Verdict reached Today, Monday, November 24th, 2008.  Second Degree Murder with 3 allegations found to be true.  Sentencing will be January 16th.  According to the DA and Victim's Advocate the she-devil is looking at 40 years to life. Michael's family is happy with the verdict.  Sentencing continued to January 20, 2009.  Court is finally over.  Sentencing was today.  I would say the judge was a little upset with the murderer of my son through statements the judge made during the sentencing.  Sentencing is 40 years to life....  This does not bring back Michael; but, she will not be able to bring pain to another family.  

Update: I got a phone call from Sonya, our Victims Advocate.  This is Jennifer's CDC Number:  X12963.  Her minimum eligibility for parole will be June 25, 2021.  I am counting on Michael's family and friends to make sure she will not be paroled.   

4/3/09  Update on Michael's Sons:  Jesse and Justin are now with me (their Grandma) in Oklahoma. They both are doing good.  They are safe and I am so happy to have them.  Michael Jr is still in Idaho.  He is also doing well.  Dirk and Grandma Moore are taking good care of him.  He wants to finish school and taking care of his horses.  He's a real cowboy. 

A Man that loses his wife is a widower,   
A Woman that loses her husband is a widow, 
What do you call a Mother that loses her son to murder? 

     
 This memorial website was created in the loving memory of our son, grandson, brother, father, nephew, uncle, cousin, boyfriend and friend.

  

Michael's Family Would Like to Thank All Of You Who Visits Michael's Memorial Website. We Receive A Great Deal of Comfort.

Michael's Father, Vince, joined him in Heaven January 5th, 2009. Vince had been suffering from Colon and Liver cancer. He went peacefully in his sleep. Vince was buried next to his son, Michael, at Desert View Cemetery,11478 Amargosa Road, Victorville, CA.

Vince never recovered from Michael's murder.  Vince wanted to be with his son and now they are together.

Made by a beautiful lady named, Georgia.


http://gospelman.info/christian/HelloGOD.html/ 

http://www.greatdanepro.com/Dear%20Jesus/index.htm

Another tragedy.  Savannah Rose, my great-granddaugher was still-born on 9/23/08.  This was Lisa and Michael's baby girl.  Lisa is my daughter's oldest daughter.  Savannah weighed in at 8 lbs. 1 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long.  My daughter said she was beautiful and a little Princess.  I am questioning God again and have received no answers. 

Savannah's funeral will be Wednesday, October 1st at 1pm at Mountain View Community Church in Fontana, CA.

Savannah Rose
I’ll never get to see your precious face;
or whisper words to make you feel safe.
I’ll never get to hear you cry.
I’ll never get a chance to rock you,
I'll never get a chance to hold you tight
when you can't sleep at night
I’ll never get to fall asleep with you in my arms,
all bundled in a blanket to keep you warm
I'll never get to hear you laugh and giggle
or see your little toes wiggle.
I’ll never get to see you grow into a toddler, a little girl.
I’ll never get a chance to kiss your precious face,
I’ll never get a chance to scold you.
I’ll never get a chance to bathe you.
Or tell you that Great-Grandma loves you.
There are many things I’ll never get to do,
but the hardest thing is not being with you or your Mommy.
I’ll forever love you and have you in my heart.
Our Savannah, too perfect for Earth.
God wanted another Rose in Heaven’s Garden, so God chose our Savannah Rose.

I love you, Great-Grandma Beverly Ribaudo

Visit Savannah and light a candle at:

http://savannah-bates.memory-of.com

 
                                 

I found this poem in Michael's things.

" A Mother's Gifts are Precious"

Mother, I just want to thank you for the very
Special gifts you've given me all my life.
You've given me the gift of sweet childhood memories.
You've given me the gift of dreams,
The ones you've made come true,
And the ones I've achieved myself
Because of your encouragement.
But most important of all,
You've always given me the gift of your love,
The most precious gift of all.
There's no way I could possibly
Thank you enough for these gifts and so many more.
I will always be so grateful and
You will always have a special place in my life,
And in my Heart.
Love You Son,
Mike Ribaudo, Sr.
June 8, 1998

            
Michael Anthony Ribaudo, Sr. 
Taken from us much too soon.



