Katherine Renae Bodem of Lakeville, Minnesota is charged with two counts of manslaughter in the drowning death of her 11-month-old daughter. Katherine Renae Bodem, 38, apparently was shopping online for shoes when her daughter, Cecelia Katherine, drowned in the bathtub. (A baby photo of Cecial appears above that was taken by family members.) Officers arrived on Aug. 25 to find two women out in front of the house administering CPR to a baby. Bodem apparently was standing nearby yelling, "It's all my fault." Bodem apparently put the baby and her 2-year-old brother in the bathtub on the main floor of the house. Meanwhile, Bodem went downstairs for a few minutes where her other two children were playing. Bodem told officers that said she could still hear Cecelia and her brother playing. When she heard silence, she went upstairs and saw her son pulling Cecelia from the tub.Bodem told police she had left the two children unattended in the tub for about 10 minutes. One of Bodem's other children told police it was about 20 minutes.
Betty Koberoski, Bodem's mother, told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that she fears her daughter suffers from depression and that a year ago she report her daughter to authorities because of concerns about the children. Bodem is charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
Update 12-18:From charging information, it appears the 11 year old's story is accurate. The mom appears to have done an incredibly foolish thing, but that does not mean she deliberately intended to put her children at risk. While Child Protective Services with the help of relatives need to step in and protect these children from harm, no punishment by the State will ever match what will haunt Bodem for life. LINK
Update 5-6-08: As most on here knew or suspected, Katherine Bodem has apparently plead guilty. Likely, she will be entering a plea agreement real soon. (I suspect she already knows the terms of the agreement.) Dakota County District Court will apparently formally sentenced her on May 19. To all of her friends, foes, relatives, in laws etc., feel free to continue to post as long as you label and differentiate your opinions v. facts.
Posts
217 comments:
1 – 200 of 217 Newer› Newest»I am just in shock. I suppose anyone could look a way from the tub for a moment. But 10 to 20 minutes to shop on line for shoes is real poor judgment. And no one loves shoes more than I.
Shell
Wow, so young...
I am with you on this one Shell.
I think everyone knows you have to stay by the tub when a little one is in there due to the risk of drowning. If you have to multi-task, you have to get a wireless network installed in your home, so you can buy those shoes right next to the bathtub. Just don't drop the notebook PC in the tub when its plugged in, since that is dangerous too.
A good parenting tip from Ron!
Parents need to wake up! Kids are fragile!
Don't turn your back on a toddler!
Just a real tragedy. I am sure she is all tore up over this.
She looks bad in the photo!
Brenda - sister to Nick, Rachel, and Brad?
I agree with Brenda, Katherine Bodem needs counseling to get over this mistake and good legal representation to prevent injustice.
Vic
Family has no business in taking cheap shots through the media or the courts. It should be a time of healing.
Absent mindedness can happen to any one, including a parent.
Just another example of the dangers of online shopping.
It is the danger of being distracted in modern society. It is not much different then leaving a child unattended in a car. Seldom is it done intentionally. (Hooters example is an exception.)
Folks need to be educated, reminded, counseled. No need to ridicule.
But, while not intentional, the damage from neglect is still irreversible.
Jill
Give me a break. Anyone could get distracted. People forget kids in cars, bath tubs, etc all the time. You just don't hear about it because usually there is no permanent harm.
No, give Katherine a break. NO punishment in the world could be worse then contributing to your child's death.
Many Many things lead up to this. Neglect was a pattern for Kathy and Betty and others tried to get the family help. By no way is it an excuse for Kathy's poor judgement. Her Husband is also to blame. This was going on long before poor Cecelia died. People need to read between the lines or wait to hear what really happened in order to see the truth. Be patient and Pray for the remaining Bodem Children. It must have been awfull to see BOTH parents arrested in the same week after losing a sweet sweet little sister over a month earlier That is ALL I can say.
Anonymous, please keep us posted on what happens to both the parents and the children.
Will do. It is a shame that it came to this. One finding I can share is that she left the water running the whole time.
To leave the water running the whole time would seem to be a true indication of absent mindedness. She clearly did not start with the intention of being away from the tub for very long.
Just by her photo you can tell she has a look in her eyes that something is not right...
Seeker
http://services.co.dakota.mn.us/ComplaintSearch/complaint.aspx?ID=5713
Try reading the complaint. Her story dosn't match the daughters.
Update 12-18:From charging information, it appears the 11 year old's story is accurate. The mom appears to have done an incredibly foolish thing, but that does not mean she deliberately intended to put her children at risk. While Child Protective Services with the help of relatives need to step in and protect these children from harm, no punishment by the State will ever match what will haunt Bodem for life.
I don't know. Are people with narsissism haunted? Or releaved of responsibility?
B.T.W. Dakota County Child Protection was called numerous times from concerned people about the danger All the children were and are still in and they said that "until something happens then they can't do anything because no crimes were commited" Now before when they lived in Lesueur, Child Protection had been called as well as police, and both had to make visits to the Bodem home. This information did not follow them when they moved to Lakeville, but the pattern of neglect and abuse did. Thus THE SYSTEM FAILED Cecelia Bodem in Dakota County and is failing the remaining Bodem Children now. Just pray that they can get them out of the living situation they are in before something else happens.
The more anonymous posts, the clearer it becomes that child protective services needs to consider a more hands on approach. No one wants innocent children to be harmed.
While these children are in need of services, it sounds like Katherine Bodem is too. Let's all say a holiday prayer that she gets the help she needs.
Here is ONE example of efforts over one year ago. This letter was written to officials. And not by a family member.
To Whom It May Concern:
We take no joy in writing this letter, and do so only because of our concern for the children that are involved in this situation.
We met the Bodem family in 2004 in the course of our childrens’ mutual involvement in community and school activities. Over the next year and a half, we had many opportunities to observe the dynamics of the Bodem household.
What began as the occasional observation of disorder in the household (i.e. laundry strewn around the house, stacks of dirty dishes in the kitchen, mail and children’s school work scattered around the living area), gradually became the regular situation. Further, especially after the birth of the Bodem’s fourth child (******), signs of increasing disorder became very clear.
On several occasions, we witnessed one or more of the Bodem children left in soiled diapers or clothing for extended periods of time. The regular provision of meals also seemed to be in question (although, admittedly, our contact was not regular enough to make any clear generalizations in this area).
Perhaps most disconcerting of all, however, were the indications of some sort of mental disorder regarding Kathy Bodem. As professionals, both with experience in the mental health field, the signs were clear to us. Kathy often displayed indications of disordered thought--at times grandiose and manic, and at other times listless and with almost complete disregard for everything and everyone around her.
During her times of grandiose display, she was often inappropriately sexual in her interactions. Despite being told of the discomfort this caused others, she persisted and often became even more explicit.
On several occasions we urged Kathy to seek some mental health advice from a professional. Kathy, despite revealing to us her family history of mental illness, seems to have had very little insight regarding her own mental health issues. Kathy consistently maintained that she felt no need to seek any kind of professional help or advice. We also spoke privately to Todd about our concerns. Although, in agreement that Kathy seemed to be having some mental health difficulties, he felt that “pushing the issue” would only make matters worse.
After Kathy suffered a miscarriage, her behavior became even more markedly disturbing—and our concern even more serious. Her overt sexual displays were now extremely explicit. She began showing an extreme pre-occupation with wealth and material items (clipping out dozens of pictures of diamonds, jewelry and designer clothing). The house was now a disaster. Finding fecal-soiled laundry scattered on the floor was now a regular occurrence. Kathy grew increasingly defensive when we expressed our concern for her and the children. Offers to transport or otherwise help share child supervision (before, a regular part of our families’ interactions) were met with suspicion. On one occasion, when coming to pick up ******* to take her to dance with our daughter, Kathy refused to open the door and began swearing loudly.
Soon thereafter, the Bodems quietly left Le Sueur. We never heard they were leaving and only found out from our children when the Bodem children withdrew from school without notice.
We write this letter with only the intent to help Kathy, Todd and especially their children. We hope and pray that everything works out for the best for everyone involved.
