank God for that.

The taxpayers will save on not having to go through the endless appeals. And all are spared the years of reliving this.

I will take comfort that this beast is put away for ever. I pray the family and community can now start healing as much as you can from this. Especially Sarah's little sister.

Sarah is now with Troy and Rusty, two other children abused and murdered, years ago, but never forgotten. I still can see their faces.

Let us not fight, or the Monster Leggs takes even more from us. Let us rejoice that he can never harm another child and may the rest of his life be a nightmare to live with. If it is, I am glad that will be less merciful than putting him to death.

Anonymous said...

It is my opinion that the Aunt would have the most to gain from this plea deal. She used poor judgement by knowingly letting a man with a sexual record around those kids. Now she doesn't have to face the harsh questions. Child endangerment...

Joseph Albero said...

Here's a little tidbit for you. Jennifer Foxwell dated Thomas Leggs before Aunt Amy did. Believe me, it gets really interesting.

Anonymous said...

What prison will he be sent to? Will he be put in the general population?

Kimmie

Anonymous said...

Don't understand why u get 2 life sentences without chance for parole. Isn't one lfe sentence without parole sufficient. Stupid.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if this baby of Jennifer's will be born with alcohol fetal syndrome too?? Most people would go nuts if they left their child in someones care and they brought a sex offender around them. Then again like Joe said they both dated this sex offender. that tells us all they didnt give a damn about what he did to other peoples kids and didnt care about their own because they brought him around them. This family has the nerve to look down on Joe, these people should all be in jail as well. They are all trash!

Anonymous said...

Joe, your site has consistently and fairly provided the community with news about this case. This was a crime against all of Wicomico County. If it were not for your site, most of us would have been in the dark.

I credit you for helping turn out citizens and businesses during the time of the search for her body. I credit you for helping to keep the flames of community outrage simmering (as they should have been) about this case. Too often, cases are pled out because a community forgets. You kept this case where it should have been -- front and center.

Finally, your coverage of the trial itself was first-hand and first rate. You can't cover this case from press releases issued by the SAO. You've got to be there, to go to Cecil County.

We, the community deserved to know the news about this case and you delivered. No other news source in the area can claim that. Only you can. For that, I thank you.

Anonymous said...

I know one thing, I said it then and I'll say it again, It was wrong to keep Davis Ruark in the prosecutors office after he lost the election. Virtually any lawyer could have done what Ruark has done and got this plea deal.

Anonymous said...

I too remember seeing the fetal alcohol thing about the little sister on the judiciary. Those poor children. If nothing else that grandmother (and I use that term loosely) gave us all an insight into the life those poor children have and have to look forward to.

Anonymous said...

I am convinced Jonathan Taylor, John Robinson and whoever is running that Delusional blog is behind that statement prepared by that lunatic woman. I just viewed the video and that woman should be ashamed of herself for placing the SA and Sheriff in such an awkward position and making a fool out of herself.

mp50 said...

What surprises me is that when the Foxwell family attacts you and your father, and wheen you call them on it. They have nothing to say. Then we hear that you are taking them to hearings and so on. Then after all you have done for them, one of them have to nerve to attact you. Where would they be without you? What is your next step, are you going to stand by this family once more and just keep taking their abuse? They are using you! Joe, get away from them. You deserve better. Thank you for doing what you do, I know I could not do it. Be safe and have love. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

the grand mother Wexler is a whack job at best. Comments she made on The Daily Times site claims Joe has a cult following. Sorry Mrs.Wexler I follow Joe's blog because I want up to date news. Just because you feel second class next to Joe that's your misfortune not the good folks that follow his blog just because we want up to date accurate news. The real shame is that someone else is just as sick as Legg's and just might be Sarah's own Grandmother for trying to claim that a news blog is a cult.

Anonymous said...

I think it's ironic how the grandmother and the "rest" of the family wanted to accept the plea so as not to drag themselves back through it all the time and in the same breath the grandmother wants to come after Sbynews civilly, criminally, blah, blah,blah. What does she think that will do. Does she think that Joe Albero will just roll over and take it? No. He will defend himself as well he should. And when he does, this whole thing will come back again and again. As it unfolds it will be revealed what trash Jennifer Foxwell and her sister are. Not to mention the type of mother that raises two first rate losers that engaged in behavior that directly resulted in the death of an innocent little girl. Yeah. Go ahead grandma. Expose yourself as the loser you are. But hey, this was all just my opinion.

Anonymous said...

