Posted 8:29 AM by Murph.

Free at last: Court TV reports that theSouth Korean Supreme Court upheld Kenzi's acquittal on Friday, 13 January 2006.

Apologies for the total lack of posts - there hasn't been anything new in the last two years, until now. And now that Kenzi's home, safe, and free, and hopefully can get on with her life, I can declare a formal end to this page.

Posted 12:34 PM by Murph.

Some good news from Heath:

Hello Everyone- 19 December

Your prayers have been answered!! Kenzi is coming home for Christmas ! Yes, indeedy-do, she is!! On Christmas, as a matter of fact! What a fabulous gift this is!! Thank you, thank you!!


First we had justice with two innocent verdicts, and now we have mercy. I can not thank the Judges and her hard-working lawyers enough for this! It is not finished, though. The Supreme Court has NOT made a decision. Both Kenzi and I had to write letters saying if the verdict were negative she would return, but she can go about her life until the decision is made (which I am sure is freedom).

I am asking one more favor....PLEeeeeeeeeASE! Will everyone who has received these messages, please send a Christmas card to: Kenzi Snider, 314 Wilson Ave. NE, St. Cloud MN 56304, USA. It would be such fun to see how many people were rooting for her and how far-afield the rooting section was.

I wish to thank everyone for your support and, especially, for your prayers!! This has been quite the adventure, and I just know it would have been so much harder without your messages of encouragement and love. Writing these messages to you has been such good therapy for me. It made me focus on what was the problem, or the solution, and to be able to share the emotions was a priceless gift. I will probably not be sending another message for awhile, but I will keep my mailing lists until the verdict is presented, and share the joy! Please continue to keep Kenzi is your prayers. It will be a difficult road ahead, too. She will be dropping into a new life where all her friends have left her behind, and she is mentally years older and wiser, than those around her. And, where the government thinks she is expendible.

I wish everyone of you, and yours, the Happiest and Merriest of HOLIDAY SEASONS! Let your lights shine through in this coming year!! May GOD bless each and every one of you!! With much LOVE, Heath

Sorry for the few days delay; my internet access is spotty.

Posted 12:19 PM by Murph.

I just discovered a blog maintained by a member of the Korean law firm representing Kenzi. He describes a plot twist of truly ridiculous proportions:

But it looks like, absurdly, Kenzi may have immigration-law problems in the case that she's acquitted by the Supreme Court. Investigating her visa status, we learned that currently Kenzi is in Korea with no entry visa, making her an illegal entrant. Of course, she was brought to Korea against her will by the government of Korea, as a prisoner in handcuffs to stand trial for a homicide she didn't commit, but the Immigration Department is telling us that Kenzi should have applied to the Korean Embassy or Consulate to obtain a "G-1" litigation visa before entering Korea. From her jail cell! So, they are promising that if she is found innocent, she will unavoidably be detained in an immigration facility for her visa "violation" to be adjudicated. They need to fine her several million won for the overstay. Regulations are regulations, and, as you know,Korea is a law-abiding country. Fantastic.

I'm sure this will pass in time, just as everything else Kenzi has had to put up with will pass. In the meantime, thank you, Brendon, and your partners for helping Kenzi get through this mess.

Posted 11:11 AM by Murph.

A long time between updates, I know, but not much is happening. We're all just sitting around waiting for the Supreme Court to do something. But some good news from Heath on the form of the waiting:

Hello Everyone-                        5 December 2003

Happy St. Nicholas Day tomorrow!!  My "maybe" gift came early!

Kenzi called.  Her lawyers have been speaking with the Supreme Court administrator again and MAYBE they will be let her come home to wait the outcome!!  Is this not the best MAYBE news you have heard in a long time.

Both Kenzi and I have to write a letter to the court saying that if she were found guilty, she would be willing to return...but this is the truth.  I can not imagine this happening, but we must plan for the worst.

And, EXTRA SPECIAL, she would be notified by the 18th of December.  Is this not the best MAYBE Christmas gift you have heard of??  And, as a special bonus, because you are me friend, she would be home in time for her brother's wedding, too!!

Can anyone guess my prayer request??  Please pray that justice will be done!  That she will be allowed home not only for Christmas and the wedding, but that she may continue college and her life as she wishes. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that your Christmas is all you wish it so be.  Thank you for your support and good wishes.  In spite of it all, this has bee a good year!!

Most sincerely, Heath

Posted 5:42 PM by Murph.

KDKA (CBS) has a story on the Penich family's reaction to the latest phase of things.

Despite the acquittal and the prosecution's failed appeal--and the Judge's comment that there is evidence that a man (i.e. not Kenzi) was the killer--Penich's family is still hoping for a conviction of Kenzi. Which is unfortunate.

Posted 8:40 AM by Murph.