Sincerely,
**** ********* *******
Sounds like Kathy Bodem needs some major help. Thanks for sharing some insight.
Greg
Sounds like Child Protective Services needs strong intervention to protect the kids!
Yes but they did NOT LISTEN a year ago. They did nothing. Kathy strongly suggested that everyone was jealous of her, and that is why she felt she was being picked on. She once left her children locked in the car while she went shopping, and someone called the police and when she came out of the store she said "I was only in the store for 20 minutes". RED FLAG? Or POOR KATHY?
Neighbors, family say Lakeville mom refused help
Family members and friends said that Katherine Bodem had a history of neglecting her children and that the baby's death "was bound to happen."
By Kevin Duchschere, Star Tribune
Last update: October 10, 2007 – 11:37 PM
Katherine Renae Bodem, of Lakeville, was charged Tuesday in the bathtub drowning last summer of her 11-month-old daughter.
Tuesday: Mom faces charges in baby's drowning
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Neighbors, family say Lakeville mom refused help
According to family members and friends, Katherine Bodem had a history of neglecting her children long before she was charged this week with second-degree manslaughter in the death of her 11-month-old daughter in the family's Lakeville home.
For years, they said Wednesday, they tried to persuade Bodem to seek help for her growing self-absorbed behavior. Bodem refused.
They said attempts to enlist the help of social service agencies in Le Sueur and Dakota counties failed because, they were told, no laws had been broken. Now they wonder what more, if anything, could have been done.
The death of Cecilia Bodem on Aug. 25 "was bound to happen, because no one would listen to us," said Rachel Bennett of Mankato, a close friend of Kathy Bodem's since second grade. "Maybe she doesn't deserve prison time, but she does need help."
Shortly after Cecilia was born Sept. 2, 2006, Kathy Bodem sent her mother a birthday card expressing love and gratitude. Weeks later, she obtained a restraining order from Dakota County barring her parents from visiting their home.
The grounds for the order, according to her mother, Betty Koberoski of Mankato: a lifetime of physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
"When the deputy delivered it, I was in a state of complete shock," said Koberoski, who with her husband, Jim, has run a nursery for years in Mankato.
The Koberoskis hired a lawyer and prepared to contest the order. A hearing was set for Dec. 29. At the last minute, Betty Koberoski said, their daughter dropped the matter but said she would have them charged with trespassing if they tried to visit.
Concerned about her daughter and grandchildren, Koberoski said she called child protection officials in Dakota County. "They said there's nothing we can do because we haven't had any reports," she said.
Cecilia drowned in a bathtub at the family's home. She was in the tub with her brother, nearly 3, while their mother allegedly was shopping online for shoes. Kathy Bodem told police she had left the kids alone for a couple of minutes, but an examination of the computer showed that websites had been used for 19 minutes before the 911 call was made.
Bodem, 38, has no criminal record. Dakota County officials have said they were unaware of any contacts she may have with social workers. Calls to Kathy Bodem and her husband, Todd, were not returned Wednesday. Requests for information from police departments and county agencies went unanswered. Dakota County District Court have placed the couple's four children in Todd Bodem's custody. Kathy Bodem was released on $20,000 bail on condition that she not have unsupervised contact with her children.
Todd and Christine Redmann, former neighbors of the Bodems in Le Sueur, Minn., saw the family often. Todd Redmann said he doesn't doubt the parents cared about their children.
But he said the Bodem house often was in disarray, the kids in soiled clothes, while Kathy was busy filling shoeboxes with ads for diamond rings and other jewelry, things she said she was going to have someday.
Sometimes, Redmann said, he and his wife would watch the Bodem kids while trying to talk Kathy into getting help.
They got another surprise when their own kids came home from school one day in December 2005 and said the Bodems were moving. There was a moving van in front of their house and their phone was disconnected, Redmann said.
Last year, Bennett asked the Redmanns if they would help the Koberoskis contest the restraining order. The couple agreed and wrote a letter to the court detailing concerns about Kathy.
"As professionals, both with experience in the mental health field, the signs were clear to us," they wrote. "Kathy often displayed indications of disordered thought -- at times grandiose and manic, and at other times listless and with almost complete disregard for everything and everyone around her."
Kathy "consistently maintained that she felt no need to seek any kind of professional help or advice," they wrote. Her behavior became increasingly bizarre, including "an extreme preoccupation with wealth and material items."
For Bennett, Kathy's situation was especially troubling. The two had been "best buds" for years. "But the older she got, the worse she got," she said. Bennett said her friend was taking medication for depression.
According to Bennett, Kathy Bodem left her kids in the car, let them run naked in the street and once left them to buy gumballs at the mall while she went shopping for jewelry. Once, she said, Kathy dropped the kids off at her house while she went to the dentist. She returned five hours later, Bennett said.
Koberoski said she learned that Cecilia, her granddaughter, had died only two weeks after she was buried. She and her husband organized a memorial service a few weeks later.
"I loved that little girl," Koberoski said. "I feel so helpless."
There can be no doubt that her mother, Betty Koberoski of Mankato and the neighbors, Todd and Christine Redmann were all trying to help the children. The question was whether any laws were broken at the time.
Based on everything that I have read, I have come to the conclusion that Katherine Bodem is sick and is in need of help. My new years wish is that she get that help. With regard to the remaining children, hopefully child protective services are investigating and protecting the children from harm.
One hates to see families torn apart by mental illness and even worse by tragic death. The Bodems have been rather silent recently and therefore one can only speculate if they are getting the help that they need. In the mean time, for Cecelia all one can do is pray that she is now in a much better place.
This lady looks torn apart...
I know the Bodem family fairly well and can attest to the fact that Kathy has had serious problems for years and is in need of help. However, the lack of discussion about the restraining order filed - though dropped - against her parents is troubling. It is a poorly kept secret that the Koberoskis have an "unusual" relationship, at best, with their family, including some grandchildren. I can only say that they are being investigated right now for inappropriate contact with one of their grandchildren (not one of Todd's and Kathy's), and that this isn't the first time. Should there be any doubt about a troubled history when the mother of Kathy is using the newspaper and this incident to try to clear her name, as one earlier poster stated? It's clearly obvious this pattern of abuse comes from a much earlier time.
All that said, Kathy needs help and, I regretfully believe, needs to be kept in some sort of institution. I do believe the kids are in good hands with Todd, though he has to be overwhelmed.
That statement is Untrue. The Koberoski's are very good people and are NOT being investigated for anything. They have one other grandchild and wherever you get your information from should be considered a bad source. The Bodems have cut all ties to ALL family members including ALL of Todds side. Betty was only stating how troubbled her daughter was and still is and was stating the fact that Kathy has never taken responsibility for anything and blames everyone else for her troubbled current and past problems. Say why not look at Todd? Is anyone else aware that he has lost two jobs in the past? One for sexuall harassment and one for having porn on his computer at work. Both Jobs with city administration. Now Kathy does have several problems but most of her severe psychosis started AFTER she married that bumb. He wasn't always so bad but after years of abusing eachother one can only imagian.
I agree! If Kathy has had so long of a history of mental problems then why didn't her husband take care of her and get her the help she needed before she had more babies? What a tragic loss. They are in my prayers. Especially the other children.
It sounds like the whole family may benefit from some crisis counseling intervention to get to the bottom of what may lead to a workable solution.
Without a unified front and agreement for help, the future of the children look less then bright.
Greg
What does no Plea mean?
A Lakeville woman entered no plea Friday to manslaughter charges stemming from the drowning of her 11-month-old daughter in their home in August.
Katherine Bodem, 38, is charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter in the death of her daughter Cecilia, who drowned in the family's bathtub. The charges say that Bodem left the child with her 2-year-old brother in the tub for about 20 minutes while she shopped for shoes online.
A judge set her trial for May 19 and ordered a psychological evaluation done by May 1.