This is a great article and let me tell you why. Some of you need to read into what Joe is saying here because I for one am now afraid to raise my children in Wicomico County. The sheriff and states attorney are satisfied with the outcome. Let me tell you one thing bud, if that was my daughter that monster Leggs would be on death row. For the first time I am so mad at our sheriff and it will not be forgiven or forgotten.

Anonymous said...

10:32 PM

Where is the LIKE button!!

mommaneedswine said...

You have got to be freaking kidding me. Jennifer is pregnant AGAIN? She can't raise the 6 living kids she has, and she's pregnant again? I am totally outraged by this. Maybe if she could parent, and had custody of her kids, Sarah would still be here! Joe, please tell me the previous commentor was wrong. PLEASE!

Carrie said...

wow...it was hard for me to keep reading this when i read "this arrangement was made at the request of some members of Foxwell's family to provide closure and to spare Foxwell's sister the pain of testifying in a trial." Im sorry....spare her the pain of testifying?? what about the pain sarah went through? YOU PEOPLE ARE MORONS!! If that had been my child, I would stop at nothing to make sure that man was put to death and get him to hell a lil quicker! Unfortunatly, the family or who ever decided to let him plea...so now we will pay to take care of his sorry %$@ and i can only hope he will every bit of what he dished out! this is all now in Gods hands.....

Carrie said...

ok...i was wrong, thinking it was jennifers sister that didnt want to have to testify, not sarahs sister....either way, that man should have been put thru to the death penalty.

Unknown said...

Can you find the lists of questions Thomas Leggs answered to the Wicomico County Bureau of Investigations as to why he committed the crimes? In the news release it stated that he answered these questions as to why he committed this terrible crime.
I believe this is important for us to know.

Anonymous said...

I agree with 9:36 completely.

Anonymous said...

It is truly ashame what happened to little Sarah. And Leggs has to live the rest of his life what he did. My heart does go to his parents. But a concern I have is where was the aunt the night this all happened? Why isn't she being charged with neglect. Jennifer can't take care of the kids she has and here she is knocked up again. Us tax payers will support them.I feel sorry for the kids in this but the whole family is trash!!

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately for Sarah and her family, Grandma Wechsler spent only two minutes thanking law enforcement and public servants for a job well done and ten more minutes trying to convince the entire community that Joe Albero is just as horrific as Sarah's murderer. Most of the community tuned in today for news on the trial alone. Only Grandma Wechsler, not Joe Albero, is to blame for opening up this whole new can of worms that the entire community is now curious about. So the family supported the plea agreement in hopes to achieve closure, but Grandma announces publicly that the family intends to keep this nightmare alive by pursuing Joe Albero? All Grandma did today was replace any hope of closure with what appears to be her own personal agenda. I am just in disbelief!! Thanks to her, the very things that disgusted the family, the very things that she and the family didn't want to go public are going to come out! She made a HUGE mistake here! Poor Sarah. It's a real shame that her own Grandmother portrayed today as the kick-start to the hunt for Joe Albero rather than a day of justice and a day for her granddaughter.

Anonymous said...

10:48, I was thinking the same thing. If that was my child I would have never thought twice about not pursuing the death penalty. Even if he is found innocent, he would be dead within seconds of leaving the prison.

Anonymous said...

Grandma Wexler says alot about this family...No class !! she's totally out of line!

Anonymous said...

Anyone notice that the bottom feeders of society all hang together? How much money have they all sucked out of the tax payers. You have the ones that keep having kid after kid even though they can't take care of them. The ones that sit on their fat behinds doing nothing but collecting money and the crazy ones that want to blame everyone else for their own mistakes. I say open a mental hospital and throw them all in there.

Anonymous said...

9:12 Troy Krause, Rusty Marine and Sarah Foxwell will never be forgotten by me. I think about them everyday. Three children have been brutally murdered in Salisbury since 1977 and their killers (Leggs and Leuschner) got life in prison without parole. How come there is never a death penalty when our children are murdered? Remember John Thanos? He got a lethal injection.

Anonymous said...

Little Sarah is gone and I know she is not suffering anymore. This community needs to concentrate on being the change we want to see in the world. Stop pointing fingers, if we dont want to see this happen again
start acting like adults not children. We cant save Sarah now but there are alot of others out there we can. Move on.

Anonymous said...

615
I could not agree with you more.

Look around people, don't be afraid to speak up if you see something that isn't right.
Make sure your children and not exposed to predators, educate yourselves of who they are.
Learn the signs of an abused (sexually or otherwise) child. The information is out there.

Anonymous said...

