justice4kenzi

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

Posted 7:48 AM by Murph.

The latest e-mail from Heath and Kenzi:

Hello Everyone-

The Prosecutor has decided to have a retrial. We will be in Seoul for another 2 to 6 months.

We have done two interviews for television. One was for the AP service. One of the questions that was asked was what she wanted to do most now that she is "out" and Kenzi said, "Take a bath and use a fork," so we got a lovely lunch to film the fork-using. The other was for a Korean national TV series (similar to 60 Minutes). He asked me why I had came and stayed all this time and I said to support her, later in the car he asked me what I meant by support her now that she was free and I liked my answer. I said, "To give her family roots so she may remember how to use her own wings." We will be getting tapes of the finished product as souvenires (not your ordinary gifts for places far and exotic). And on Sunday, Kenzi is giving her testimony in church (I really would like that videoed, but it will be recorded for sure).

We are staying with Pastor Wayne's family for a week. Kenzi is starting to feel more comfortable with all the extra noise and motion that city life brings. She has few clothes of her own, but people are lending her very nice things, so she is not stuck with her one winter sweater and a pair of jeans. She has become good friends with the pastor's daughter and her lawyer's daughter, so she can do things with people her own age. So far, she has gone bowling, out for lunch an embarrassing number of times, for ice cream and to a movie and shopping. Pretty fair coverage of the finer things in life.

We may be living and volunteering in an orphanage soon. This would be so wonderful and would work out well all around. We would trade room and board with teaching English and general work around the orphanage. Working with kids is a great way to get away form your own concerns. Please pray that this works out!

I wish you all the best and I thank you again for love and support and messages and good wishes and prayers sent our way. They have all been greatly felt and appreciated!! Please pray that this new trial goes quickly and that she is found innocent a third time!

Love, Heath and Kenzi

Not the best news--they're possibly stuck there for the rest of the year, it sounds--but at this point it seems highly unlikely that Kenzi will be found guilty of anything, they have a place to stay and people to take care of them, and they'll be working with children, which is what both of them love, so it's not as bad as it could be.

Posted 6:33 AM by Murph.

According to a Pacific Stars and Stripes article, Kenzi will probably be sticking around Korea for a while, as the prosecution says they plan to appeal. It doesn't sound like an official appeal has been made yet, just an intention to appeal. At this point, it would seem as though appealing won't do much good--how many times can you prosecute somebody when all of the evidence is against your case before you just give up?--but it looks as though that's not stopping them.

Posted 4:28 AM by Murph.

E-mail from Kenzi and Heath! They waited until it was past the bedtime of all good bloggers so that I couldn't post until I woke up today, leaving us all in suspense. Here you go:

Hello Everyone-

Oh yes, you have heard correctly!! She is free and sitting right next to me at this very minute and at this computer keyboard!   Take It Away, Kenzi!!!!!!!!!!!!
... and then she puts me on the spot and expects me to know what to say...or how to type:) i'd write more about all of this but right now i am not really sure how or what is going on inside of me. i'm still absorbing. but i will get to that all later, rest assured.

Yes folks, some of her experiences have been interesting today. Her short list of what she wanted to do were....You will never guess........
...take a bath and eat with a fork. now that that list has been fulfilled i'm rarrin' for some suggestions. have any?   MMMM....chheeeeese!

You may all have heard about the extra week we need to stay for the prosecutor to decide if he wishes to re-prosecute. We need your prayers heard for this one. It is very seldom for a defendent, once the case get to the courts, to be proven innocent. And it looks bad on the prosecutor's record to lose, so often what they do is pass it on to the higher court, so they don't lose the case, the next guy does. We are really hoping we got an honorable man who is willing to sacrifice some career points so that Kenzi can go home now, rather than in a few more months.
...putting me home before my birthday which is what i have been praying from the beginning...and you are all invited to the celebration. the times and date will be given as soon as we know them

We must tell you, however, of the amazing goodness of people here. The daughter and wife of Kenzi's attorney stayed with me for the all-day vigil to get Kenzi out of the door and onto the street. They took me out to eat twice, translated all the information, and bought Kenzi flowers.  Her attorney even signed as a guardian, rather than have her need to be held in immiration (maybe for days). But finally, at about 10:00 pm. the immigration officer came to pick her up and he just signed her over to me.....and we partook of the traditional jail release ceremony- salt throwing, egg stomping, and tofu munching (the required three bites). And now we are staying together at the home of the "Pastor with S(e)oul".
....Oh, yes, things are good:)

We shall be writing again as Kenzi gets adjusted (better acquainted with reality) with the world. Please pray for the prosecutor to have the strength of character and compassion we are asking him to have. For us, this would be a hard thing to do twice, and for him it would be a stupid career move, not to do.

