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Letter to the editor

After crime, woman finds help, friendship

By William Proffitt, St. Petersburg police spokesman
Published March 2, 2008

St. Petersburg

Last August, Miss Shirley, 82, was home alone when a stranger knocked at her door. She did not know the man, but he looked clean cut, so she opened the door. Ever cautious, she held an ice pick in her hand.

The man pushed his way inside and shoved her to the floor.She stabbed him several times as he beat her. He stole her purse and other items and left.

Detective Allyn Stone was assigned to the case. He promised he would catch the man. Within a few days, Dion Sookoo was in jail, charged with armed home invasion and aggravated battery.

But Miss Shirley had several injuries, and her peaceful life had been shattered.

That's where Angie Williams comes in. Angie has been a St. Petersburg police victim advocate for nine years. Angie drove Miss Shirley to medical appointments after she left the hospital, and found a locksmith to replace Miss Shirley's car keys for free (thanks to Claude at Lock Man Locksmith). Angie bought groceries for Miss Shirley and helped her renew her vehicle's expired tag.

She also bought two cordless phones with extra loud rings so Miss Shirley can carry a phone with her for added safety at home.

Angie used the Charles A. and Odette Patterson Trust Fund to pay for some of the expenses, which in more than 16 years has disbursed more than $46,000 to help crime victims. When I spoke to Miss Shirley this week, she called Angie an "angel" and said that even though it has been six months since she was attacked, Angie still calls to see how she is doing.

"I consider her a friend," Miss Shirley said.

William Proffitt, St. Petersburg police spokesman

[Last modified March 1, 2008, 23:04:10]