Michael, From your Sis.

    
 
Gifts from Judie Smart..  Thank you.
http://craig-smart.memory-of.com


   







 


                  

  

What a Magnificent Butterfly!  Taken in the backyard.  7/20/07.

Michael, I saw this same butterfly yesterday.  It flys in when I'm out watering and leaves when I come in the house. 7/25/07

   



http://www.feelingsfrommyheart.org/I_AM_YOUR_MOTHER_
Written_by_Janet_Grzegorek_For_Michaels_Mom.html?1160677298375

http://www.feelingsfrommyheart.org/PRAYER_FOR_A_BROKEN_HEART_
BY_Janet_Grzegorek_Nov_12_2006.html?1160704703921

Thank you Janet S. Grzegorek it is beautiful.
http://edwin-ed-grzegorek.memory-of.com 
   
   As you pass through this Memorial for Michael, please take a moment to say a prayer for us and the loved ones of other murdered victims, their families and friends. Or, take a moment to light a candle or just a moment of silence. The wounds are so raw. Also, take time to tell a loved one that you love them, hug them, call them - don't wait until later, because you may not get that chance. Yesterdays are gone forever and there is no guarantee for tomorrow. 
Prayers & Hugs
Love you, Michael's Mom 



http://www.andiesisle.com/icanonlyimagine.html

  
           
          
     
       Thank you Donna Medeiros for the Eternal Candle
        http://ruth-hobbs.memory-of.com/

        




Our baby brother, William (Billy) Henry White, Jr.  was born June 11, 1950 and passed away in his sleep December 27, 2006.  Billy will be buried next to our Mother in Oklahoma City.  We always called him Billy.  Over the years I have not spent much time with Billy, him living in Texas and me in California.  I know this is just an excuse.  We need to make time for our family.  Nevertheless, I always thought about my Baby Brother, Billy and loved him.  I remember the first time I saw him. Billy had these beautiful dark brown eyes and this beautiful dark brown hair.  Billy was such a beautiful little boy.  Billy was special in so many ways.  He was born during a time, when children that weren't perfect were pushed away in special care facilities.  This is where Billy spent most of his life. Sad for Billy and sad for Billy's family. 

Too many years ago, we had a family vacation at Niagara Falls.  Billy, being a toddler went running for the water.  He thought we were playing with him when everyone started running after him.  Finally, I said: "Billy, you stop right now and he came running back to me".  I remember I was so scared and angry with him.  No matter, who he met, he told this story.  How he remember, when he was so young.  Another thing I remember, we are at Lake McAlester one summer day so many years ago.  Billy put his foot, shoe and all, in a glass jar.  Of course, the glass broke and cut Billy's ankle.  I remember the cut was so deep and had to be taken to the emergency department.  He would let no one but me sit with him while he got stitches.  Billy was also an Elvis fan.

Billy's sisters, countless nieces and nephews love him and will miss him.  I know most of his family wish the same thing, that we had spent more time with Billy.  Billy will remain forever young - in mind and in spirit.   Mom, I know your arms were wide open and waiting at Heaven's Gate for Billy.  He is now safe with you and you don't have to worry about Billy.  I know, Billy, you are happy also, you are with our Mother.  
Love you, Your Sis, Beverly





                       
              
                                   
 Michael, Your Aunt Danni & Uncle Charlie lost Losa yesterday, November 4th, 2006.  Their hearts are broken.  We know he is in Heaven with you.  Your Aunt Danni wants you to take care of him....  Love You, Sis                  

                             
Information of Court Proceedings are in His Timeline...
     
  Michael was born in Hawthorne, California on May 07, 1968. Michael's parents are: Beverly and Vincent Ribaudo. Parents are divorced. (Please take a few minutes to visit Michael's Photos.) 

Michael has an older sister, Sherri Lynn. She was born January 9, 1967. They were always pretty close. Sherri was Michael's protector growing up. If you messed with her brother, you had to deal with her. Sherri, married Michael's closest friend, Bryan Speer. To Michael, Bryan was his bro... They have four children, Christopher, Lisa, Ashley and Cody. Christopher has also added Lorraine (his girlfriend) and their baby, Ryan to the family clan. 