Love and hugs to all....Heath and Kenzi (happy thoughts and TOOTLES!!)

Hopefully, this will be the second-to-last post I have to make (the last being "Kenzi is home!").

Media attention seems generally pro-Kenzi...

The Huntington Herald-Dispatch has an online poll on whether or not the acquittal is justified. Not that this will affect the Korean justice system, but my preferred answer is "yes."
Pittsburgh's Post-Gazette has an article focusing largely on the reaction by Jamie Penich's family. The article comes out strongly, though, against the idea that an appeal would be just.
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune focuses more on Kenzi's background and talks with her friends and family in Minnesota. They also have a link back to this page. Thanks, Strib.
The Charleston Gazette has the Associated Press piece.

Reading the articles, it looks like I may not be able to close up shop after all; the Pittsburgh piece mentions the possibility of a civil suit by Jamie's family upon Kenzi's return to the states. I'm not sure how exactly that would work, but I would guess that Kenzi would not be held while the case was going on, and I would also guess that she'd come out of it just fine. The Korean court's opinion seemed pretty clear, and if you've been following the case, you probably agree that the court made the only rational judgement.

Posted 9:19 AM by Murph.

Still haven't heard from Heath, but more articles have shown up on google:

From The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, a longer AP article
The JoongAng Daily is a Korean paper
Here's a link to search Google News yourself, if you don't want to wait for my updates. That link will search for kenzi's name and return results ordered by date, most recent first.

The AP article in the Strib states that the prosecution will appeal. I've been asked whether an appeal would be an example of "double jeopardy", or being tried twice for the same offense; I have to admit that I don't have a detailed enough understanding of either the American or Korean justice systems to make such comparisons. If you know anything about this and you care to comment, let me know.

Posted 5:38 AM by Murph.

Kenzi has been acquitted! No news from Heath yet--I expect she's too excited to type yet--but google news delivers:

Huntington Herald-Dispatch with the AP story
Chosun Ilbo has about the only non-AP story.

As they point out, the prosecution still has the option to appeal, but the judge seems to have delivered a strong enough statement that hopefully they won't bother, and Kenzi will be able to come home:

Kim said the court decided not to consider the confession Snider made to FBI and U.S. military investigators because Snider claimed she had been coerced into making it.

"There is no other evidence to find her guilty of the accused crimes. She is not guilty," Kim said.

News from Heath will be posted as I get it...

Posted 10:43 PM by Murph.

Kenzi's mother relays some further information on the Korean legal system that the Consulate just told her:

Hello Everyone- Always a new fly in the honey.....

Heath, As they say, I have some good news and some bad news.

As you may know, there is a procedural rule in Korea which says that if a person accused of a crime is held in jail before the decision of the court, and the court takes more than six months to reach a decision, the person is released on his or her own recognizance until the court renders a decision. We have been informed by the Ministry of Justice that Kenzi if the court does not make a decision this Thursday, June 19, Kenzi has been held for six months and must be released, pending the decision by the court. She may not leave the country.

If the court finds Kenzi guilty, she will be held until she is sentenced. All the time she has been held in Korea will be credited to her sentence and count as time served.

If the court finds Kenzi innocent, the Prosecutor has seven days to decide if he will appeal the court's decision. She will be released from jail but will have to remain in Korea until the Prosecutor makes a decision about the appeal.

We have been told that the Prosecutor appeals in most cases. If Kenzi is found innocent, is released and the Prosecutor appeals the decision, Kenzi will be out of jail but may not leave Korea until the appeal has been decided. It may take several months for a court decision on an appeal.

No matter what the reason for Kenzi's release, she will probably not be released directly from the court. The Ministry of Justice will transmit an order to the jail for her release. It may take several days.