I think everyone should keep their eye on the ball here. An innocent child was tortured and murdered and her killer will never again see the light of day. Whatever you may think of Sarah's family, they've been through enough. Let them heal and move on. For those of you who want to continue to hurl stones at the family, let he who is without sin cast the first one.

Anonymous said...

If it took 21 years in prison for Leroy Leuchner to get his due for killing Troy Krause & Rusty Marine, how long will it take for this pos? 42 years? Thankfully he will have to suffer with cable tv. (There's some justice in that.)

Erin Webster said...

Listen to all the judging you all are doing here. I find it sick that so many people feel the right to judge this woman and her family. It's nice to know there are so many perfect people out there like you all kind folks. And for the twisted person 10:16 to compare Leggs to the grandmother? you have issues. I think all of you judges on this blog need to look inside yourselves and stop pointing fingers at the victims.

Anonymous said...

Troy and Rusty were my friends. I remember my mom not wanting me to ride my bike or play in the yard. Our parents had to rely on the news to know what was happening. Not much information came out after the trial. Today is much different. If it hadn't been for Joe, many of us wouldn't of known anything back in Dec/09 until Mike Lewis told all of us the sad news Christmas night. My mom lived the whole nightmare all over again. I remember going to the stadium with my husband and dad to search for her. A few days later returning with my own children to leave a stuff animal. One of my children knew Sarah. How did this happen again? Many of us knew those two boys and some of our children new this girl. I never thought it could happen again. Will my grandchildren thirty two years from now go through this? I pray it will never happen again. My mom prayed for the same thing. Before this happened I knew I loved my children more than anything in the world or I thought thats how I felt. When this nightmare happened I discovered I could love them with a deeper love I didn't know I had inside myself. Now I understand how my mom felt when she didn't want us out of her sight. When they leave for school I feel a pain in my heart until they return safely in the afternoon. I hope one day the questions he was asked about why he did this will be released. It will help me know what to protect my children from. Right now, all strangers are monsters until I know differently.

RIP Sarah

Anonymous said...

@4:16 AM - Can I get an Amen?

Anonymous said...

Wexler had a wonderful opportunity to honor Sarah's memory, but instead turned on Joe who, as I recall, was very instrumental in getting people to help search and assist with donations. Shame on Wexler.

Anonymous said...

If Joe wants to write a book... he cant do it copy and paste like he does the news here. (lol) So how many three letter words can he think of? Let him write it... this will be funny!

Joe reported facts that was meant to hurt the family because the family let a 11 year old die. The mother has another child that she almost killed from drinking before she was born. Two women in this family dated Leggs and thought he was after them, but now we know he was after the kids not the adults. Did you know she was about to have another child?

If i was driving my car and killed a child the state would take my drivers license. Ray Charles can see this person is no parent and she has one child dead and another with mental issues from how she was born during her moms dringing. But yet she can go out and have another child? This is the crime. The state needs to take her baby making license and toss it! I fear for any child born in this family. They are treated like pets at best and if they were pets the state would have already removed them from the home.

They dont want a trial for ONE reason... more dirty laundry from this trash family. If they had a trial the new baby would be born during it. People would see the younger child and wonder what the heck is this woman doing.

Yes mom mom was hot after court and had to burn Joe... Ma`am, I dont like Joe either and think you would be pressed to find five people that do like him. But that time was for Sarah NOT YOU! idiot

Mardela said...

Then sun has set and a new day has begun.
Judge not for this is for the Lord.
Learn from our mistakes and be a better person than we were yesterday.
Work hard to care and protect those who we are responsible for with love, affection and truth.
Blame lies in no one else but ourselves, for we can only control what we do.
Sarah sacrifeced herself for us because without this tragedy, who knows how many more might have fell victim to this troubled and broken soul. Evil is hard to stop. She alone with her sacrifice has stopped this monster and now she rests comfortably in heaven where she feels no pain, where joy and love flow freely and a smile is always on her face....today and forever we can live a better life remembering Sarah's smile!
Today is a new day!

Mardela said...

Please be clear about this plea deal, the sheriff has nothing to do with it. Once his investigation is done and he turns over the evidence to the state's attorney, he takes a back seat on any decison about prosecution. Our sheriff and all law enforcement did a fantastic job and gave up Christmas with their family as many in the community did. We are blessed to have the law enforcement we do.
As for the state's attorney, once the defense requests a plea, the prosecution has to tell the family about the plea. It is up to the family to decide if they want to accept the plea or not. They had family members that would have to testify and they would have to live what happened to Sarah over and over again, as we would too. Matt did not break his promise, but did what ANY prosecutor would have done. I am glad that he is in the postion and that now, finally Ruark will be gone.
Be thankful for what we have. We have crime fighters in our community to catch those who want to do us harm. If you think anything different, then let me know who you think could do a better job. Is it you? Do you know everything? Can YOU do a better job?
Lord, thank you for all of our law enforcement and bless them in all they do. Help them to protect us and keep them safe so the always return home to their families. A-men.

