There was a nine-year-old girl who was brutally choked, raped, and left for dead. Resolving this is a chance for the CNMI to make 2010 a safer and more responsible year. If any of you saw the musical “Scrooge” a few years ago, this girl is the one who played the boy part of Tiny Tim. More recently, she was the lead in the musical “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”
She has also been a star in school. In fact, her name is Starr — but you all know that her name, race, religion, nationality, etc. doesn’t matter.
It matters that she is a human child of God like every other nine-year-old girl in the CNMI.
I am writing because I want to be a better person, I want my daughter to be more whole, and because I care about the people of CNMI.
When the police first came to our home, I told them what I knew and invited them to interview and collect DNA from myself and other members of my household.
I care about each member of my household to the extent that if any were found guilty of such a murderous and heinous crime, I would want him/her to take full responsibility as early as possible because the longer such goes unresolved, the worse it is for the criminal as well as the host community.
I have good reason to believe there are several who know who the guilty party is but don’t feel they can speak out because of friend or family connections. There was a conversation overheard at a beach party. High school students have also told me things they have heard, but couldn’t give me names because of friend or family ties. I invite those who know something and who care about Starr, their own community, or even the guilty party to help all affected. You don’t have to give your name.
Please call the FBI at 322-6934.
The only reason that I mention her name and other personal information is because we are now safely an ocean away in a safe community where she is receiving excellent counseling to overcome embedded fears. Also, there is little chance she will read this until she is ready.
I am so thankful for all the rich four years my family was able to enjoy on Saipan, and I long for the time I can write an editorial of praise for this beautiful island community which will have been able to resolve this serious issue and make 2010 a safer and more responsible year.
I feel a little better already. Thank you.
With deep affection and bright hope,
DR. E. ROLAND BROWN
Former Saipan resident