I realize that you have been living very modestly in Korea. If Kenzi is released Thursday because the court has not reached a decision, you will be faced with the living expenses of both you and Kenzi. If the court finds Kenzi innocent, either this Thursday or at a later date, and the Prosecutor appeals the decision (a likely outcome), you will be faced with living expenses for both you and Kenzi until the appeal decision is made. As I mentioned, that could be several months. The Ministry of Justice official who contacted us about all this was concerned about how you and Kenzi will get by if Kenzi is released but must remain in the country. I think the Ministry feels some obligation to ensure your and Kenzi will be OK. Once we know what's happening, please let me know about your financial situation.

See you Thursday. The Consular

This may put a new timetable in place for our return. I hope we get there before Christmas, 2005! However the good part is that the prosecutor did reduce the charges, so he may not wish to continue. So they new prayer direction is for the Porsecutor to give up and let us go home.

Love to you all, Heath

Posted 12:33 PM by Murph.

A few new articles from google news, though none at a particularly high level of detail. The main points of this round of articles are that the prosecution is seeking a seven year prison term while Kenzi and her lawyer maintain that she is innocent and should be acquitted. The panel of judges is scheduled to issue a verdict on June 19. There probably won't be any new information between now and then, but I'll pass on Heath's announcement as soon as I get it.

The articles:

Pacific Stars and Stripes
Huntington Herald-Dispatch
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, as representative of the AP article which is repeated in about 20 locations that google covers.

Time for finger-crossing...

Posted 10:13 AM by Murph.

Today is 5 June, the day that Heath's previous message said Kenzi would be released on. Unfortunately, it seems like some details were missed somewhere, as Heath notes in today's update.

Hello Everyone-

Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong wroooong

What else can I say?? There are three issues that came up today.
The first was beyond my control , but very, very good. The FBI did not even show up.
The second was Kenzi was not released today: 1) e ither I got the information wrong, 2) I was given the information incorrectly (very likely with all the translating needed), 3) the judge just changed his mind, or 4) he forgot to mention it before he left (he's human. too). Whatever the reason we were very disappointed.
The third is my fault entirely, I forgot that this was (hopefully) the last hearing . But that we would need to wait two more weeks for the judgement. I just forgot all about that part! I knew that from the very beginning and (maybe) I just got over-zealous (or over-optimistic... ME?) and didn't remember on purpose.

But just two more weeks..........again! I sure hope I did not get anyone's hopes up too high. I will happen eventually, she will be release at some point, I'm sure.

Obviously, Heath *did* get hopes up (mine, at least), but I think she's overly hard on herself. Were it not for her, none of us would know anything at all. And, as far as I can tell, the first "wrongness" is actually very very good for Kenzi: witnesses against her not showing up to testify means a weaker case, so a higher likelihood that the case will be thrown out. It looks like a little more patience will be required, but it sounds like things are moving in the right direction. I'll post news articles if/when I find them.

Posted 8:37 AM by Murph.

Looks like a few new articles up on Google in the last day:

WTAE in Pittsburgh has a very short blurb.
The Pacific Stars and Stripes has a longer story.
Huntington Herald-Dispatch has an article which cites Heath's e-mail posted below.

So, not a whole lot that we haven't already read. I'm hoping that, at some point, transcripts of the hearings become available so that we can all see the details of the trial. It is kind of frustrating to only have those details the newspapers find major enough to put in published stories.

Posted 5:38 PM by Murph.

I received this all of 3 minutes ago, after spending all day compulsively checking my mail:

Hello Everyone-

This is great news, not the best, but very, very good. No matter what happens, Kenzi will be released from prison on 5 June! She may need to stay for some more hearings, but she will be out and about!

The hearing yesterday went very well. I found out the head of the Pennsylvania FBI office is the one who told the agents to "go after Kenzi." So, it was a very political decision. The final question to Agent Mansfield was, "Was any blood of Jamie's type found of any of Kenzi's clothes?" His answer was, "No." That kind of sums it up, doesn't it? At the end of our session the judge said that he was giving the FBI until 5 June to come back with any kind of physical evidence. That conjecture was not enough to keep a person in prison." Thank goodness the witness did not speak English! (And the judge made sure the translater had a microphone for us.) I did not want to miss this.

After the hearing the pastor took me out to dinner. Food has never tasted that good, and I slept for 12 solid hours!

So, two more weeks to wait, but that is all. After 15 months, what's two weeks? Anyway, Kenzi is learning a Korean chess-like game, and it will give her a chance to master it.