AM I STILL A SISTER

Am I still a sister, now that he is gone?
And that part of me can never be replaced.
Am I still a sister, to that which death has stolen?
And I cry for the part of me never more to be.
Am I still a sister, though time has torn us apart?
And life is forever changed, different, and displaced.
Am I still a sister, the things we share no more?
And how I miss the times we had, oh so smilingly.
Am I still a sister, without his tender touch?
And is it still the same, this new path I chart.
Am I still a sister, the phone no longer rings?
And never more will I hear his voice, 
as I wait in wandering.
Am I still a sister, without him in my life?
Of course, because you see, 
he lives now and forever in my heart. 

Love u, Bro

  
                  

                                


My Two Angels - Michael - My Angel In Heaven
   Sherri - My Angel On Earth



Michael was a very colicy baby until he was about 6 months old. Michael was such a cute baby.  He had these tiny heart-shaped lips. He needed to be held. I would spend hours in the evening rocking him. Michael was my baby boy. Michael only wanted his Mama as a baby.  Michael was always a small child for his age. Bigger kids would always pick on him. Then when he was about 15 years old, he grew about 4-5 inches. He was always a very loving and giving child. 

                 

Michael lived in the Redondo Beach and Torrance, California area during his childhood. Spent about a year in Thousand Oaks, California. As an adult, Michael, spent about 10 years in the Anaheim, California area. The balance of his adulthood was spent in the Ontario, Fontana and Rialto, California area. 

As a teenager, the girls loved him and he loved the girls. He has the most beautiful blue eyes. Girls were in awe of his sky blue eyes. He was about 6'1" 145 pounds during his teen years and well into his adult life.


Michael married Karen Bemis in October, 1989 and they had three  boys: Mikey, Justin and Jesse. These boys were the light in his life. He loved them so much. He never stopped loving Karen. She was his true love. He said: "She was the only woman that ever understood him". He would have given his life for them. I know now why "Release Me" was one of Michael's favorite songs.  He needed to be released from the memories and the love he carried for Karen.  Only death released him from these chains.  Karen and Michael were divorced years later. Michael had not seen his two youngest sons for the past 8 years. When Michael lost contact with his sons, he lost his zest for life. He really didn't care what happened to himself. 

Michael & His Sons
The Background  Snake River in Idaho (taken August 2006).  
This was such a beautiful place to visit. 




Michael's Loves
(This is one of last pictures of the 5 of them together.)

Thank you Lisa Copeland. Truly an Amazing Gift.
http://www.edward-copeland.memory-of.com

Michael wanted to see them. He wanted to hug them, hold them and tell them how much their Daddy loved them. Mikey, Jr. had visited us in 2005 and Mikey, Jr. had called him in the weeks before his death. This is when Michael got his zest for life back. He was waiting for the days when his boys would be old enough to visit. This was not Michael's time to go. Michael still had things to do. The one thing he wanted and wished for every day was to tell his sons how much he loved them.
 
Michael & Mikey Jr - 2005

Karen also had a daughter, Samantha. Michael loved this little girl. Even though Samantha's grandparents would give Michael a bad time over the years, it did not keep him from keeping track of her. He would always tell people that he had 3 sons and 1 daughter. It's just too bad that Samantha, did not know, until recently how much she was loved by my son, Michael. I will pass on to Samantha her baby album, pictures in frames that Michael kept in his computer room, and an album that my son has held for her for many years.

Michael could eat anything and never gain weight. He loved shrimp. He loved shrimp cooked with butter and garlic salt. He could eat shrimp seven days a week. Michael loved my homemade chocolate chip cookies and my homemade brownies. He could eat the whole pan of brownies. Michael loved to lick the bowls when I was baking. He would eat cookie dough raw. I would say to Michael: "Yuk". He would continue. 

Michael loved life. He sometimes (more than he should) would drive his car much too fast, and had the tickets to prove it throughout his life. No matter how hard he tried, there was always a policeman around the corner that would catch him speeding, or some type of driving infraction. After awhile, I think the Ontario, Rialto and Fontana Police knew his little white Honda Prelude, and would follow him until he did something stupid. I really hope there are no speed limits in Heaven. Beware, God, Michael has arrived. (God, I love my son. Take good care of him.) 




