From Christina, 23 years old

The information that the media is giving the masses about the reasons behind Smith’s and Rodriguez’ deaths is coming from unreliable sources. Most of the facts given are not facts at all and are taken from people who never knew, lived with or loved either Smith or Rodriguez. They are coming from a very small minority of those who have left the Family and wish to put an end to it because it does not fit their lifestyle. Their claims against us are ridiculous and have nothing to do with the tragedy that took place. To blame The Family for the murder that took place is to blame any murderer’s relatives, friends, or acquaintances for his horrendous acts, which is unheard of!

The Family exists to help people and bring peace and happiness. We try to live in the same atmosphere within our own homes and with our children. They are all happy and well-adjusted children, including my daughter, who is so happy and friendly that people ask for tips on how to raise their children to be as happy as she is. They receive top-notch education, specialized care, and protection from abuse that is so rampant in the world today. Ricky Rodriguez received the same care growing up, as many will testify to and have already.

Ricky’s so-called “friends,” who are making false accusations and blaming us, should be the ones in question. They are the ones encouraging violence and abuse. In fact, after we put up a positive web site to encourage people to speak the truth of what they know about this situation and the background of these two people, they called the person who put it up and threatened him to take it down! Even though they have a very negative site against us, we have never made one threat to them. If theirs is the only voice you want to be heard, then maybe you should be in question too. Are you for murder and suicide? Do you feel it can be justified? Are you trying to say that there are reasons that you can kill for? That is what our apostates are saying, and if you back them up, then that is your message as well.

I feel that no one has had the guts, so far, to publish a good, factual, unbiased report on these sad events. I feel that justice has not been served to the victim, Angela Smith, I pray that you will take a stand for justice and use all the information you’ve been given from those who truly knew these two precious people and tell the truth to all so that we can continue in our work of helping others and spreading peace instead of spending our time refuting false accusations.

Christina is a second-generation member of The Family International