I look forward to sending a message on 5 June and Kenzi will be able to thank you all in person! Thank you for your prayers and concerns. This is not over yet, but it is getting close! We know there is no evidence that puts Kenzi at the scene of the crime, but there has been much trickery and lying and I thank God that we are witnessing justice. Keep this issue in your prayers for just two more weeks, please.

Most Sincerely and Greatfully, Heath

I haven't found anything on google news yet, but Heath's e-mail has the important bits.

Posted 4:28 AM by Murph.

Heath checks in; as mentioned before, the next hearing is May 22, which is tomorrow, so hopefully I'll have news to post two days in a row.

Hello Everyone-

Hopefully this is the good news we have been waiting for. I went to see the lawyer, his lovely daughter was there and translated for us. He feels Kenzi will be in jail no more than 5 weeks, that should be the maximum! He is confident that the testimony from CID Agent Mansfield will show that there was no just cause for going after Kenzi in the first place. So, two weeks if the judge insists on trying to get the students from the Netherlands and Finland, and 3 weeks for the judges decision. As always, it could just be dismissed tomorrow, but I am learning not to get too disappointed when this does not happen.

My trip to Thailand was productive and I can not believe what good friends I have there! They came over, helped pack and clean and kept me going. Also a wonderful couple (Ed and LaVerne) who shall remain nameless, are willing to find the packing company and sell my things at the school's Sala Sale! Can anyone ask for more?? I don't think so!

I shall email again tomorrow to tell you what actually happened in court, but I was excited and wished to share the news. Please pray for truth and justice (and speed).

As ever, thank you for your encouragement! Remember: saying anything is better than saying nothing. Most Sincerely, Heath

Posted 11:39 AM by Murph.

I got a few e-mails today looking for news. Unfortunately, I don't have much to give. I haven't heard from Heath since the last message in mid-April. I just recently got a letter from Kenzi, who sounded well, but it has apparently been sitting at my old address for weeks before being forwarded, so it's not a good indication of her recent state.

A more intensive look on Google news shows a few more recent articles about a hearing since Heath's last message; no real breakthroughs, though:

It sounds as though her lawyer knows of all the different ways her confession could be thrown out of court and is pursuing all of them (as one would hope). If the Herald-Dispatch's note that she was not read her rights by the agents who interrogated her, that would seem to be a nearly automatic way to get the confession thrown out in an American court, though the standard I-am-not-a-lawyer disclaimer applies to anything I say.

The next hearing date is given as May 22; hopefully we'll get an update from Heath after that.

Posted 8:52 PM by Murph.

Just received an update from Kenzi's mother--no new trial news, though:

Hello Everyone-

This waiting game is not much fun! Kenzi is holding up well. I really am so proud of her abilities to cope, and even thrive. I bought her two little story books (the Ugly Duckling and The Three Little Pigs) in Korean, and she is learning much more now, because she can tell which words are Korean, and which are massacred English.

I have found a little job. I am helping a young man start a business to teach English through play to adults...right up my alley. This is helping me keep my brain occupied...this is a good thing!! But I also have never had so much time to read. I am enjoying this too.

After Kenzi is found innocent and formally released, it will take a week to out-process her (part of this time is to let the prosecuting attorney review the case and make sure justice is done, either way). I am going to ask her attorney to see if she can be released during the day to visit the city. "They" can hold our passports so we could not leave the country. I know this is "highly unusual" so I am asking that you pray about this.

Other than this...there is just not much to say. I visit her every day I can and the guards at the jail as practicing their English greetings and waving. This country is amazing friendly, thoughful and helpful. I, honestly, would recommend a vacation here. They are helping us through a very tough time.

Please keep those cards and letters coming. I do copy them all off and mail them to Kenzi and she truely does appreciate them all, even the one-liners tell her you are thinking of her.

My love to you all for your support and caring. Because of you, this has been "do-able."
Most Sincerely, Heath Bozonie

Posted 8:03 AM by Murph.

The next stage of Kenzi's hearing was today:

Hello Everyone-

Today was the second hearing. It was an opportunity for the Prosecutor to ask Kenzi questions and defend any arguments, but he did not say too much. The judge asked him a few questions, and then Kenzi's lawyer talked to the judges and then Kenzi was asked if she agreed and then it was over. It took about 20 minutes total.

The basic idea is that if the FBI agents do not come to Korea to testify, then their testimony will be thrown out of court, and the orginal decision of the Korean Police will stand. If they come, he is planning to "eat them alive." Honestly, I almost hope they come.