Anonymous said...

What to say, what to say....WOW! Wechsler is a major nut job!!!! I always thought justice was supposed to be for the VICTIM, not the victim's family. Once again, the Foxwell family proved what pieces of trash they really are. And now, we see that the apple does not fall far from the tree. I truly hope the state takes her unborn child to protect he/she from any damage that Jennifer, her sister or Roberta Wechsler can do. R.I.P Sarah

Anonymous said...

The Foxwell family, and I use the word "family" very loosely, are to blame for the death of that beautiful helpless child. NOT Joe Albero!! He just reports it as he sees it. As so many others have said, children in this family are destined for bad things when the mother AND the aunt dated a perverted sick person like Thomas Leggs, a registered sex offender!! In my opinion, Jennifer Foxwell, the father, the aunt AND certainly the grandmother are to be blamed MORE than Leggs for the death of Sarah. The grandmother can try to distract from the reality by saying Albero is as bad as Leggs but we KNOW who the real guilty people are in this case. I pray that Jennifer will be giving up this new baby for adoption and keeping it as far away from her family as possible. The children born from this trash are helpless and so I pray for them and their safety. As far as Jennifer is concerned, YOU are the reason your daughter spent the last hours of her life in the hands of a monster. I don't know how you can live with yourself.

Anonymous said...

With Leggs known backround he was allowed access to this child, the parents(adults) should be held accountable..Joe you had the qoute that should shut that old bag up(grandma) .."Sarah Foxwell didnt die on my watch"..shame on the adults in Sarahs short life.

Anonymous said...

I thought I saw some green fingerprints on that woman's script!

Anonymous said...

Joe,

Thank you for allowing us to speak freely with regards to the Foxwell Family as I was deleted from the WBOC site. How dare the grandmother spend 3 minutes of her time to thank everyone and the other 8 to bash you. She is a piece of work along with the other family members. To everyone who wants to know YES Jennifer is pregnant with her 6th child. Who will raise this child you ask? Probably not her as she couldn't even take care of the ones she has. When will the Aunt be charged for endangering the welfare of a minor. They both should hang their heads in shame for allowing this child to get into the hands of Leggs. The parenting skills of this woman allowed this to happen to her child. Shame on you Jennifer Foxwell.

Confused said...

Joe, I just finished watching Ms. Wexler's (sp?) "statement" on WBOC's website. Less than two minutes was spent thanking law enforcement and the SA's office, and the rest of the time was spent slamming you. I then watched your rebuttal. You acted with class, grace, and dignity. I have to confess, before I stopped going to Delusional's blog, I noticed that there was someone named "Granny" that was posting over there. After hearing Ms. Wexler's statement and recalling what that poster said, I am firmly convinced that "Granny" and Ms. Wexler are one in the same. I have never heard anyone spew such vile hatred and vitriol in all of my life. I can understand her being upset at what happened to Sarah, but she is upset at the wrong person. If she doesn't start remembering who it was that was keeping this case front and center, the hatred she has for you is going to consume her. But, having said that, the hatred that everyone over at Delusional is going to consume them.

Anonymous said...

Believe it or not, this was the best outcome. First of all, this case could have dragged out for years before ever going to trial. In that time frame, witnesses could die and evidence could get lost or accidentally destroyed. Then, if he's found guilty, there will be years and years of appeals where Leggs would never talk to anyone, nor admit what he did. After all appeals are exhausted, how long would it take to put him to death? Now, since he plead guilty, his appeal rights are extremely limited. He will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Anonymous said...

I too believe in an eye for an eye but MD ain't Texas it's Maryland & the state will not kill him. This IMHO is a great outcome - The family (especially her sister - the only witness aged 7) is spared trials and appeals, he will never be free'd to do this again, his last day on the front page is today & the family and LEO received the answers to their questions.

I see people griping about the cost to keep him for life as opposed to trying him under the death penalty. If it takes 20 years & 3 appeals to put the needle in his arm think of the additional costs. The States Attorneys time on the case, Public Defenders (he has 3) all paid with state funds, Judges, court time, transportation costs, his PRIVATE cell, additional security and the list goes on right down to transcript costs.
It's over and the monster has been caged. Go home tonight & hug your kids twice because you can.

