Community Sends a Powerful Message
* The response to tragic events reveals the true nature of an individual or community. The disappearance of Kellie O’Sullivan on Sept. 14 touched virtually every resident of the Conejo Valley. I closely followed the response to Kellie’s abduction through the reports of my staff who have devoted hundreds of hours to the investigation and search during the past two weeks. We were moved by the outpouring of community involvement and support. In addition to the sheriff’s air unit, search and rescue teams, motorcycle detail, investigators, and patrol and support staff, approximately 600 volunteers joined the search. Kellie’s family and many friends composed the heart of this effort, but many of the volunteers were simply motivated by compassion for the family and the sense that they had also been violated by her abduction. This outpouring of concern provided great support and encouragement to Kellie’s family during this difficult time.
The unfortunate resolution to the search was that Kellie was found to be the victim of a senseless murder. This serves as a grim reminder that even in relatively safe communities, none of us can take our safety for granted. A positive outcome was that this event drew a community together, motivated by compassion for neighbors who had been touched by random violence and by a determination that they would not allow their safety and quality of life to be threatened without a fight.
I extend my sympathy to Kellie’s family and profound appreciation for the many volunteers who came to our assistance. I am committed to devoting the efforts of my staff to ensure justice is done. Ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods and communities must continue to be every citizen’s concern. This expression of public commitment to partnering with law enforcement in ensuring public safety sends a strong message that this community will not tolerate the type of violence that has become routine in other parts of the country.
LARRY CARPENTER
Ventura
Larry Carpenter is the sheriff of Ventura County.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