I came back and hit bottom. Why have we wasted a year of Kenzi's life, and all the expense in both countries, for this? What was/is the purpose?  Ah well, mine is not to reason why....

So, the next hearing is 3 April. It starts at 4:30!  The first day must be just to see if they have shown up.

I went to visit Kenzi later today and we are not sure what to make of the hearing today.  The two options suggested were 1) the Prosecutor's case is so solid he has nothing else to say, 2) he realizes she is innocent and wants her freed, too. We will know more in two weeks.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for the encouraging messages, they have not fallen on deaf ears, believe me!

Most Sincerely, Heath Bozonie

The Associated Press also has a report on today's hearing.

Posted 8:05 AM by Murph.

Kenzi's mother writes on the preliminary hearing in Seoul:

Hello Everyone- (we are getting closer)

Kenzi went to her first hearing. This is quoted from the US Consul who attended it.

"I wanted to let you know that I attended the first day of Kenzi's trail. Kenzi entered her plea of not guilty and the defense attorney asked a series of questions. I am told that questions from the defense attorney are meant to indicate to the judge the outline of the defense strategy. The judge and the prosecutor also asked a few questions each. The next session is scheduled for 10:30 AM on March 20. We will visit Kenzi before the next session.
She appeared well and spoke confidently when questioned. She was a little tearful when she explained why she had confessed in West Virginia. She said she told the truth and the interviewers kept insisting she was wrong."

Her minister was also there to support her, and he said some reporters showed up, too. I hope this case can become big enough to help stop this travesty of justice in the US.

So, it looks like a good start. I was unable to attend. I am returning to Korea on 14 March. If I am really lucky, I shall have a job there. Otherwise, I shall be looking for work. I do have a number of leads to make this easier. The school has hired a substitute for the rest of the year, which takes a huge weight of responsibility off my shoulders. I can not believe how kind this school, and all the people in it, have been.

When I first went to explain my plans, after returning from Seoul the last time, the only concern was "what was the best for Kenzi." You just don't find too many places like this place!! What a gift!!

Please keep Kenzi in your prayers. And don't forget to calculate the time difference and give her a thought of encouragement on the 20th, too.

My most very sincere thank you for all your notes of support and good thoughts! Heath

Posted 8:18 PM by Murph.

Unfortunately, it sounds like we can't expect too much to happen at the 05 March court date I mentioned. From Kenzi's mother:

Hello Everyone-

New information, therefore new plans. I am not sure why Kenzi and I are the last to know what is going on, but it seems the case.

The court date on 5 March is not a very important one. It is actually just to make sure that the person they think they had is the one they have got. In other words, it should last less than 10 minutes.

1) The Prosecutor gets a change to argue the government's side of the case. This date is usually not earlier than 2 weeks, after the initial identification date, and can be up to 2 months later. 2) The Defender gets to give his argument (again between 2 weeks and 2 months). 3) Then the judges make their decisions (another 2 weeks to 2 months). I does all have to be over within 6 months. So it could be as soon as mid-April, or as long as Septmember)

I will be returning to Chiang Mai this Saturday to figure out what to do. Kenzi is really getting scared and I don't want to leave her for long. Each inmate is allowed only one 7 minute visit each day. Therefore, I am the only conversation she has each day. I am seriously thinking of trying to get a job in Seoul. They have evening-schools (2:30-8:30) for the kids here, and that would be perfect as I could still visit her every day.

Please pray for the correct decisons to be evident. Thank you for your return messages and words of support, kindness and encouragement. I can not tell you how energized I have been after receiving them.

Most sincerely, Heath Bozonie and Kenzi

Posted 10:53 AM by Murph.

Just got word from Kenzi's mother that a trial date has been set. Kenzi's trial will begin on 05 March 2003 at 3pm, South Korean time. If I'm doing my timezone conversion right, this should be 1am, 05 March, in America's Eastern timezone.

Posted 10:38 AM by Murph.

Still no trial date set, but Kenzi is holding up well in Korea, according to her mother:

Hello Everyone- (a patient note from Korea)

I have not yet received information about a date for the trial, but as I
said in my last message, the charge has been greatly reduced to Bodily
Harm. So no matter what happens, she is NOT a murderer. I spoke with
her lawyer, and his partner, who was a wonderful translater, and he
assured me that he is absolutely, 100% sure that she is innocent and
feels confident he can convince the court of it. My visa is up on the
24th, so I hope it is done by then.

