Phone Stolen from Child of Murder Victim on Christmas Night

(SALEM) - Last night, the Grinch showed up in Redmond, Oregon. On Christmas night, a precious little girl who recently lost her mother had her phone, gifts and personal belongings stolen from the family’s vehicle.

27-year old Jessie Doyle Cavett was murdered by her estranged husband on October 12, 2013. Her two children were at the scene, and daughter Peyton was able to call for help. That is an amazing feat in itself, rising above the trauma and finding the rational thought to immediately use the phone. It was especially mature for someone her age.

Peyton is five. A five-year-old that doesn’t need any more tragedy and heartache.

Her Christmas hasn’t been complete without her mom, and scrolling through her photos on the phone has been a much appreciated outlet. She loves to look at the pictures of her mommy.

“For Christmas, Peyton wanted to go see Mommy,” her dad, Brian Kinney said. “We talked for a bit and she got happier.” She feels closer to her mom, when she has her pictures. Some were backed up, but not all, and it is a great loss to the family.

In the hullabaloo of Christmas, the phone was overlooked and left in the vehicle, locked. Their truck was ransacked. Jackets, sweatshirts, toys, cash and personal items were all lifted from a family that needs the comfort of their community, not to be abused at the hands of thoughtless criminals.

"The i-phone you stole from my daughter was her way of looking at pics of her mommy. There were voicemails on that from her mommy as well," Kinney said in a facebook message, reaching out to the thieves.

Jessie’s story made national headlines. It was a shocking tragedy for the city of Gresham, and the state of Oregon, as a domestic abuse situation turned from horrible all the way to nightmarish. The perpetrator, father of Jessie’s younger daughter, grabbed the toddler when he left the scene, leaving Peyton alone with her mother. She was later found, unharmed. Big sister Peyton has been through enough, something a thief would not have considered.

If anyone has knowledge of the items, the family would especially appreciate the return of Peyton’s phone, which has a cracked screen. These tangible things are valuable, and we hope will be found and brought back to their rightful owners. The intangibles will be much harder to restore, but it is worth the effort. For Peyton.

Bonnie King has been Publisher of Salem-News.com since August '04. She is a photographer and video producer, writer, editor and mother, which she considers her greatest position. Bonnie has served in a number of positions in the broadcast industry; TV Production Manager at KVWB (Las Vegas WB) and Producer/Director for the TV series "Hot Wheels in Las Vegas", posts as TV Promotion Director for KYMA (NBC), and KFBT (Ind.), Asst. Marketing Director (SUPERSHOPPER MAGAZINE), Director/Co-Host (Coast Entertainment Show), Radio Promotion Director (KBCH/KCRF), and Newspapers In Education/Circulation Sales Manager (STATESMAN JOURNAL NEWSPAPER).

Bonnie has a depth of understanding that reaches further than just behind the scenes, and that thoroughness is demonstrated in the perseverance to correctly present each story with the wit and wisdom necessary to compel and captivate viewers and readers alike. An lifetime activist for just causes, she continues to strive to present facts that support Truth, Justice and Peace, as we are in the world to change the world for the better. "TJP"