Steve, Christy and family: I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's death. Men like Ray Belton are cowards who have to hide behind physical abuse, and do their best to hurt good women. I didn't know your mom, but from what I've read about her, she was a good woman. She didn't deserve what happened to her, and she didn't deserve anyone like Ray. She deserved better. I pray that justice is served and Ray never sees the light of day again for his actions.

I was abused too, but I'm one of the lucky ones who got away from my abuser. I wish that she had been able to get away from him too, or that he'd have been caught before it came to this, and put away. Unfortunately, when an abuser hurts someone, it always hurts the entire family, and when they kill, it destroys everyone. Please focus your anger and hate on Ray who is the one who deserves it, and do what you can to help other abused women in your mom's name. She sounds like a wonderful lady. Love to each of your families, and lots of strength.