JIM ADAMS
Hey, Anonymous of Jan 12, 9:56 p.m. posting -
Obviously, you are one of the Koberoskis and are trying to defend yourself and smear the Bodems, but quit making stuff up. I worked with Todd in Jordan (not as a city employee) when he was the city adminstrator, and he left that job to work in the private sector. He came to Jordan from Belle Plaine, where his contract was not renewed by the new mayor because he often sparred with the guy when he was only a council member. And he left Grand Marais to go to Belle Plaine because he wanted to move closer to Mankato and the Twin Cities to be closer to both families. So quit trying to make Todd look bad, Betty. He never has been accused of sexual harassment, nor was he fired because of porn. And yes, I know that you and your husband are being investigated. Why does your granddaughter sleep in your bed? They're watching you...
Well the Koberoskis welcome any investigation. If they are as bad as Kathy accused them then they should have been investigated a very long time ago and taken off the streets. If Todd is such a great husband then why did Kathy call 911(more then once) histerically because her husband was having an affair? That is public information so check it out for yourself. Poor Bodem children. They are the ones who are suffering the most. My prayers are for them.
Everyone is being watched and watched very closely including Todd.
Every one is missing the point. The point should be to get both Todd and Kaatherine the help they need. Not just for them. For the kids. It will be very scaring for these children to lose a mom or a dad or both.
You folks need to unite to help both Todd and Katherine before these kids permanently end up in separate foster homes with foster parents not related to the kids.
Mark my words, the
State will go after one at a time with divide and conquere tactis until there is no hope of unification. Be smart and settle your differences.
I agree and I know for a fact that the Bodem grandparents and the Koberoski parents and siblings on both sides have tried very hard to help Kathy and Todd even now besides before. Todd has closed all doors and will not let any family members help. It just makes everyone even more suspecious of what he is trying to cover up.
I am just so freaked out about this whole story. On Jan 11, 2000
my Grandaughter also drowned in the bathtub. She was 8 days from turning one. This was and still is the most devistating thing I have had to deal with in my life. She was my first Grandchild. My son is the father. He was at work. The baby was home with her mother and 3 yr old sister. The mother ran the water for herself and turned it off to go smoke a cigarette. During this time, the 3 yr old went to the potty, she guesses the baby must have followed her. She says she heard the baby scream, broke into the bathroom and started CPR. They never did revive her.
There were scissors in the tub along with toys, toilet paper, and other misc items, mother does not remember if she was face up or face down? Her actions were and are still suspicious. I reported my concerns to the prosecutors. This is 8 years now and NOTHING was ever done! I still search for justice.
I am sorry for this mother but I do believe we are responsible for the safety of our children and there needs to be some accountability for letting your child die in your care!
I am just so freaked out about this whole story. On Jan 11, 2000
my Grandaughter also drowned in the bathtub. She was 8 days from turning one. This was and still is the most devistating thing I have had to deal with in my life. She was my first Grandchild. My son is the father. He was at work. The baby was home with her mother and 3 yr old sister. The mother ran the water for herself and turned it off to go smoke a cigarette. During this time, the 3 yr old went to the potty, she guesses the baby must have followed her. She says she heard the baby scream, broke into the bathroom and started CPR. They never did revive her.
There were scissors in the tub along with toys, toilet paper, and other misc items, mother does not remember if she was face up or face down? Her actions were and are still suspicious. I reported my concerns to the prosecutors. This is 8 years now and NOTHING was ever done! I still search for justice.
I am sorry for this mother but I do believe we are responsible for the safety of our children and there needs to be some accountability for letting your child die in your care!
I am just so freaked out about this whole story. On Jan 11, 2000
my Grandaughter also drowned in the bathtub. She was 8 days from turning one. This was and still is the most devistating thing I have had to deal with in my life. She was my first Grandchild. My son is the father. He was at work. The baby was home with her mother and 3 yr old sister. The mother ran the water for herself and turned it off to go smoke a cigarette. During this time, the 3 yr old went to the potty, she guesses the baby must have followed her. She says she heard the baby scream, broke into the bathroom and started CPR. They never did revive her.
There were scissors in the tub along with toys, toilet paper, and other misc items, mother does not remember if she was face up or face down? Her actions were and are still suspicious. I reported my concerns to the prosecutors. This is 8 years now and NOTHING was ever done! I still search for justice.
I am sorry for this mother but I do believe we are responsible for the safety of our children and there needs to be some accountability for letting your child die in your care!
Wow I am so sorry for you loss and the closure you never have gotten. Please try to comfort yourself and I am praying for you as well. You can go to this site and set up a virtual memorial for your grandaughter, and people will help by leaving messages for your grandchild and it will bring you comfort and some peace knowing you are not alone. Cecelia Bodem is on their as well. God Bless. www.findagrave.com
Natiesnana,
Welcome to Legal Pub. You can find some good opinions and shared experiences here as well as an opportunity to vent.
I don't know the facts of your loss, but as one poster said, it becomes less important to blame and more important to heal. No amount of punishment or retribution ever brings back the loss of a loved one.
Perhaps you can offer some positive guidance to the relatives of Cecelia and to other parents with small children. Let's make Cecelia's memory stand for something positive about child safety and better parenting.
Free Katherine!
Free Kather...
Free Kath...
Free K...
Guess the movement is running out of steam.
Yes I do understand the inportance of healing and not blaming. I have been working on healing for 8 years. The hard part is the things that I KNOW! I feel like a parent is responsible for the safety of their chile, I know accidents happen, I also know that if you neglect your child and they die, you should be accountable for your actions. I dont understand why the laws for this are so wide spread depending on your location. I dont think when you loose your child to such a tragedy as this that you forget them, wipe them from your life, pretend they didnt exist, all this appears to be what my grandaughters mother has done. Yes I know I need to heal, but do you think things like this should be ignored by our authorities, they make mistakes. I know everything has a reason and I believe there is a reason I keep persueing this. The only thing that keeps me sane about the incident is a part of me not truely being able to grasp the concept that Mothers sometimes do REALLY KILL THEIR BABYS! I see it all the time in the news.....but my motherly instincts in me cannot quite comprehend the reality! I will let you know if and when anything comes of this.
Wow I totally know where you are comming from. The grandparents on both sides of the Bodem's had called child protection several times long before Cecelia was drowned only in order to get the family help, and to prevent harm to the children. NOTHING was done because I guess it isn't a crime to neglect your children unless they die while you are doing it. I am not part of the family but I have been following this very closly and know that because both Kathy and Todd cut out all family members on both sides even before this happened it makes them BOTH look suspecious and their may be way more to this story then just a mom on the internet ignoring the cries of a baby left in the bathtub,with a two year old, with the water running, and older siblings saying "mom the baby is crying" and they are right next to her while she ignores the same cries. I am still praying for you, and your sweet little grandaughter is in heaven with cecelia and are guiding all of us to justice. I hope you believe that and you can find some comfort in that. God Bless.
There is no, nor will there ever be, any evidence that Kathy Bodem intended to kill Cecelia. Was Cecelia negligent? Yes. Did she use incredible bad judgment? Yes. Was she lacking as a parent? yes.
All of what you say may be accurate. But Kathy is sick, lacks judgement et al. She is not however a murderer.
The first step to healing is to get closure. Cecelia is now with her maker. But there are other children who need loving caring parents and grand parents.
Don't ever forget. But do forgive and move on for the sake of the remaining children.
Greg
Wow, grandma Koberoski keeps posting as "anonymous." Good times. Look, lots of people know about your "odd" relationship with your grandkids, and formerly with your daughter, and the reasons for the restraining order against you. Yes, Kathy called 911 about Todd having an affair - once, in Grand Marais, about 10 years ago. Lots of people at Todd's former place of employment know about you coming there and going nuts, shouting "WHAT DO YOU KNOW?!?!" and "WHAT HAS HE BEEN SAYING ABOUT ME?!?!" at the secretary after Kathy wouldn't let you in the house (before Cece drowned and after Kathy filed the restraining order against you for a lifetime of sexual abuse). Keep denying it. This is getting fun, and it will be even more fun when you and your husband go to prison. Enjoy the next few months of freedom!
The Koberoski's have not been charged with anything. Just accused by a confused and pathetic person who needs help and was offered help but denied it. Kathy allowed Cece to drown. Kathy is going to trial not the Koberoski's. This is not Betty by the way, and never has been. If you consider two counts of felony manslaughter "good times" and "this is fun", then you should seek some profesional help yourself.
