On July 6, 2006 the world of many was changed forever. Richard (Richie) Helsinger brutally murdered his longtime girlfriend and mother of his child (Lindsey "Tara" Lakes) with his bare hands. Tara's lifeless body laid in the bed while her daughter was in the home. The events after the murder and leading up to the next morning are still somewhat unclear. That next morning, Tara's young cousin was dropped off at her home for her to babysit. Little did they know, she was no longer alive. After the cousin arrived, Richie took the children to the police station and turned himself in. He calmly explained what he did and admitted to everything. 

Richie was eventually convicted of murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. During the last 14 years, I have watched Tara's daughter, mother, and many others struggle to live a normal life. I have witnessed more tears and emotional breakdowns than I care to admit. We have all answered so many questions about Tara that her daughter never had the opportunity to know. Richie took this little girl's mother from her 5 days before her first birthday. He took Lucy's daughter and best friend. He took so much from so many that loved her... And so far, all that has been taken from him is 14 years of freedom. 14 years of a roof over his head, food in his belly, internet access, etc. And now that his parole date is nearing, I am witnessing (and feeling myself) stress, worry, anxiousness, and absolute fear that he may return to society. Fear that one day I may be stopped at a red light and he might be the person in the car next to me. Or that he may find where his daughter lives and pay her a visit. 

Prior to murdering his girlfriend, Richie was also charged with Felonious Assault in 1999. Richie brutally beat a 15 year old boy until he required hospitalization. I have since been in contact with this now man who feels very strongly about the punishments Richie did not receive. Stating- "I believe if the courts would have done what they should have, she (Tara) would probably still be here today."

We feel very strongly that Richie is a violent, repeat offender and needs to stay where he belongs - in prison. If released yet again, what will he do next? It is a question that haunts all of us to our very core. He is up for parole in May 2021.

Please help us keep this monster where he belongs by signing this petition and letting our government know that we do not feel safe living with this man in the general public.