Update on the Alexis B. Vankannel case:

I've got great news folks!!! Our efforts seemed to have made an impact. After many emails, letters, and phone calls an update was posted to the case docket on 02/24/2025. A motion "TO WITHDRAW HER APPLICATION FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION," was filed. This means, the application for the intervention in lieu of conviction program has been withdrawn and Alexis will not be seeking entry into the program at this time. 

Progress, not perfection!

Has she finally decided to take responsibility, plea guilty, and accept a felony conviction? Is she being offered a plea deal with minimal consequences to appease all parties involved? Has she decided on taking the case to trial again and seeking judgment from a jury of her peers? I'm not sure what this means for the case exactly, but for now things are at a standstill until the case docket is updated with further information.

On another positive note:

In just a few days our petition managed to get over 5,076 signatures in support support of justice for Noelle and her devastated family. Multiple letters, emails, and phone calls were made to the judges/prosecutors office. I believe this collective effort from the community and individuals from all over heavily contributed to the motion to withdrawal her application being filed. I truly can not thank everyone enough for their efforts. The community really came together and showed up for Noelle, as well as her family. Sometimes we don't see the point in contributing to situations like this because we feel like our efforts alone won't make a difference. We assume our voices are too small and won't be heard. That may be true to some degree, but when we stand together it all adds up in the end and there is so much we can accomplish together. 

I'll have to edit the petition once the motion is granted and take out everything regarding the intervention in lieu of conviction program. However, I'm not going to take the petition down and submit our signatures just yet. I'd like to know if she's taking full responsibility by pleading guilty and accepting the charges, taking a plea deal, or taking it to trial. This isn't over yet! Our unwaivering demand for justice and accountability continues. Until we can guarantee a conviction and suitable punishment is imposed, we will continue to fight for not only Noelle, but her family as well. 

I would encourage everyone to continue signing and sharing. Please continue to call, email, and mail the judges/persecutors office. Since she is no longer applying for the "slap on the wrist" program, just let them know your feelings regarding this individual and the concerns you have for the safety of our community, as well as the general public if she is not punished to the fullest extent of the law pending a finding/plea of guilty. Let them know her punishment should reflect the severity of her crimes. 

Thank you again for the love and support you've shown thus far. Thank you for coming together as a community and working together in order to make a difference. Thank you for advocating for our furry companions and members of our families. Thank you for just simply being human and doing a phenomenal job assisting your fellow man in their time of need. For showing empathy and compassion for a situation that you could have easily ignored. Every single person involved has made a profound difference. 

I'll submit another update as soon as I have an idea of what comes next. 

You all are truly amazing!!! This should be a testament of the things we as a people can accomplish as a whole. Imagine if the entire world came together in these times of need. To be a voice for all the voiceless and defenseless. To stand up against corruption, injustice, and inhumane crimes against human beings as well as our cherished creatures. If we truly held those responsible parties accountable, no matter the case or place. Without a doubt, we have the power to change the world and it starts with moments like this one. Whenever we come together like this and make a difference, a seed is planted. Over time those seeds grow into something meaningful and powerful. The world we imagine for ourselves, our children, and our loved ones isn't as unattainable as we might think.

Sending all the love and praise your way!

- Joey