I can visit her for 7 minutes each day and sometimes I am the only person
she talks to all day. They are being very kind to her. She was put into
solitary confinement, not as a punishment, but because that section is
heated all the time, and we call it her private su! ite. There is an
older woman who is "fostering" her and sent over a warm set of
long-johns, slippers and gloves. At every meal she gets an additional
egg sandwich (her "western" food).

One of the guards came up to me the other day and said that "Kenzi was a
credit to my motherhood." Under the circumstances I consider this quite
the compliment. She is passing her time by painting eggshells
with soy sauce, ketchup, mustard and chili sauce. One of the guards
showed them around tot he other inmates and let her bring them in to show
me, too. I have, finally, found out how to get books to her, and this is
a blessing to her. And, one of the local pastors has gone to visit
her for a few prayer times. All-inl-all, things are going very well!

Please keep praying for truth and justice and grace, and this is all we
need. Thank you for everything!! Love to you all. Most sincerely,
Heath Bozonie

Nothing new online...

Posted 6:46 AM by Murph.

Kenzi has been charged with "causing serious bodily harm", a charge which, I'm told, cannot lead to execution or a life sentence if she is found guilty. It could still lead to her being imprisoned for several years or deported and barred from reentering Korea. E-mail from Kenzi's mother:

Hello Everyone- (this is either good bad-news or bad good-news)

No better way to say it than the original email to me...

We were informed today that the Prosecutor submitted charges against
Kenzi to the courts on Thursday, January 16th. Kenzi is charged with
causing serious bodily harm. Although the charge is less than murder, the
Prosecutor informed us that the minimum sentence, if she is convicted, is
three years. A judge will be assigned to the case in two or three daysand the case will be scheduled for trial shortly after assignment to a
judge. I will follow-up and let you know the trial date.

There are three possible outcomes at this point:
- Acquittal and release,
- Acquittal and deportation, or
- Conviction, serving the sentence, followed by deportation.

If she is convicted, it is almost certain that she will serve a prison
sentence in Korea, followed by deportation. Normally, a person deported
from Korea is returned to the country of nationality or the country from
where he or she last came. Our experience is that Korean Immigration is
not too particular about the final destination as long as its outside of
Korea.

If Kenzi is deported, she will be finished in Korea. She will likely bebarred from re-entering Korea for five years or more. Korean Immigration
only makes their decision about how long she will be barred from
re-entering after admission once they take custody of Kenzi from the
Korean justice officials. I believe she would only be liable to criminal
prosecution in the U.S. if the Koreans had failed to extradite and try
her in Korea. She may be liable for a civil case in the U.S. For both
questions, I recommend that you speak with a lawyer in the U.S.

So, this is how it stands at the moment. I do not know the dates,
but I am preparing substitute plans for three weeks to cover any
contingency. Slowly, but surely the case against Kenzi is being whittled
down. Each time the pressure is less and less. I am confident that the
truth will win int he end! Please keep the prayers flowing with hope and
assurance. I have seen and felt the power and I thank you all. the
notes and messages sent to me to encourage and console me are
heart-warming beyond words. I do not feel alone in all this, and it
is thanks to your prayers. As usual, when I get more information I
will send it off to you faithful friends.

Most Sincerely, Heath Bozonie (Kenzi's mom, as if you don't know that by
now)

Google news shows 28 articles on Kenzi in the last day, but they all appear to be pretty identical copies of the same newswire story. Here's the Huntington Herald-Dispatch version, and the straight-up Associate Press version from PennLive.com.

Posted 12:19 PM by Murph.

The latest from Kenzi's mother:

Hello Everyone (information from Korea)-

This was an email sent to me by the Consular Officer in Seoul.

"I went to visit Kenzi today. She appears well and she said that the
guards and the other prisoners at the detention center have been very
kind to her. She said the other prisoners have given her so many gifts of
food that she has practically filled a small cupboard in her room. She
has the money that you deposited in the account for her, but she has hadlittle need to use it because of the generosity of others. She is in a
small room by herself. The room has an adjoining Asian-style toilet. She
has a small TV in her room. It is cold here in Korea but she said she has
been comfortable with the Korean-style floor heating (andol) and the five
blankets which have been provided to her. She has been served Korean food
but they are supplementing each meal with a fried egg sandwich. She said
she has had no medical problems. She sends her love.