An end to the suspense...as if anybody is surprised, the prosecution is appealing:

Hello Everyone-              27 October
 
I actually wrote a message last week when I found out this information, but the cables were loose on the back of my computer and I sent it off into cyberspace.  I appologize for the delay.
 
The Prosecutor did appeal. But this is a good thing!  Once this is done, there will be no way anyone can say that she got through on a technicality.  There will be nowhere else to go.
 
Her lawyers are very willing to follow the case to the end, and I am so grateful for that as they are very skilled and caring; just wonderfully kind and enthusiastic.  Both Kenzi and I feel very safe in their hands.  I know that they are thorough about everything!
 
I am in Minnesota for a few weeks having fun and helping with the wedding plans of my son (wedding date 27 December).  I spend a weekend at Tina's family home and we did all kinds of planning and preparing and attended a shower for her, too.  I will be returning to Korea in a few weks and will be there for the decision.
 
We had a wonderful interview with CourtTV and the are scheduled to speak with Barbara Walters (I think) and/or Diane Sawyer with ABC's Dateline and 20/20, soon.  This will be a big boost to the cause.
 
Please keep us in your prayers.  We feel we are legally pretty safe, but we will continue as we would like this case to be the catalyst for fairer laws and protections: an interview should not be a crime done by the authorities.  Please keep spreading the word!!
 
Most Sincerely, Heath Bozonie  

No news articles yet.

Posted 8:40 AM by Murph.

An end to the suspense...as if anybody is surprised, the prosecution is appealing:

Hello Everyone-              27 October
 
I actually wrote a message last week when I found out this information, but the cables were loose on the back of my computer and I sent it off into cyberspace.  I appologize for the delay.
 
The Prosecutor did appeal. But this is a good thing!  Once this is done, there will be no way anyone can say that she got through on a technicality.  There will be nowhere else to go.
 
Her lawyers are very willing to follow the case to the end, and I am so grateful for that as they are very skilled and caring; just wonderfully kind and enthusiastic.  Both Kenzi and I feel very safe in their hands.  I know that they are thorough about everything!
 
I am in Minnesota for a few weeks having fun and helping with the wedding plans of my son (wedding date 27 December).  I spend a weekend at Tina's family home and we did all kinds of planning and preparing and attended a shower for her, too.  I will be returning to Korea in a few weks and will be there for the decision.
 
We had a wonderful interview with CourtTV and the are scheduled to speak with Barbara Walters (I think) and/or Diane Sawyer with ABC's Dateline and 20/20, soon.  This will be a big boost to the cause.
 
Please keep us in your prayers.  We feel we are legally pretty safe, but we will continue as we would like this case to be the catalyst for fairer laws and protections: an interview should not be a crime done by the authorities.  Please keep spreading the word!!
 
Most Sincerely, Heath Bozonie  

Posted 4:47 AM by Murph.

The Stars and Stripes article is somewhat longer than the AP article from the day of the (re-)acquittal. The Chosun Ilbo has an quick interview-with-Kenzi article, which also has a different picture of Kenzi than the one that the AP has been using for a year and a half. It's about time. :)

No appeal yet!

Posted 4:56 AM by Murph.

Kenzi is free! Again! The appeals court has handed down a firm statement that, not only is there no evidence that Kenzi was responsible for Jamie's death, but that there is significant evidence that someone else was. There's still the possibility that the Korean Supreme Court will review the case, but, with this strength of ruling on the appeal, the prosecution will hopefully see little point in pursuing Kenzi further.

Hello Everyone-   14 October
 
For the third time, the Korean government has said that Kenzi is not responsible for her friend's death!!  She is free!
 
In the judges' statement he said that the US government did not follow the guidelines set down by the treaty and therefore the confession should not be accepted in court.  But then, he continued and gave five pieces of evidence that shows that it was someone else who commited this crime.
 
The evidence was: 1)  the owner of the hotel saw a man leave the room and maintained under much questioning, and still to this day, that this is true;  2) men's voices were heard from the next room; 3) there was blood found on the inside of the hotel room door which was neither from Jaime nor Kenzi;  4) there was a hair folical (type A) that did not belong to either woman; 3) there was a bloody footprint, size 285, on the bathroom floor and Kenzi's size is 260.
 
The virdict was "not guilty, she did nothing wrong and the appeal was dismissed."  Now, we have to wait for the Supreme Court hearing and maybe with this verdict and statement, the Supreme Court will not take very long at all.  There is a chance that it will not go to the Supreme court, but that is very slim!!
 
And more good news!  The lawyers are willing to do the final hearing.  And there is a reporter from Court TV doing a story on this case.  She is very up on all the information and I am hoping this can become the catalyst to fair interrogations.  She did ask us what we would like at the end of this and Kenzi said a law that would  1) require all interrogations to be taped;  2) interrogaters could reveal no evidence, information, or show any pictures of the crime scene;  3) all confessions must be taken in an official setting.    
 
