Ed Word.

A sentencing trial has been set for my buddy. The judge asked that his friends and family write letters expressing how they feel about the 25 to life Chad Coker is facing.(And the 25 more for kidnapping the woman previous to the murder). I felt very strongly that I should do this. I wanted the judge to know he is not just another case number. He is a real person. He will always be remembered. His ex-wife was brave enough to post his eldest daughters letter to the judge. It truely is heartwrenching. I have never felt so lucky to have known those beautiful, intelligent little girls. I fought with myself about posting this letter. In the end I feel somewhat....relieved....even grateful. Over a year now I have lived, waiting for some closure. Maybe that will never come. But what I do have is the ability to speak on his and his childrens behalf. It's the least I can do. I KNOW he would do that for me. He was arguably one of the most amazing people I have been lucky enough to have in my life. He will not soon be forgotten.




"But you will get over their death, although you don't believe it now. Know why? Because you knew him alive. Memories of life and living always win. You knew him dead for one terrible night but you knew him alive for a decade. Death is strong and has a viciously powerful hold for a while, but life is constant and insistent. It refuses to let go or be pushed back. When his death has eventually stopped bullying your memories, life will shove it aside and say, "Give me my place again. You have had your time in the spotlight but it is over. Go to the background where you know you belong."




Judge Lamb,

William Edward Westover was my best friend. He was everything to so many people. His three daughters, Brianna, Tatum, and Alyssa were his life. He lived and breathed for them. His family and his friends meant everything to him. He was always there when we needed him, with a shoulder to cry on, or a joke to make you smile. He would do anything for anyone, no questions asked. The most intelligent man I have ever met, along with the most dangerous and silly. He did anything to make you smile. Even if it meant doing something dangerous or embarrassing. My life is empty without him. His girls’ lives are forever damaged. He was so much more than I can express on paper. No life can be summed up in print. Our actions are what make us who we are and what people will remember. His will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him. His life was taken, not lost. Chad Coker is responsible for murdering my best friend. He made a conscious decision to take his life. He has no regard for the most precious thing in this world. Life. His life may be altered, but his heart still beats. His children may still see their father. Brianna, Tatum, and Alyssa will never again set eyes on their father. Never hear his voice. Never get to share the memories he should have had with them. They will never forget the day Chad Coker took away their daddy. I will never forget the day my best friend didn’t answer my call. So many of us are scarred by the carelessness of one horrible man. I believe in justice. I believe something must be learned from this. Chad Coker deserves to spend his life in prison. He deserves the maximum penalty. His sentences should be served consecutively. Life is about the choices we make. Ed made the choice to walk a woman home. He did not make the choice to die. Chad Coker made that choice. He made the choice to murder my best friend and run away. He felt no guilt when he ran. Nothing he can say can justify murder. Ed was the definition of innocent. He did nothing to deserve losing his life. Please, judge this man by his acts. He is a murderer. A kidnapper. An addict. Do not let him commit another crime. He does not deserve the freedoms of society. He should be locked away and he must pay for the crimes he has committed. To know Ed better please read his blogs on his MySpace. Read his friends comments. See him as the man we cherished. William Edward Westover was a real person. He was everything to us.


Jessica Dawson