"I believe I described the schedule of the legal process in Korea. I
think I mentioned that once the Police pass the case to the Prosecutor,the days, the Prosecutor may ask for an additional ten days, which he hasdone in Kenzi's case. The Prosecutor indicated to us that they will makea decision on her case on Wednesday, January 15, the day after tomorrow.I will let you know as soon as I hear. Kenzi said the lawyer you hiredhas visited her once at the detention center. Normally, lawyers play abigger role after the person has been charged.

"If she is released without being prosecuted, we will probably hear on
Wednesday. If she is tried and acquitted, she may be released or she may
be deported. If she is found guilty, no matter what the sentence, I would
expect that she would be deported. When a person in the Korean justice
system is deported, the person is transferred directly from the detention
center or prison to Korean Immigration. Immigration has their own
detention facilities and will hold Kenzi until she can pay for her own
deportation. You may be able to purchase the ticket for her or send her
money through us for her to buy a ticket. If you make the arrangements
quickly, Kenzi would only be in Korean Immigration detention for a couple
of days. She will have access to a telephone once she is transferred to
Immigration detention.

"Kenzi is still at the Youngdeungpo Detention Center in Seoul where you
visited her.

"It may also be possible for you to send her emails. Kenzi said to go to
the web site for the detention center (www.ydc.go.kr) and click on the
mailbox icon. I tried it and all the instructions are in Korean, and we
were unsuccessful in figuring out how to submit a message. There appearsto be a form that you post. See if one of your Korean-speaking friendscan help or let me know and we can see if we can assist you to use theform."If she is charged and if the trial starts within the next two week, wewill see her next at the trial. If the trial does not start for more thantwo weeks, we will try to see her again before the trial. We plan to
attend her trial."

I will write when I have more news. thank you everyone for your notes and
letters!!

Most Sincerely, Heath Bozonie (Kenzi's mom)

She also sent along Kenzi's new mailing address in Korea. E-mail murph@commonmonkeyflower.net and I'll give it to you.

Posted 7:37 PM by Murph.

And now for something a little different. No links, nothing from Kenzi's mother, but a response to a pair of e-mails I've received and to the fact that the Herald-Dispatch seems to be using me as a source.

The first e-mail reads:

Subject: i guess confessions don't count?....

I'm from out near Greensburg,Pa. I'm just wondering about the victims in this story? Why weren't they notified of snider's trip to Korea? It stinks! Now they should be kept abreast of all whats going on also. But my true thoughts are, I can see being bullied into a confession. Local authorities (and our authorities also) would've been under tremendous preasure to get this brutal crime solved.And I'm sure that "trickery" would have been used against Snider. Such as promises of a light sentence being near home to serve the time,etc. If she didn't do it,I only hope of a fair trial to free her. If she did do it,then I say to the gallows!
You are doing a good thing,keep up the good work!

The second:

Subject: newspaper story

One must be careful, what one wish's for. Kenzi's mother says things can
be over in 10 days,or 60 days. That could also mean a Public Hanging could
take place in or on the same time frame... True. She should keep her comments
to herself. Kenzi broke the law, admitted to it and must face the penalty.
That it. (period)

First of all, I have to point out that I am not a first-hand source. All of my information comes from either Kenzi's mother's occasional e-mail updates or from articles I find online in various newspapers. It bothers me slightly that this webpage has become a source of information for some of those articles; if I've got information wrong and the newspapers pick up those mistaken facts and relay them as truth, the positive feedback loop will reinforce the incorrect information and both I and the papers will be confused.

Next, the writer from Greensburg, PA, inquires as to why the victim's parents were not notified. I have to say that I do not now, and have never, had any contact with Jamie Penich's family. I did exchange e-mail, briefly, with Penich's fiance--he and I were both of the recipient list of Kenzi's mother's first e-mail (Heath has been writing from Kenzi's account, so she merely sent the e-mail to everyone in Kenzi's address book, and he happened to be in it), and he responded with a request that she not send him e-mail. So that avenue of providing information to Penich's family was closed. More importantly, it is neither my responsibility nor Heath's to be keeping Penich's family informed. The fact that Kenzi was extradited should have been relayed to them by the American government, not by us. And I agree that they should have been informed--but notice that Kenzi's mother was not even informed that Kenzi was being extradited until Kenzi was already in Korea. So official information is flowing slowly all around.