          
I know Michael's life on earth was troubled. Only Michael could know the full extent of this pain. I tried to understand, but was not always understanding. Part of his adult life was full of trials and tribulations. Michael was so unfair to himself.  Did I love Michael less because Michael was not my perfect child?  Of  course, not.  Most of his life he was a good son.  Somewhere along the way he got lost and had a hard time finding his way back.  I was there, praying that soon he would find his way.  Only God knew the pain that he was in. Michael was not perfect, had his faults, but he was my son, brother, father, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many and will be greatly missed. 



Michael was changing his life around. From 1999 to 2005, life had not been good to Michael and Michael had not been good to his life. Some of Michael's choices were not always the wisest. This broke my heart and Michael's family. I knew how loving and caring my son was and I wanted him back. I never gave up on Michael. Others gave up on Michael much to quickly. There were a few that did not take the time to understand Michael's pain or get to know Michael. He was judged much too quickly.  We got him back for a short time and then he was taken from us.  If Michael could have seen into the future, he would have seen just how much he was loved.  Michael once told me:  "I'm not good enough."  My reply to that was : "You are, God don't make no junk."  He didn't have to search, he already had so much love.

A gift From Cassandra (Groves) Hyatt.  Thank You.
http://daniel-groves.memory-of.com

The last year of his life, he had lead a sober life. On Friday, June 23, 2006 we celebrated his 1 year sobriety. Michael lead the meeting that night. I remember looking up at Michael and thinking how very proud I was of him.  He was surrounded by his family and friends.  He looked so good and Michael had a new look on life. He was finally taking responsibility for his own actions and doing something about it.   Now, Michael you are an Angel in God's Kingdom. No more struggles, no more pains - only happiness where no one can hurt you or judge you.

Michael would take people to AA/NA meetings. He wanted to make sure that the people he knew stayed sober. This was very important to him, the last year of his life. He was finally beating the demons. We were so proud of him. 



Another thing Michael would do, both to family and friends, he would come up behind you and place a wet kiss on your neck or cheek. He loved doing this when you least expected. And another thing, he would say in a little kid's voice: "I Wuv U".
                  
The one thing I do know, was that my son loved me. We would have our disagreements and I did not always agree with his life style, but the one thing Michael could count on throughout his life was his Mama's unconditional love. People called me an enabler, well I guess I was.  My son was very important to me and still is.

After Michael's murder, I learned that he had a song he dedicated to me - Mama by Boyz II Men. His friends told me that he loved his Mama so much.   Whenever I hear this song, I will always think of my son, Michael.


My Mama & Boyz II Men
May 2007
Laughlin, Nevada
Michael, this picture is for you.  I went to see the Boyz II Men Concert for you.  I shared with them how important their song Mama was to you.  

These are the memories that we will hang on to. No one will take these memories away. 

The momentos that were placed in Michael's coffin were unbelievable.  Michael was so loved. I was so touched beyond words.  All of his friends that Michael touched through his journey in life wanted a piece of them to be taken to Heaven with Michael.  There were pictures (so many), a cell phone, a cigarette, braclets, a necklace and so many other things that Michael's family and friends left for him.  This past Christmas (2005) I had bought Michael a black WestCoast Choppers Sweatshirt.  Michael loved this sweatshirt.  I was going to place this in with my son, but when I said my last goodbyes at the church, I took this sweatshirt and hugged it and cried.  I couldn't let go of my son or this sweatshirt.  I did have to let go of my son, but I keep this sweatshirt.  His sis said:  "Mom, take it, keep it".  It will go in a Memory case, along with all the dried flowers from the memorial that were placed outside our front door.

     

                   
    

 

          
                              



                   
              
          
   
Michael loves his pets. Laddie, a mixed collie/shephard, an Iguana (that Ashley (his niece) named Bob, and a cat named Tabby.

                                                     
                                                                                                         Cody & Tabby

           Laddie


I know Laddie is in Heaven with Michael, right by his side. (You see, the person that took my son's life was the same person that took Laddie's in June 2005. Laddie was 14 1/2 years, a great watch dog, very good with children and even our cats (Tabby & Missy). Laddie was a gentle dog and so loving. Laddie was deaf and didn't have a chance.) 