I agree with some of the posters earlier - not the ones defending the grandparents. While whatever happened to kill the little girl in absolutely indefensible, I CANNOT BELIEVE the grandparents! They throw their daughter in the mud just a few weeks after the girl drowns - "Well, she needed help but refused, so it was bound to happen." Really? That's it? That's compassion? No matter if they have a strained relationship or if they are afraid of what's been said about them proving true, how is throwing her under the bus going to help matters? They take the death of their granddaughter to comment to the press about what a horrible mother their daughter was and in doing so, try to clear their names. How about a good, old-fashioned "No comment." What a couple of idiots. And I agree with the later 'anon' poster - these people are definetely hiding something. I hope it comes out soon.
You don't understand. The grandparents were just revealing how troubbled their daughter was and is. They tried very very hard to help her and Todd. Todd would not let them, and Dakota county did not take their pleas for help seriously enough. They did and still do love Kathy very very much and the grandchildren and still want to help. Todd has cut his own parents and sister and brother out as well. They do not want any one who knows them from their past in their lives. They pushed everyone out right after Cece was born. Please try to understand the the Koberoskis did not even care what Kathy said about them. It just rose a red flag that she needed some help and they were taken by the County as being sensitive or over re acting when they knew what was best for the children was to get their mom some help. They just always wanted the best for her and her family. And still do. They love them all.
Hay maybe Cece wasn't Todd's baby and they did not want the family to figure it out and that is why they cut all ties. Happens all the time.
The grandparents on both sides did not even know the baby had drown until a few weeks later. The Bodems said it was a "private matter" and only Todd, Kathy and the remaining children were at the funeral.
"scott" There is no basis for your raising paternity issues. Out of respect to Cecelia, please do not suggest issues unless there is a basis in fact for your comment. Blind speculation and induendo is not helpful for these families or the children's long term benefit.
The grandparents were "just revealing how troubled their daughter was and is." Ohhhhh, now I see - THAT'S what they were doing. Nope, still idiots. You didn't answer the question - how is any of that going to help their daughter? Why throw her under the bus? "I knew this would happen" really shows how much they love their daughter (I might as well just say you/your, but whatever). Yeah, it's pretty obvious she needs help, so just shut up and don't talk to the Star Trib and other media outlets about your daughter! Again, the question: HOW WILL THIS HELP ANYTHING? Other than to try to help clear their names when the media found out that there was a restraining order against them? Everyone who knows the Bodems knows why the grandparents were cut off, since in Kathy's therapy sessions (see, she was trying to get help) her repressed memories of sexual abuse at the hands of her father and mother came to light and hence, the restraining order and the lack of notificiation of Cece's death. Todd has not talked to his parents recently because the Koberoskis contacted his parents, and they are actually listening because Todd had the decency to never bring up Kathy's sexual abuse to them. He hasn't cut them off or whatever - he just has given up because of the meddling of the Koberoskis. He still talks to his siblings if they call. And QUIT LYING - Todd's whole family was at the first memorial service; Kathy's parents (you) obviously weren't invited. In fact, most members of their churh congregation were there, so your "private matter" comment doesn't carry any weight. There were other memorials, but the one right after the death was full of supportive people. I look forward to a response within the next few hours, Betty. Are you sweating yet?
This isn't Betty and Kathy dosn't have repressed memory. She has a family that cares about her and Todd and the grandchildren. She couldn't live with what she was doing to her own children so she blames her parents because she herself was failing as a mom. I hope she was in theropy before Cece drown. It obviously wasn't working then but maybe the other remaining children, her husband, and herself will benifit from it now. You seem so defensive and angry. I hope you can find some kindness in you and help the Bodems since you seem so close to them. They for sure could use a friend right now. God Bless You.
Kathy tried to get a restraining order. She did not get one. Their was no bias for her accusations and the rest of the family were standing behind the Koberoskis. Who really cares at this point? Why are you so stuck on that when poor Kathy is heading to trial. How are you supporting her? Who is supporting Todd?
Still didn't answer the question.
Repressed Memory? What a joke! More like her short term memory is broken. She forgot TWO babies in the tub for twenty minutes. What a scary looking woman.
Didn't get a restraining order? What does "obtained" mean?
"she obtained a restraining order from Dakota County barring her parents from visiting their home.
The grounds for the order, according to her mother, Betty Koberoski of Mankato: a lifetime of physical, emotional and sexual abuse."
Yes and her parents went to cort to contest it and Kathy dropped it all. Problem is the Bodem children were showing signs of the same abuse at the same time Kathy had accused her parents and they had not even been near their grandparents. I bet Dakota county Child protection has record of this.
Yes and her parents went to cort to contest it and Kathy dropped it all. Problem is the Bodem children were showing signs of the same abuse at the same time Kathy had accused her parents and they had not even been near their grandparents. I bet Dakota county Child protection has record of this.
Yep, still didn't answer the question. How will telling the press this was bound to happen help your daughter?
And what is "cort"?
My daughter? I don't have any daughters. By the Koberoski's telling the press Dakota County had to finally get busy, and get serious protecting the remaining children. Something they should have been doing before Cece was allowed to drown. Now they are being watched very closly and Social services make unannounced visits weekly to the Bodems.
Thus preventing more charges of felony manslaughter against Katherine Bodem and forcing her to undergo a psych evaluation which is obviously long overdue. I think her husband should be analized as well. I still don't get how he could just ignore his wives odd behaviours as a previous poster posted.
The drowning of a baby isn't going to set Dakota County in motion? It's going to take her mother telling the Star Tribune that this was bound to happen? Don't be stupid. So you still didn't provide a REAL answer to the question. And Todd is certainly being watched closely, but funny, social services has told him they can see the kids aren't in danger and have recommended reducing the number of visits. Don't get me wrong, Kathy still needs help and should probably go to jail, but your arguments still carry no weight. Once more now... what is telling the press that this was bound to happen going to accomplish, other than making the restraining order look questionable? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Looking out for their own best interests a month after their granddaughter drowned. Feel the love. I look forward to your response in the next ten minutes, even though I'll be in bed.
Maybe my arguments do not carry any weight to you or I can't explaine what I am trying to get across. I apologize for that. I am just concerned for everyone involved but really want Kathy to get the help she has needed for so very long now. I don't want her thrown into a jail system. She would not last in jail. She needs way more then a jail. As for Todd and the children, I really hope he has some time to be out of his situation with Kathy so I do hope she gets put somewhere for a long time so he can see how he lost himself and get a sence of relief and take care of himself and the children. It will be a long road for him but with God's help and if he believes and has faith in God and can hand this all over to Him he then can feel free and enjoy the rest of the children as they so need to feel free as well. They only need one great parent. The rest of the world will help him out in time when he is able to let go. That is my true wish in the long run. I say that out of love for Kathy and her family. I am so so so hurt. She isn't the same person she was, and never will be again ever but believe me when I say that she wasn't always sick. It just happened over time.
Some valuable insight on both sides.
Ms. Calabaza, can you share some input on this case?
What a very sad situation this is.
I can understand the anger, regret and grief from all sides of the family but unfortunately none of this is going to bring this child back
The need now is to focus on those remaining children and to make sure that Kathy is being treated. This family needs tremendous support at this time. Otherwise, the children will not be able to stay together and that would be another trajedy. Folks, blame and guilt are issues to be dealt with but try to work on yourselves and not others.
At some point, this must have been a fairly civilized and friendly extended family. These children are going to need all of you in the future but only if you can offer them hope and positive qualities. They do not need to deal with all of this blame going back and forth. Seek help for yourselves, if you feel you need it. If Kathy's situation showed us anything it was that she either did not receive help or waited too long to do so.
If you feel you need help, seek it. I recommend the following website:
http://www.compassionatefriends.org
This organization reaches out with grief support after the death of a child.
What makes this organization a success is that seasoned grievers reach out to the newly bereaved, "energy that has been directed inward begins to flow outward and both are helped to heal."
They have local chapters all over the country and their forum is monitored by "seasoned grievers".