Third, I do not claim to be an unbiased observer. Kenzi is a good friend of mine, and I believe her to be innocent, both from conversations we had shortly after she returned from Korea (when the murder occurred) and from the evidence which has been presented in Kenzi's hearings more recently. As such, I am confident (or, at least, very optimistic) that she will be found innocent if/when she goes to trial. And, while I would be able to accept a guilty verdict from a trial, I highly doubt that the death penalty will be issued even in the case of a guilty verdict. The evidence against Kenzi (a confession which she has since retracted) is flimsy, and the evidence that it was *not* Kenzi is strong, so I believe any reasonable court would find not enough evidence to turn down a sentence of capital punishment, even in the event they decided her to be guilty. This is the view I'm writing from.

Finally, I have to point out that I am very sympathetic to the Penich family. They suffered a horrible loss, and I would not wish that on anyone. Under the circumstances, I can understand how they would latch onto an accusation made against Kenzi as hope that their daughter's killer would be brought to justice. However, I just don't believe that Kenzi is guilty, and that makes their determination to see her dead all the more tragic. Not only have they lost a daughter, but they want to see somebody else lose a daughter to soothe their feelings. I believe that every bit of energy put into trying Kenzi is energy that would be better spent tracking down the real killer, because I don't think she's it. Had you talked to Kenzi immediately after she returned from Korea, after Penich's death, and heard the story from her, you would not believe it either. Even if you merely look at the material evidence in the case, though, you will have severe doubt that Kenzi is guilty. I urge you to do that before you go making statements that Kenzi "broke the law" and "must face the penalty".

Posted 7:11 PM by Murph.

An update from Kenzi's mother, in Korea:

Dear Everyone (a note from Korea)-
I arrived about a week ago (whatever happened to the time?). The embassy
has been very helpful. I got to visit with her, they even took her cuffs
off and let us hug and talk and hold hands. It really was a wonderful
Christmas gift. I brought a bag of goodies for her the next day, and they
let most of it in (including colored pencils for her coloring books!). I
can visit every day and most anytime I wish. The Police took Kenzi to the
crime scene (that was very difficult for her). She enacted what she had
done, but when they asked her about the "confession" she said she could
not remember what was in it and would have to read it first. She said shedid not feel they believed her. One of the FBI agents at the
interview/interrogation drove me to the Police Station the first time I
visited her. It was rather a wierd feeling. We had a conversation
afterward and he wants me to convince her to "tell the truth" that it was
an accident. I agreed there had been a big accident, but I! didn't thinkshe was the one who made it.I have secured a lawyer. He has a 22 year old daughter, so I thought he'd
understand well. She is studying in Canada and is being the translatorfor him. She is very good, she makes sure everyone understands before she
continues. I have confidence in him. I just hope we will not have toactually use him. It could be that the judges will look at everything and
let her go. There is that possibility.The lawyer has given me an assignment to write a life's history of
significant events for both Kenzi and myself. Whoa, this is hard! Wish meluck!
I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and and that you shall havea joyous New Year! Please keep us in your prayers. I hope we can havesomething good and positive come from all this. I hope this never happensto any one else ever!

Most sincerely yours, Heath Bozonie (Kenzi's Mom)

Several articles have also been published while I've been offline over christmas; much of their content is stuff we've all read before, but some interesting bits:

The Stars and Stripes, a US military publication, notes that Kenzi could receive the death penalty if convicted, but also points out that no foreigner has ever been executed under Korean law, and that nobody at all has been executed under the current Korean President.
The Korean paper Joongang Ilbo says that Kenzi is claiming to be innocent, and cites a Korean lawyer, who says there is little chance for conviction if she maintains her innocence and there is no additional evidence forthcoming.
In a case of circular citation, The Huntington Herald-Dispatch has two articles (link points to first, second one here) about the extradition. I'd just like to point out that it looks like a lot of their info is coming from this site, and all of the information I have is either from Kenzi's mother, Ms Bozonie, or from news articles. They do seem to have talked to several other people, such as her lawyer from the extradition hearing stateside, and people from the US State Department, though, so it's not a complete case of journalistic inbreeding for me to be linking to them.

The initial ten-day period for building a case would seem to be about up; none of the articles, nor this most recent e-mail from Heath seem to indicate that a decision has been made. (Though this e-mail is a few days old, since I haven't been online in a while.)