Meet Kelsey

 

      Kelsey Shelton Smith-Briggs was born on December 28, 2008 to Raye Dawn Smith and Lance Briggs. Her parents got a divorce very early in Kelsey’s life. The abuse began in January 2005 in the home of her mother and stepfather Michael Lee Porter. Kelsey landed in the hospital on several occasions, which included a broken collarbone, broken legs, and multiple bruises and abrasions on her face and body. Unfortunately her father was in the military and serviced in the Middle East while the abuse was occurring. Her father loved her dearly. In April 2005 was once again in the hospital, but this time for two broken legs and spiral fractures. The poor little girl was dying. Her grandmother was desperately fighting for custody for her granddaughter, but the judge continuously awarded Raye Smith custody of the child. Kelsey put up a great but difficult fight, but sadly on October 11, 2005 she died on blunt force trauma to the abdomen, in that cruel home. Days before her fathers home coming.

     In February 2007 Michael Lee Porter pleaded guilty to enabling child abuse and was sentenced 30 years. July 18, 2007 Raye Smith was convicted and sentenced to 27 years in prison. In March 2006, the Oklahoma state legislature passed the Kelsey Smith-Briggs Child Protection Reform Act to reform the way courts and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) handle cases related to child abuse and neglect.Although one child’s life was taken in order for this act to be placed, it has and will help children that are going through the same circumstances.