I wish family members and friends some peace and serenity and remember the sooner you resolve your anger the sooner these children will have the needed emotional support they need.
test
Thanks for the info. I'll be sure to pass it on.
I do feel for both sides of the family. But what is the husband doing now to get back control of the situation?
Well he is suppose to be watching Kathy. She is not to be left alone with the children at any time. The state tried to have NO Contact with the children what so ever but the judge did not grant that and left Todd as her supervisor. He is not working (at least not outside of the home) and has not for over a year now but he did apply to be the city administrator of Mounds View and did not get that job. I think he has to much on his plate right now and if he couldn't take care of his wife how does he expect to even be considered for a job running a city? His church is supporting him right now and I am sure emotionally as well but I do not know how they are paying the bills or the mortgage.
Todd is the interim city administrator in Corcoran. He makes sure the kids are off to school or brings them to daycare, works, and picks them up after work. Imagine that, a normal family. Why all the questioning of him? He lost his last job for a development company because of the housing market, like a lot of people.
Normal for once. My concern was not really for Todd but how the children are being protected and cared for since their mother needs supervision. At least he seems to be involved and I hope the children are doing better.
Does Katherine work? If not what does she do all day? Is she in an outpatient program of any sort? She looks a bit strange like she has mental health problems. Is she being treated?
What type of treatment is Katherine getting?
A normel Family? If Todd is doing all the work then what is Katherine doing? Does she work and support the family?
Katherine needs help before she can start pulling her weight...
Help with what?
Who is helping Katherine? Todd seems to be getting nice and cozy with the ladies at LivingWaters (hot ironic) Church in Lakeville. They seem to just adore him and his children. Kathy better get her butt to church and see what is really going on. If she is put away then Todd can get a divorce without contest, and it will be just a matter of time before one of those women eek in on the oh so wonderful Todd Bodem. I've seen it first hand. He won't even know what hit him. Todd your enemies are closer then you think.
From, a concerned parishner.
oops... (HOW IRONIC)
Todd may need to watch his back if the concerned parishner is right. All in all, it seems like a Peyton place situation could develop.
My bet is still on Katherine to pull through and keep her man...
For your information The Bodem Family was not at Cecila's funeral or memorial....they found out two weeks after her death as well.
Yes I know that and you know that but whoever was defending Todd did not know that, or they were under the impression everything was that way because Todd and Kathy want them to believe that. I am so happy you posted that. Many things on here as far as defending Todd are incorrect as I am sure you have noticed. It is just a matter of time before the truth is found out. Oh and a matter of time before the Bodem children grow up and have their own repressed memory issues. I am so sorry for the cousins and grandparents. Kathy in her own shreeking words told Todd's parents that they were not allowed to go to the grave and Todds parents searched for hours on end looking for their granddaughters grave. Todd in his own words told his parents that "It was a private matter". And then they kicked them all out of the house. Something bigger then the drowning of Cecelia is and has been going on in Todd and Kathy's home and in time it will be uncovered. I am not at liberity to give all my information out, but I will sooner or later.
The Bodem grandparents did not even find out from Todd. It was the Bodem grandparents who informed the Koberoski grandparents as well two weeks after. I was told that Todd and Kathy had only the remaining children and strangers at the funeral that the church paid for. Oh and a new church/religion they suddenly joined right before Kathy tried to cut her parents and All family out of her life, right before she had tried to obtain a restraining order, and right before Cecelia drown, and right before she develobed repressed memory. Funny how she could shop for hours on end for diamonds and shoes but the church had to pay for Cecelia's casket and burial.
If Kathy couldn't see it or have it for herself then she did not want any part of it. It's all for her and Todd has been buying that load of crap for years. Hmmm... Wondery Why? I know. I know.
Well, don't keep us in the dark. Share your theory, please.
Well let's start with why won't the state proscuting attorney or the advocate confirm if Todd is or shall I say was Cecelias biological father? Oh and where was Kathy Dec. of 05 and who was she with? Or shall I say who was she wanting to be with? Why did Kathy accuse Todd of molesting the children and she made him move out and live with his brother but let him in during the day to clean the house?
Who do you think might have been Cecelia's biological father?
Because Kathy had the Hot's for Todds Boss and always said she would dump Todd if his bosses wife died. (she is in a wheelchair and poor health) She was also extreamly jealous of a co workers girlfriend who was nice to Todd and she saught revenge at a Christmas Party in 05. She spent thousands on herself and weeks of time to get ready for this party. She bragged that she spent over 500 alone on makeup. She ended up very very drunk at the party. A few other things but I'll leave it at that for now.
Oh and Kathy switched Dr.'s half way through her pregnancy with Cece because the Dr. asked her if this baby had the same father as the other four children.
Oh and they moved into Todd's bosses old house in early Dec of 05.Kathy had a name for it but I can't write it yet alone say it.
I think she felt she was getting closer. They got some kind of a deal on it. Like a no payment for a very long time deal. Don't get me wrong, they still have almost a half a million out in loans from three different banks, so maybe that is how they are getting by.
I am frankly appalled at many if not all comments posted here. I do not think this is how the website is intended to be used. All that I have read are suppositions and finger-pointing. Now, all that matters now is the children. How do you think they will feel if they stumble across your 'accusations' and 'insights'? I am sure they will have the urge to google their mother sometime in the future, if they don't hear about this from a friend. I'm sure they would love to hear these so-called "SUBSTANTIATED FACTS," such as their sister may only be their "half-sister." As if they don't have enough to deal with already. Shame on all of you. Save this information for the courtroom, where it can be reviewed and accepted as fact or fiction by an intelligent and impartial group (hopefully more so than those posting here.) I will wait to make my judgement until information and facts are decided in court. In the meantime I urge you to think about what you've really accomplished by sharing these "facts" you think you have(unsubstantiated dirty secrets) with the world. Selfishness, pride and gossip solves nothing - neither does your 'view' of the matter. Hopefully you don't continue to compound the problem.
My condolences to those little ones.
Sincerely,
An outside party
Half a million in loans of which pay for three pieces of property. Not out of the realm.
I agree ABSOLUTELY with the last comment. Let the courts decide. If you are all concerned about protecting these children, the last post is dead on. You should be concerned about how your accusations will speak to them when they someday google their Mom and find these comments.
Well said - Shame on all of you!
Well it will come out weather it was pre meditated or not. I do see where you are coming from and I guess I will save it for the courtroom. This is still an open investigation. I guess I should be more carefull. Thanks and I apologize and thank you for helping me keep the rest of my secreats to myself. Only for the sake of the children. Thanks again.
Who said anything about three peices of properity?
my question is who are you and how do you have 'secrets' that are so detailed?
there was a comment about the amount of money (half a million dollars) they have in loans, they own three pieces of property. That's an average of $167,000 per piece, not hard!
Let's just say I have spent quite a bit of "Quality Time" with Todd Bodem in the past. Regreatfully
Don't use this as your means to 'get even'. Sad. Karma will come back to you.
No not hard at all. Just sad that they did not care to pay for Cece's funeral expenses. I'm not trying to get even at all. I'm just stating the truth and I guess I won't use this site to do so any more. The picture is bigger then what the world knows. The Truth will ALL come out. Along with the secreats and this case dosn't need me to have that accomplished.
The world has a right to know. Furthermore, if facts come out in the court room, then they will also be published on the internet and in the papers.
The days of secret caucuses and keeping things in the closet is over. Get the facts out and deal with them.
If you have opinions, then say they are opinions. If you have facts say they are facts. Any one is entitled to their opinion.
Part of the purpose of this forum is to vent and to mourn. Seems like many end up obtaining closure here. But in other cases, the facts come to light. If there are facts surrounding a possible criminal prosecution, then by all means bring them to light. So far this appears to have been mere neglect by someone who in all liklihood was not real stable. That is my opinion, but I want to know more facts...
K.
You know what? I was thinking the same thing. I have stated truth and true facts. I have googled Katherine and their are some really mean posts out their. At least my truth is sheding light on the situation. Todd should have taken care of his wife and family. This is a prime example of what can happen if you let things go on to long without help.
Any poster has a right to vent and to state their opinion. I agree they need to clarify what is fact and what is opinion.