Thank you for your prayers and letters and this is almost over.  Please continue to keep us your prayers.  Most sincerely, Heath and Kenzi 

The Huntington Herald-Dispatch has the Associated Press story.

Posted 5:27 PM by Murph.

E-mail from Heath; sounds like Round Two is almost done, and they might be able to come home as early as Christmas.

Hello Eveyone-                                                          3 October 2003
 
We went to the lawyers yesterday.  The decision is on the 14 of October.  We are expecting an innocent verdict, according to the laws of the land, but of course are not sure. 
 
However, there is only about a 1% chance that the case will not be held over for the Supreme Court.  This is another 2-3 months of waiting.  And it is just waiting.  Kenzi will not need to be involved in any way.  The judges re-examine the case to see if any kind of law was broken.  There is a possibility she could yet be found guilty, but that chance is very small.
 
The Korean lawyers keep asking if we "are upset with, or blame, Korea."  The answer is NO!  I do not see that Korea had much choice in all of this.  And their legal system seems very concerned with justice.  Their outlook is "what is best for the society at large."  I feel safer here.
 
So, please pray for an honest verdict based on justice.  Again, all we need is justice to be done.  We ask for and need nothing else. 
 
Most Sincerely, and with a great deal of love for all your support and notes of encouragement and caring, Heath     

Posted 7:33 AM by Murph.

The latest from Heath and Kenzi; looks like things are gradually going right:

Hello Everyone-
 
Today was the Prosecutor's Day and he asked not one single question.  In fact after getting all the rest of the paper work form the states, he submitted only one document, the that siad the US government knew the FBI and CID were going to question Kenzi (the authority to investigate).  And he requested a 7 year sentence for a guilty verdict.
 
The Defending laywer made a counter that the FBI are on about the same level as the KNP (Korean Police) in questioning skills and that is why no confession is admissible unless obtained by the Government prosecutors (who are specially trained and highly skilled) and that there had been considerble force and stress applied) and therefore the confession should not be admissible.  That there was no cooperation between the governments before the questioning.  And that there is no evidence that links Kenzi to the crime.
 
The new court date is 14 October at 10:00, and it will be the verdict!  There is a possibility that when she is found innocent the case will go to the Supreme Court, though.  The Supreme Court reviews the case for legalities, or sometimes makes a new legal decision.  
 
We were in court for about 15 minutes but then our lawyer gave a summary of what happened today and what could happen at the next hearing.  I am so impressed with these lawyers and thank God for this gift!! 
 
Please pray that the court case will not continue to the Supreme Court, or if it does, that we will home by Thanksgiving (all is possible).  We would love to participate in all the showers and activities for my son's wedding and Christmas at home would be a good thing!! 
 
Most Sincerely, Heath and Kenzi  

Posted 8:02 AM by Murph.

The latest trial update:

Hello Everyone-
 
Yesterday we had the first hearing of the second trial.  We are in a new building with three new judges, and all new lawyers.  It got off to a fast start.  The judge asked some very specific questions right off the bat.  The translater is excellent!  It went very well.
 
One of the questions asked was, "Why did you go to the Netherlands?"  Kenzi took a few minutes to formulate her answer and then said, "After something like this happens, you have to pretend you are alright, with Analouse, I did not have to pretend."  The judge nodded his head and seemed to understand.  I friend who speaks Korean said the translater got it just right.  She also makes sure Kenzi understands when she translates Korean.
 
The second hearing will be 18 September.  There is a two week wait required, then the translater was not available (and she is worth waiting for) and then there is a holiday that next Thursday.  It seemed like an eternity away when I marked the calendar.
 
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.  Love and thanks, Heath and Kenzi

Posted 7:07 AM by Murph.

Word from Heath that they now have a reliable address to send letters to:

Hello Everyone-
 
This is just a short message.  Some people have asked for an address for us.  We are proud to announce we have moved into a very nice, never-before lived in apartment with the key money graciously lent to us by the Agape Organization (they sponsor an orphanage and a home for abandoned adults who need care).  Please pray for this worthwhile organization.
 
This is the address as given to me: 
   Incheon City
   Bupyeong-gu, Bupyeong-dong
   Street # 760-735
   Bupyeong OfficeTel Apartment Building
   Apartment #303
 
Phone:  82-032-529-1951 
   I am home most nights, if you wish to call sometime.
 
Most Sincerely, Heath Bozonie
 
PS:  This is a very personal prayer request.  I have become just too lazy over the months of inactivity, I need some help getting back on the right track of exercise and proper nutrition.  Please put in a good word for me!  Love you all,  Heath 

Posted 5:48 AM by Murph.