Michael loves his family in Oklahoma. (This is my side of the family.) His cuz: Brenda and Esta he loved so much (the two of them were his favorites). Michael loved talking to Brenda. Michael would call her a couple times a month to check on her and just chat. Jason and Sean(that's Brenda's two oldest boys), I know Michael is watching you. Sean, Michael would be saying "Stay out of trouble". And Esta, Michael thought she was just beautiful. He loved visiting his cuz. Jeannie, the oldest of the cuz, he would call and talk with her also. And then Michael's cousin, Andrew, how he loved aggravating him. Whenever I would go to Oklahoma to visit, Michael would always call Aunt Danni and say: "You take care of my Mom". Michael loved his family. Michael also has a crazy Aunt Bobbi (my sister) that lives in Texas. She is as childish, at times, as Michael was. Michael loves her very much. I could go on and on, but you get the idea, that Michael's family and friends were very important to him.

Through the years, Michael, had lost contact with his Father's family. I am sorry that they did take the time to keep in contact with each other. People get busy and things happen. Take the time, stay in contact with your loved ones, before they become a memory. 

Michael loved talking on the phone. He loved communicating with people. There were times when he would be on his cell phone, the house phone and sometimes my cell phone at the same time. I would get the telephone bills and think how could any one person make so many calls and talk to so many different people. This continued over the years. Michael would have been great at being a counselor. People would call all hours of the night to talk to him about their issues. Michael would listen and give his opinion.
Those that Michael met over the years and judged him without knowing him, was really their loss. My prayers go out to these people. Michael was really worth getting to know. If you had Michael as a friend, you had a friend. 

The night of Michael's Candle Lite Service and the morning of his Funeral answered that question. There were so many people. I had  no idea that my son had touched so many lives. I shared the same home with my son over the last 6 years, but I don't think I really knew him at all.

He would upset you in one breath and make you laugh in another. Another way, I was told, he would meet people is to ask for a cigarette and then he would talk and talk. My son knew people in our neighborhood that I didn't know. He never met a stranger.

Michael was very childish. Sometimes it was very aggravating. I would tell him, "Michael, grow up." He always would say: "I'm never going to grow up". Maybe, this is why so many babies and children would attach to Michael. He was a child at heart himself. Now my son, Michael, is forever young.

Michael loves children and they love him. Children would just attach to Michael. He was really good with them. Michael had an amazing chemistry. He made so many mistakes in his life, that he did not want any child that he knew in Harm's Way. So many children love him. He helped so many people. Michael loves his family and friends. Even the ones that were a threat to him, he tried to help.
 


                                                   





Michael loved Stuffed Bears..


Going through his things, I found 2 Mother's Day cards that he had forgotten to give to me and a cassette tape that he recorded for me so many years ago. The cassette tape was labeled: For Mom, if anything ever happens to me. He had never given this tape to me. I still have not listened to it, but I will. I need some time. 
              

There were two things I did, no matter where I was. If
I wasn't home or if Michael wasn't home, I would call Michael in the morning and say: "Good Morning" and at night I would call and say "Good Night". I never got a chance that night to tell Michael "Good Night". 





My son, I love you so much... I miss you... God, keep him in your loving arms. He needs so many hugs. Mom 

I need to tell you a story the day Michael was murdered. Michael had stopped by Christopher and Lorranie's house (that's his oldest nephew) earlier that evening. Earlier that day, Michael had taken Jenn Reynolds's children swimming. Jenn's children loved Michael. Jenn thought of Michael as the brother she never had. Michael felt the same way. Michael loved their trust in him. To them, Michael was their adopted uncle. They love him so. Now back to the story, Baby Ryan was eating a baby cookie and shared this with his Uncle Michael. Ryan never shared his cookies with anyone. They both looked at each other and grinned. This is the last memory that Christopher, Lorraine and Ryan have of Michael.
 

Thinking of You in Everything We Do 


      This is Christopher's Tribute to his Uncle Michael.





I had talked to Michael several times that Saturday. I think the last time, around 7:30pm. Around 8:45pm that Saturday night Christopher had been talking to Michael on the house phone. Christ