I have gotten much more insight from reading family and friends comments. I am inclined to believe venting is the first stage of healing what otherwise is a potential powder keg. Asking questions is how we learn.
M.
If you know all the facts, put them out there. We all want to hear all sides of the story. Inform us.
b.
What more can you tell us?
Well we knew with the break down of the Bodem family and all the chaios that was going on that ALL the children were in danger. We basically predicted Kathy would go after the baby (CeCe) because she was the most vonurable. We begged to get them help but we were told that until a crime has been commited then their was nothing the authorities could do. We could only pray for a broken arm or a bruse and then wait. Well now Cecelia is dead and probably saved the rest of her brothers and sister. But because of the crime the mother can now get the help we all wanted her to get to begin with in order to save all the children. And Katherine and Todd. Rest in Peace baby CeCe. You live in our hearts and with Jesus who loves you so much and he is paying attention to you because you did a good thing baby girl. You were a martyr for the cause.
At least hopefully Cecelia's death will bring about the help the family needs.
The disturbing thing is, is that they protected The Family in the past and they are going to protect them now. She isn't going to be punished as I think most of us see fit. (They being our lovely government that we are forced to rely on for our protection) It makes me sick to know that we had to lose and 11-month-old helpless, innocent baby to the carelessness of our government. I know that neglect is punishable by law and agree that there should be something done about it but what about our government who has neglected to take care of a child who has NO voice and NO means to get help? It's absolutely mind boggling to me. She was an amazing little girl and didn't deserve the failure from all of us!!
Actually, in some states a civil case for negligence can be brought against the government for failing to do their job. Consult a local lawyer.
Dollar Bill
Believe me many things are underway as we speak. Their are doucmented times and dates as to when calls were made to Dakota County concerning the Bodems.
It is just another extention that will go underway along with the trial and after. Things are set to go in motion. Hopefully in the end some new laws will be created and some old ones changed.
Regreatfully? Secreats? Vonurable? Come on people, at least make an effort to spell things correctly.
I wish I had known about this site before this. Most of the discussion is worthless and one-sided, but it is interesting. Then again, I'll probably make this post and then forget about it, since I rolled my eyes at 3/4 of these comments. A recent poster who brought up the kids "Googling" their mother one day is absolutely correct. However, some of what has been said here is true, so maybe the kids should find out some truths that way. They certainly won't get it from their parents. I happen to know that whole family in a detached sort of way (but close enough through the years to know some intricacies), and can tell you that Kathy IS crazy and really has been for at least 25 years; Todd IS naive, unreliable, and flaky, and cheated on his wife one time many years ago, but he means well; their loans ARE mortgages on their primary residence and rental properties, nothing more; there's no way either of them intentionally hurt their children; and Betty and Jim Koberoski are religious in the fanatical sort of way that they believe whatever they do is the work of God, never the devil, and no matter how grievous their sins they will be forgiven (this is especially true for Betty, to the point of creepy, movie-like depictions - in her actions - of her character flaws and her ability to blindly stick up for Jim regardless of circumstance); and it HAS been suspected for years in the "grapevine" of Mankato that some very bad things happen within the walls of their house.
Well, it's clear from the tenor of all of these posts that I'll get blasted for writing this, but that's OK. Since it appears mostly family members and some "friends" are posting, this will never be an objective discussion anyway. My husband advised me to not even bother, but I got my two cents in. I hope the remaining kids are safe, Kathy goes to jail and gets help, Todd clears his head - if that's possible - and gets out of there with the kids, and the Koberoskis either go to jail or to the nearest lie-detector testing station.
I know her response already: "The Koberoskis will gladly take a lie detector test...blahblahblah..." Riiiiiiiiiiiight.
You should listen to your husband.
Actually, the two posts above from anonymous makes a heck of a lot of sense in that most folks here want the best for the kids. What is the best is what some of us our trying to figure out. So what ever observations first hand or otherwise are available, we want to hear them as long as they are true.
We want to know, because we do care!
I cannot believe all this!
I have lived with these people(Koberoskis) for a year! 10 years ago and I thought somethings were not right in that house. How do you know about all the abuse?
I hope that the granddaughter that they watch right now is okey!
I have stayed with this family for a year as an exchange student and I always thought things were very different in that house, but I never expected all this, but I guess I am not surprised after everything I saw and heard. I really hope they never abused any other foreign exchange student. None of this seems far fetched to me. the other bloger was right they are as "cult" like as they get in the movies!
If all this is true I really hope they get what they deserve.
This whole family needs serious HELP!!!!!
Oh you poor girl! Now tell the truth!
The truth shall set you free!
There is no more I can say! Nothing ever happened while I was there not that I know of anyway!
What can neighbors add?
Well I'm a neighbor and I can add that they have a very wonderful and successufl business. For 35 years they have built a large and georgous nursery and have a very strong customer base. Their home is large and very nice and Betty holds a prayer group every Monday. Many show up and even more since all this has happened. Not just to pray but to show their support. I was at their daughter's wedding this weekend along with about 500 other people as well. It wsa held at the Civic Center in Mankato and it was Devine. Jim walked his daughter down the asile as he did Katherine. The granddaughter was in the wedding as well, Her brother Sam flew in from Washington D.C. and siblings were their but not Katherine, and many other people from several states and hundreds of local family and friends from both sides. Erything was PERFECT. It's nice that life is still going good on, and going on blessfully at this end despite the Bodem stuff. If anyone is curious enough you can go to the nursery where their home is also located and you can meet Jim and Betty and the rest of the family for yourselves. Edenvale Nursery 19244 State Hwy. 22 Mankato MN. Go and see for yourselves what great and kind and wonderful people they are and have always been.
What is the latest on Kathy?
Kathy is suppose to have a psych evaluation by May 1st. If she has had it then I am sure they have her put away somewhere or they should at least. If she hsan't had it then she is to have supervised only time with the children and is not to be alone with any of them at any time.
Does anyone know why they waited so long to do an evaluation and why she is still with her other kids without it? I know that Todd has to be there but do we all really believe that he is ALWAYS there? Lets be honest.
Her family and friends begged the county to do an evaluation when Cece was only one month old. The state did not want Katherine to have any contact with any of her remaining children at all. The judge left her in Todds custody. Believe me the state and the county are two different opperations. If she is left alone even for a second with any of the children their will be severe consequenses for both Kathy and Todd. I think they both understand that and I am aware that they are being watched. Todd has seen to it that their is outside help, and Kathy has been caught by the county a few times now not doing what she is suppose to be doing even when the children were not with her. It took so long because our government is slow and they have to go by rules and laws. If things were different then they could have helped them before and Cece would still be with us. Just pray that Kathy is never alone with them. I fear for the children and Todd.
Wow, now the Koberoskis are posting as other people. Notice the exchange student who was abused spelled her name "anonimous" and then when she supposedly posted the next day, she all of a sudden learned to spell "anonymous" or used that option as a post i.d. These people are sick, and lots of people know it. Perhaps the foreign exchange student (who is easily reachable, by the way) will be given a subpoena to appear in court at the Koberoski's trial. One can only hope.
You are an idiot! "SHE" never even said she was a she. This is not the Koberoski's. I know them and I know of only one foreign exchange student that they had a problem with and it was a girl. That is why I said "you poor girl". and that is why a "SHE" responded. She stole from them and also was taking perscription drugs. They sent her back to her country and yes she is available. Have you forgotten that Katherine Bodem is going on trial and not the Koberoskis and they never ever will unless being great is a crime.
Okey, first of all THAT exchange student was never abused and never saw any abuse I know that for a fact! Second all you people that write on this site DO NOT write things unless you know the facts OKEY? And HE is not available for court!
WE need to remember that this is all about Kathy and the kids!
So they abused a boy, as evidenced by the one who writes "okey" in his posts (that's plural - multiple posts by that person). They're even more sick than everyone I talk to thought they were. Yes, Katherine will be on trial, but it will lead to the Koberoskis being put on trial in both courts - judicial and public opinion. Did you ever read the book (true story) Sleepers - the child abuser who was called to testify ends up crying on the stand when all his wrongs are outed; following that, he went on trial and was jailed for many years. In other words, Kathy's trial will play out like a book. The wheels are already in motion. The result of Kathy's many years of abuse at the hands of villainous parents led to the death of a little angel. If the Koberoskis would just admit to all they have done and are doing, some sort of closure could begin to take hold.