Ah, things are happening again. Here's Heath:

Hello Everyone-

We have gotten word that Kenzi's first hearing date will be 21 August 2003. Evidently there will be a two-part process to the upcoming sessions.

The first will be the question: Should Kenzi be tried as a Korean citizen? This is an interesting question. If she is to be tired as a Korea citizen by Korean law, then the confession would be dropped. According to Korea law, if a person signs a confession and then retracts it in court and there is no physical evidence to substantiate the confession, then the confession is found void and the case is dropped. This is just what happened the first time in court.

The second question would follow if the answer to the first questions were to be "No": Should the government of Korea listen to the FBI? Again a very interesting question, but a bit more complicated. Originally there were US GI's involved in the case (they were at the bar and dancing and talking to the group of college students (including Kenzi)), so the KNP (Korean Naitonal Police) brought in the CID (Criminal Investigation) to question the GI's. There was evidence to process, so then the FBI got involved. But the KNP released the kids (including Kenzi) and gave them back their passports and let them go home.
OK, you may ask, how did the FBI get involved in the case again? They bypassed due-process. The FBI should have gone to the KNP and through them (for the case was under Korean jurisdiction) gotten premission to continue the case. But what they did was go through the CID (but by this time there were no GI's involved, so there was no reason the CID should have been involved at all anymore).
You may think this is confusing...I warned you it was complicated.
The point is now that because the KNP were not involved, and the questioning techniques of the FBI are being questioned, should the Korean Court System pay any attention to the FBI. (Personally, I think this is great...rather embarrassing, I think)

The first judge pronounced Kenzi to be INNOCENT. You may remember me telling you the judge said (not a perfect quote, but words to the effect of), 'Not only did the FBI not have a right to question her (question 2), but they did not have a reason to question her (question 1).
I think the FBI got a little over-zealous. Maybe, doing it in the international arena was not the best planning!!

Please pray for justice, again. This is truly all we ever had or shall need. Please ask for the lawyers to be truthful and gifted in their defense and planning. We are hoping for a trial that is short enough that Kenzi can attend her brother's wedding, too. Please keep us and all those who are helping us, in so many ways, in your daily prayers that they may be blessed.

Most Sincerely, Heath

Today's AP article quotes Kenzi as saying that she's extremely bored. Judging from Heath's and the AP's reports, I think there's very little danger of Kenzi being convicted of anything--just lots of annoyance and sitting around while she waits to be allowed to be sent home. So, it's time for the Kenzi Snider In Exile Book Club: I'll mail her a copy of Ender's Game, and you all can read along at home. I'll find an address that you can use to send her your thoughts on the book. (Or any thoughts at all, for that matter...) Maybe I should encourage her to start a blog of her own.

Posted 6:12 AM by Murph.

Sorry for the dearth of updates; not too much has happened recently, trial-wise. I've spoken with Kenzi a few times in the past few weeks (no offense to Heath, but I'm happy to be talking to Kenzi directly these days), and she seems to be doing fairly well, but they've mostly been waiting for things to happen and possibilities to solidify. This morning, a summary from Heath:

Hello Everyone-
 
We have tons of great news to share!  We have a lawyer (two in fact), and an apartment (with two rooms).  Good things are dcoming in pairs!!
 
The lawyers belong to a firm which practices corporate law.  One of the lawyers is Korean (so he can read that language) and the other is an American (so he can read that language) who has lived here for 10 years.  And Mr Eom (our original lawyer) will help them!  This is absolutely the best of everything...all bases are covered!
 
The apartment is a gift of a organization who runs an orphanage and a home for abandoned adults (old or disabled).  The same organization, and the church we attend, has also given us money for food.  They have requested that we volunteer there for twenty hours a week.  I am so happy to have something to do, I may just work there all the time.  I am also getting some tutoring now, so I may even be able to pay them all back.  But it surely is a nice feeling to know that no matter what, we will not be homeless. 
 
We are starting to get our energy back, too.  Kenzi has been sitting around in her cell for months and I have been sitting in my room.  Our muscles have partially forgotten how to work.  The few weeks we have had in the mountains have been beautiful, but a rude awakening for our bodies! 
 
Another blessing is that Kenzi may be able to attend school!  Someone we were talking to got smart and reminded us that the schools on the bases here were not Korean and therefore, maybe she could attend there.  We are picking up a letter from the Embassy tomorrow that says it is legal for her to attend on base.  Now all she needs is to get financial aid.   
 
We surely do thank everyone for their blessings, gifts and support.  This has become an extended family project, and we are grateful for our generous, huge extended family.  With everyone's help, we will show "them"!!   
 
Our prayer requests for this letter are to bless all those who have helped in any and every way, and for the trial to be soon and short!  May God bless and protect you all.
 
Most Sincerely, Heath Bozonie