Justice For Natalie

Dear Mr. Gore,

We the employees and residents of Shoreland Healthcare and Retirement Center, family members and loved-ones/friends of Natalie Renee Housand, and concerned citizens of District 13, have a concern we would like to address. Ms. Natalie Renee Housand, 20 years young, an employee of Shoreland Healthcare, was tragically killed on December 19, 2004. An alleged drunk driver (not convicted at this time), Mr. Jose Jesus Garcia Lopez, caused her death when the vehicle he was driving crossed the center line of the highway and struck Natalie's vehicle in a head-on collision.

Natalie was employed by Shoreland nearly two years as a certified nursing assistant and ward clerk. In addition to working full time, she was attending school in order to pursue her life long dream of becoming a nurse. Natalie was an outgoing and caring person whom we all adored. We all miss her greatly. We lost not just a valuable co-worker, but a friend, and a meaningful part of our lives. Natalie was an asset to our workplace and the community. She did not, nor does anyone else, deserve to be killed and have all the hopes and dreams of a productive and interactive life end so horribly.

It has come to our attention that some of the original charges against the accused have been dropped. This news is more than upsetting to us considering the fact this man took the life of a wonderful person who had so much potential. We, as voting members of District 13, and other concerned citizens are petitioning you to ensure that this alleged criminal is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We demand that justice be served in this case. We believe that you, as an elected official, are accountable to the citizens for the outcome.

We would like to thank you, in advance, for your timely consideration of this matter. Attached you will find a list of signatures representing supporters for the prosecution of Jose Jesus Garcia Lopez who ended Natalie Housand's life.