And by the way, the foreign exchange student who is NOT available for court is actually very available - check the law of summons relating to non-U.S. citizens.
Man you are sick and in need of help. You can only wish you could blame a book. The Koberoskis have grandparent rights and I think that is what you are very afraid of as you should be. They are successful as parents and great wonderful people in general. Katherine is ill. She needs help and will get it and believe me the only trial that will be going on besides Kathy's is the one that is in the best interest of the children. Which by law the next family members in line after the father (who also is in desperate need of mental help) Custody will be shared by the Bodem and Koberoski grandparents.
So Kathy's defense is she was re in acting a book? She is even more messed up then she looks. Did she ever get her shoes? Man this is getting ugly. It should all be about the remaining children now and if Katherine and her husband are fit to parent them. In my opinion they both are NOT!
You have no facts of having Koberoskis sexualy abusing anybody!!!!!!!
Facts where are the FACTS?
There are millions and millions of people around this world who have been abused in many different ways, but that is not an excuse for the actions of what she did. She needs to take responsibility for her actions,mentaly ill or not. If she was in such bad shape why was she not getting in patient help,now that something like this happens ,everyone wants to blame anybody else except for the kathy. Just because she may have been abused does not even come close to justifying what SHE did!!!
Why are you so sure that there is only one exchange student living back in the states? I know for a fact that there are more than one who currently lives in the surrounding area, and you have absolutely no proof that anyone did anything wrong like stealing or causing any kind of trouble. I was very close to that family and I know many exchange students who moved back to this area. Get your facts straight before you write that kind of garbage. OK!
What makes you think that these non citizens are non citizens. Have you ever heard of gaining citizenship? And by the way no one is available for court if they know nothing. You people need to get a life and worry about your own families,because if you are this interested in all of other peoples business,then maybe it's you who needs the help as well. Lets think about the children and not who's right or wrong. Grow up people and get a life!
AMEN!!!! Just pray for the best outcome for the children.
The rules of life do not apply to Katherine. She thinks she is above all and she is narcissistic. She was never abused but has convinced herself that she has been so she does not have to take responsibility. She has gone on her flesh for as long as she could but now look at her. Talk about nothing left to cling on to! She is not going to get away with this or anything else she has or was planning. The judge will have a field day once she starts in about her "Horrible Year" she was having.
Wow I can see it now. Well your honor we have decided to turn the trial into a play based on the book Sleepers (a true story). Katherine: Your honor I put my two babies in the bath tub with the water running and then went online on another floor of the house for twenty minutes to shop for shoes. I was having a horrible year and then I remembered that it was my parents fault.
Defense: Katherine how come it is your parents fault?
Katherine: Well I had time to myself because I can't be trusted with my dhildren alone and so I had to read. My mom use to make me read when I was a little girl, so I grabbed the first book at the library which was Sleepers (a true story) and decided that I wanted my trial to play out like this book.
The book Sleepers has nothing to do with Kathy's defense, it is referenced as the way the Koberoskis will be seen in court. As abusers who will be forced to take the stand and then it should all come out. I'm sure that they won't ever admit to anything, but it's already starting to come out anyway. Of course, as we all know, they are such people of God that they'll never be able to place their hand on the good book and lie to the court (yeah, right).
By the way, I agree - Kathy should go to jail for a long, long time. Perhaps even longer than the expected 4-year sentence. The kids should probably be put in someone other than Todd's care (though he doesn't have mental problems). I'm in no way defending Kathy - SHE'S GUILTY, IRRESPONSIBLE, MENTALLY ILL, whatever else anyone has called her - I'm just saying the grandparents reap what they sow (there is a difference between saying it's not Kathy's fault and saying the Koberoskis are terrible people - it is her fault and they are terrible people). Not that any of you fools that are trying to defend these sick people would understand what that means.
Keep on defending them; the transparencies are evident and are beginning to show in the investigations.
Yes sure ok.... I'll be sure to tell you if any investigators go to Jim and Betty's. So far only customers have shown up. Maybe the customers are all spy's out to uncover the big conspiracy. It's so nice they buy plants on their way out.
NO one is defending Koberoskis, if they are guilty I hope they get what they deserve and if they are not then shame on you for making them look like monsters!
A few observations:
1. Opinions are welcome, but make sure as a poster that you say that it is your personal opinion. Please do not post opinions as if they are facts.
2. There are two separate issues:
A. What becomes of the charges against Katherine Bodem?
B. What is in the best interest of the surviving children?
3. With issue A, facts are important as to the mental health of Katherine as well as her state of mind at the time of Cecelia's death. Opinions in this area, may or may not shed light on her health status. Facts, always are informative.
4. With regard to the best interest of the children. Presumably Child Protective Services or Family Services is now closely monitoring what is in the best interest of the children. Most states presume that rehabilitating and reuniting the family should be a goal whenever possible. If not, they will likely determine if it is in the best interest to keep the children with Todd and make a recommendation accordingly to the family court.If not, suitable alternative guardians for the children may be arranged.
5. If posters stick to what they personally know, the information is much more informative and helpful for all involved. This community obviously needs closure. The death of C.C. was a tragedy. Nothing will bring her back. All that can be done is to let Katherine get a fair trial and let the family court system decide what is best for the children.
In my opinion, it is my opinion that there are at least five different posters in my opinion on here that in my opinion are saying that the grandparents have done some very bad things in their opinions.
Seriously now, that's a lot of innuendo to be floating around independent of each other for nothing to be wrong.
It's impossible to decipher fact from opinion on a site such as this. "It's a fact that Todd lost two jobs... one for sexual harassment and one for porn on his computer..." Response: "No he didn't - I know Todd and he lost them for this reason and that reason." Who is right?
Actually, most of the fact are easy to figure out once the opinions are separated. For example, Tom's former boss knows why he was fired.
Another example is that if any abuse charges have been filed, they will be documented. If Katherine checks into a mental health clinic, that will also be documented.
One thing that I know, that this particular forum develops more facts then most of mainstream media. Thousands have followed this story and many more thousands will during the trial.
We are getting a little more background on the family and I suspect this site may make it easier to decide what is in the best interest of the children. (Opinion)
J.O.
As the Wal-mart subrogation story has shown, the internet gives the public opinion clout. The case is discussed in the court of public opinion and now litigants, judges and jurors are perhaps beginning to recognize that the jury of public opinion is a force that may need to be reconned with...
Fact- only charges and records of abuse and neglect at the hands of Katherine Bodem are in Dakota and Lesueur county. Fact- no records of abuse have been recorded on any other family members ever.
You forgot one:
Fact - Only an estimated 11% of all sexual abuse that occurs in the United States is reported to authorities.
Opinion- Then maybe the Bodem children should report their father Todd to the authoirties and raise the percentage.
Based on the Facts gathered from Dakota County.
Fact-People usually point fingers at others when they themselves are the guilty one.
Todd as a sexual abuser of his own children. Congratulations on winning the prize for the STUPIDEST thing that has been written on this board yet. The guy's got plenty of faults, but he's not a perverted, incestual pedophile. TALK ABOUT POINTING FINGERS (in other words, we can guess who posted that)! Wow, you're an idiot. Clearly, the poster of that nonsense is trying to take attention away from the issue at hand, which started as multiple people pointing the finger at the grandparents. Lots of "opinions" of course, but all those fingers are pointing the same direction until your ridiculous accusation.
Not a ridiculous accusation. More of a Ah Ha moment of now we get it. In my opinion. Sure brings clearity of why that poster started in on the grandparents. Those poor kids. I hope that they GET OUT!
