Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
|
One resident, who is a neighbor but did not want his identity released for privacy, probably knew the Kenya native more than anyone in Thomasville.
“The only thing I can say about the lady is that she always seemed nice,” the neighbor said. “She would come and see me when she needed some help.”
While she always dressed nice and was polite, the neighbor said it seemed that she had some security issues. A mother of two kids, Kasera gave the impression to neighbors that she was scared for her life and the welfare of her two kids.
“About the only time I talked to her was when she felt threatened by a neighbor around her,” the source said. “I don’t know, but maybe with her being from Kenya, she might not have known what the American laws are.”
The last time the neighbor saw Kasera was around Christmas, when she once again called hysterical. Law enforcement officers often arrived at the residence because of confrontations between her and other neighbors.
Davidson County Sheriff David Grice confirmed his law enforcement agency would often receive phone calls to respond to Kasera’s residence. Grice said the complaints were over domestic disputes.
“We don’t feel like there is any criminal activity on the part of neighbors in this particular situation,” Grice said.
According to Davidson County court records, Kasera was charged with two counts of misdemeanor child abuse for leaving her two daughters home alone. Daughers Nicole, was then 9 years old, and Natalie, was then 6 years old. (For more information on the crimes, see related story.)
Tom Petty of High Point was Kasera’s landlord.
When contacted Tuesday evening he wasn’t aware of the child’s death and was shocked to hear the news. Petty said she had rented his apartment since December of 2001. According to Troup County Sheriff Donny Turner, Kasera has lived in the United States for 11 years and currently has a visa.
“She gave me no trouble,” Petty said. “She paid rent within the time frame. I am upset by the news. I hate to see anybody get in trouble. I’m sorry it happened.”
Turner, whose agency handled the case initially, said he was aware that Kasera was married, but later learned her husband Dominique died about a year ago while jogging. The neighbor who did not want his name published said he knew Kasera had a “male friend” but he didn’t see him much.
Feeling bad for the mother of two children, the neighbor gave her his home phone number.
“Right now, I still can’t imagine her doing something like that,” the neighbor said. “People have told me that her kid hasn’t been in school since Christmas.”
Neighbors said the two children, 8 and 11 year olds, attended Brittain Academy in Thomasville.
An employee at the private school said “no comment” Wednesday morning when asked about the two student’s enrollment.
Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 231, or ignasiak@tvilletimes.com.