Anonymous said...

how can that P.O.S. have another baby?

Anonymous said...

They had DNA evidence that Leggs raped the child however the evidence to convict him for murder must have been weak. Was there a murder weapon? Was there a witness to the actual murder?

I would had prefered to see the death penalty, however here in Maryland that may have never happened. The murder of State trooper Eddie Plank as mentioned by another post is an example.

Justice is blind in more ways than one. I was shocked at the grandmothers remarks, but know you have big shoulders Joe.

It's your blog but I think enough family bashing has been posted. It's time to move forward. Thanks for all you do Joe.

Anonymous said...

I personally believe Jennifer Foxwell should be spayed!! Who's with me??

Anonymous said...

Watching the video of the grandmother made me sick! It is funny how she turned her rage on Joe Albero and not on the man who raped and murdered her granddaugter. Leggs doesn't get the death penalty and this is what she does with her "press conference". Disgraceful!

SunnyInOC said...

1 MINUTE, 40 SECONDS OUT OF HER 12 MINUTE RANT ABOUT JOE. WELL, AT LEAST SHE IS CONSISTANT WITH THE REST OF THE FAMILY.

Anonymous said...

So Sarah really died in the hands of negligence of the family, and the hands of Leggs.

Anonymous said...

Vote Republican!!

Anonymous said...

No one is saying anything about Sarahs Family that isn't true. Yes it is time for her to RIP.But who is solely to blame? Leggs who committed this gut wrenching crime or the person responsible for protecting her?If were going to point fingers we must look at all the sides.During this whole ordeal nothing has been mentioned as to where her guardian was that night.

Anonymous said...

with the ultimate penalty, he'd be sitting isolated every day until the time comes with fear in his heart. now, he'll just be sitting in isolation(protective custody)no fear & getting everything he could possibly ever need. where's the justice in that?

Anonymous said...

Joe, I can't imainge how you felt standing there listening to a mad woman's ranting. A normal person would be upset, but as you are someone who has gone ABOVE and BEYOND to help in this particular situation - both as it was happening and ever since that tragic day - I simply cannot comprehend how you took that abuse. To be able to stand there and keep your composure and dignity in the face of lunacy, you are a better human being then I am for sure Joe! The Sarah Foxwell tragedy is quite possibly the biggest news story to ever happen in our area. It is as horrible, heinous, tragic, incomprehensible as anything can be... I could go on and on. But now, FINALLY, there's a chance for closure. There's also an opportunity to take something positive away from this by not only putting the animal who committed these acts behind bars, but also by bringing the national spotlight onto the issue. To focus on the urgent need for better protection for our children or to highlight the new legislation that has come about as a result of this event. Of course these efforts will not ever make this situation "right," that's impossible. But here's our chance to try and makes things better for our community and for our children in the future. All eyes are on us, the national news outlets are paying attention. Now's the chance to make a difference, to make a statement that we will protect our children at all costs and that monsters like Leggs will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. So, what does the Daily Times choose to do with this story? Do they focus on the conviction of the animal that committed the crime? NO. Do they focus on the legislation desinged to prevent this from happening again? NO. Do they give tips on how to keep our children safe? NO. Instead, they cover the story from the angle of "Joe Albero is mean." Wow, way to go! Way to not only miss the point ENTIRELY, but to go so far as to prove to everyone that you are a totally biased, petty, vindictive, and outdated media source. Not only have you been blogged, but you have been REPLACED! It's more clear than ever how this "news story" would have turned out dramaticaly different if it weren't for Joe keeping the focus where it should be. I'll say what the family should have said but pathetically failed to say... thank you, Joe. Thank you on behalf of our community and, most importantly, on behalf of our CHILDREN.

Cathy said...

Hey Joe, i just thought of something tonite: Has Leggs' family given any statement on the whole situation? I don't know anything about them, but I imagine all this is difficult for them too. I can't imagine having to live with the fact that my child did these horrible things.

just curious if anyone has heard from them. where they at the hearings?

its all just so sad...

Anonymous said...

I would first like to say I'm so sorry about Sarah. My heart goes out to you. You mentioned Rusty Marine in your article, I am his sister and want you to know that no one really knows what pain we share until it's our loved one. I feel that these sex offenders should never have the right to see the light of day after 1 conviction. Forget house arrest and release for "Good Behavior" the lawmakers would re-think convictions if it was their own. So sorry for your pain and loss.