I feel like some of you people are posting based on things you have heard from others, not from what you actually know. Do all of you know Todd and Kathy personally? Or have some of you followed the story and the blogs so long you actually do feel like you know them and have made it a reality for yourselves? Step back and think about that. Be careful, Karma will come back to you. This is a reality for this family and they may be reading this currently and some may read this in the future. Let's face it, there are facts out there but everyone can only speculate because of the fact that the family has shut out everyone around them. We may never know the truth or we may never know what goes on or has gone on behind closed doors. Don't be malicious. This is real! Step in the shoes of those that love that family. Those of you that are looking in from the outside, it's easy to say someone is crazy and that the parents are worthless and the kids need to be taken away. Really? Do you know what Todd is like? Have you sat down and had a cup of coffee with him? Do you know what he does from day to day? Yes, Kathy needs some help and I think we all hope that she gets what she needs. Yes, I said needs. She needs the government and the people that care about her and her livelihood to take care of her. She is a human and she may have some issues. If it was you, wouldn't you hope someone would help you? If you are perfect, then judge away but keep in mind this is someone’s reality! To those of you that know and love that family, keep holding on to what little it sounds that you have and don’ t give up on the fact that they need you all to be there no matter how many times they shut you out. Don’t turn on the ones you love. And those of you that don’t know who this family really is, read what you write carefully before you write it…
The above post is excellent and so true. I am following this case as close as I can. I do not know the families but it is clear to me this is a family in need of services.
Counseling for Kathy.
Counseling for Todd.
Counseling for Kids
Counseling for Grandparents to learn how to deal with all this resentment.
In the end, I think it is good for those involved to vent. Facts need to be continued to developed so that the right decision in this case will eventually be reached.
Good observations so far and decent opinions...
I think Katherine will get off with counseling and probation.
No probably a day at the spa and a spree at DWS. Are you High?
I mean DSW. I do not think probation is an option at this point. Their is to much evidence of prior neglect of all of the children.
Yes I know Todd personally and I have not sat with him for coffee but we have tipped a few back at a strip club quit a few times in the past.
why would you put something like "we have tipped a few back at a strip club quit a few times in the past." on here.
Because a previous poster posted "Do you know what Todd is like? Have you sat down and had a cup of coffee with him? Do you know what he does from day to day?" He isn't at all a man of God and has never treated his wife and children as a real man should. I'm no saint eaither, but come on. The guy hid his wifes problem as if she was a freak to be locked up in her home instead of getting her help long long ago. As far as I'm concerned he is just as guilty and the children should not be left alone with eaither one of them.
Please,don't jump to conclusions. Just because a man goes to a strip club and has a few beers does not mean he is not a good Christian. May mean he is not a good baptist, but you can still drink and be a christian.
Also, I would rather a man go to a strip club a few times then do a heck of a lot of other things.
Now personally, I think Katherine will get probation, she will get treatment, she may even get house arrest. But I can't see where she intended to harm her daughter. Seems to me she needs help not punishment.
As for the husband, I see him as nothing other than an ordinary guy who is not perfect. But not being perfect is not a crime.
Lets help this couple and the kids by seeing to it that counseling is made available soon and often!
If a man lost his kids just because he went to a strip bar now and then, there would be "few fit" men in the U.S.
A strip club is no big deal. You can look without touching!
My opinion, Sounds like a quite alot of problems in and around that family, for her supposedly "best friend" Rachel to say it was "bound to happen" sounds like they are 2 peas in a pod, and should maybe get her head examined too before she does the same crazy stuff. Whackos tend to hang out with whackos.
I have not seen Kathy since Easter of 06, and then in court. I wish I could spend some time with her again and let her know that I am still here for her and that I pray for her and her family and I really do care. Kathy and I have so many great memories, and I am happy that is all I have. My life is grand, and for you to call me a whacko for trying to get my friend some help before Cece died, then I guess you can call me whatever you want. I really do not care. I just wish the best for Kathy and Todd and all of her children.
Rachel Bennett
....misery loves company!
some of you just have NO class....
Thanks Rachel. What Kathy needs right now is a friend!
not sure Kathy needs that kind of friend....probably just mess her up even more. I mean just by asking around Mankato, you find out alot about people and there lives. And there are records/ county papers in Mankato that i would not want that kind of friend, hanging around Kathy if she is trying to NOT go to jail. Like was said earlier, alot of counseling to go around that bunch. And if living life on welfare, food stamps, and having a restraining order put on you for having an affair, unemployed for years is having a 'grand" life..... you might want to get some SERIOUS Counseling honey! like was said earlier also Whackos tend to hang out with whackos. Good Luck Kathy
You obviously do not know who you are talking about. Rachel works for Blue Earth County and is going to be married to a prominent member of the community. Tell your sources they are barking up the wrong tree. She does not have any restraining orders against her and never has. She has had help with food support and medical assistance, but she also has worked very hard. How many jobs has Kathy had? By the way Rachel also has two children who are still alive and thriving and she is a single mom. Not for long though. Nothing has stopped Rachel from being the success she is today. I myself am very proud of her and how she has overcame some very tough challenges in her life. She is an inspiration to many women in Mankato. Keep your chin up Kathy. This too shall pass.
Mary H.
Since when did being poor or needing welfare make you a bad person? Rachel sounds like she is one of very few that is willing to step up and support Katherine.
Opinion: Katherine needs counseling, but she also needs love and support from friends and family. For that matter, in my opinion, so does Todd. Needing help, friends and love, is never a bad thing.
I am Kathy's little sister and I have just now read these comments for the first time. I am the godmother of 2 of Kathy's kids and love those kids as my own. My parents are as far from abusive as you can get so lets just squash that roomer right now. We were all cut out of the Bodem's lives and know little of what has happened for the last 2 years. I really hope that none of you out there have to experience the pain that this has brought to our family. Thank you to those who have not been quick to judge. This is a confusing thing for all of us and you all are not going to solve the problem by guessing about how aweful we are. you are wrong. god bless.
To Kathy's little sister:
Tell her that she is still loved even though she may have shut many of you out of her life. Love her children, for they will need it. Try to avoid throwing rocks at any one to the extent possible. This family is in crisis and needs help and love.
Time for some good old fashion faith healing with a circle of love!
I think Katherine will get some serious jail time!
Katherine will rehabilitate quickly and get on with her life.
Thats nice.
Katherine will rehabilitate quickly from what? And where?
By rehabilitate, get some minor jail time (corrections), get some counseling, and be back on the streets a new woman. Just my hypothesis of what will likely happen.
Lakeville mom pleads guilty; tot drowned while she surfed Web
By Frederick Melo
fmelo@pioneerpress.com
Article Last Updated: 05/06/2008 03:08:34 PM CDT
Katherine Bodem A Lakeville woman who went shopping for shoes on the Internet while her 11-month-old daughter drowned pleaded guilty today to two counts of manslaughter.
Katherine Bodem, 38, appeared in Dakota County District Court to enter her plea. She will be sentenced May 19.
Bodem, according to charges, left her daughter, Cecilia Bodem, in an upstairs bathtub with a 2-year-old sibling and went downstairs to surf the Internet. Investigators believe the children were unattended for nearly 20 minutes.
Investigators later interviewed Bodem and her 10-year-old daughter, who gave different versions of events.
Bodem indicated that when she could no longer hear the kids splashing in the bath water, she called upstairs to check on them, and then ran up and tried to revive her baby by hitting the child on the back and blowing into her mouth.
Her 10-year-old daughter said that Bodem went to check on the baby after her 2-year-old brother came downstairs to say that something was wrong.
An examination of Bodem's computer prior to her 911 call showed various search engines and Web sites had been accessed to look for shoes.
Bodem's family and neighbors have said they had long expressed concern about her mental health and competency. At the time of the incident, she was alone in the house with five children.
Guilty is such a harsh word...
she will get off light.
Not harsh enough!
I think they may have had trouble convicting her if she had not reached a plea bargain. She may not have had the capacity to have been intentionally neglectful.
I think they may have had trouble convicting her if she had not reached a plea bargain. She may not have had the capacity to have been intentionally neglectful.
Kathy will be back! She will be reunited with her children!
I hope NOT!!!!
It will happen. This was not a knock out punch. She will only do half of the time at most and then will work with child protective services for reunification of the family.
Bodem is like a rubber ball, she keeps bouncing back.
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