Family Scorned For MySpace Hoax

Angry Neighbors Blame Mom, Son For Suicide Of 13-Year-Old Girl

(AP)  Waterford Crystal Drive is one of those suburban streets that seem so new as to have no history at all. But the suicide of a teenage girl - and allegations she had been tormented by a neighbor over the Internet - have brought a reaction that is old, almost tribal, in its nature.

Residents of the middle-class subdivision have turned against the neighbor, Lori Drew, and her family, demanding the Drews move out. In interviews, they have warned darkly that someone might be tempted to "take matters into their own hands."

"It's like they used to do in the 1700s and 1800s. If you wronged a community, you were basically shunned. That's basically what happened to her," said Trever Buckles, a 40-year-old who lives next door to the Drews.

Drew became an outcast after she participated in a hoax in which a fictional teenager by the name of "Josh Evans" exchanged online messages with 13-year-old Megan Meier. Megan received cruel messages from Josh that apparently drove her to hang herself in her closet in 2006.

Through her lawyer, Drew, a mother of two in her 40s, has denied saying hurtful things to the girl over the Internet, and prosecutors have said they found no grounds for charges against the woman. Nevertheless, the community reaction has been vengeful and the pressure on the Drews intense.

More than 100 residents gathered in front of their home on a recent evening, holding candles and reciting stories about Megan.

Last December, after neighbors learned of the Internet hoax, someone threw a brick through a window in the Drew home. A few weeks ago, someone made a prank call to police reporting that there had been a shooting inside the Drews' house, prompting squad cars to arrive with sirens flashing.

Someone recently obtained the password to change the Drews' outgoing cell phone recording, and replaced it with a disturbing message. Police would not detail the content.

Clients have fled from Drew's home-based advertising business, so she had to close it. Neighbors have not seen Drew outside her home in weeks.

Death threats and ugly insults have been hurled at Drew over the Internet, where she has been portrayed as a monster who should go to prison, lose custody of her children, or worse. Her name and address have been posted online, and a Web site with satellite images of the home said the Drews should "rot in hell."

Some of the threats "really freak me out," Buckles said while standing on his front porch after dark Tuesday night. As he spoke, a car slowed and stopped in front of Drew's home. It sat there idling for a few long minutes, then sped away. Buckles said it is a common occurrence.

"I just really hope that no one comes out here and does something insane," Buckles said. "If they do, I hope they get the right house."

Sheriff's Lt. David Tiefenbrunn said patrols have been stepped up around Drew's house. "There could be individuals out there with a vigilante-type attitude that might want to take revenge," he said.

The Drews - Lori, husband Curt and two children - live in a one-story ranch. An older man at the house who described himself only as a relative said Lori Drew would not comment. He would not say if the family planned to move.

Ron and Tina Meier's home is four houses away from the Drews. The sidewalk is curved, so the neighbors can't see each other from their front doors. The breach between the once-friendly families seems beyond repair.

"I think that what they have done is so despicable, that I think it absolutely disgusts people," Tina Meier said. "I can't take one ounce of energy worrying about who does not like Lori Drew or who hates Lori Drew. I could not care less."

Just a year ago, Waterford Crystal Drive was the kind of quiet suburban street where joggers waved hello while kids played in their front yards. Lately the road has been choked with TV news trucks, and neighbors hustle inside to avoid questions.

The row of brick-facade homes, with basketball nets and American flags out front, was carved out of the woods and pastures in the mid-1990s. Between rooftops, residents can see the neon signs of the strip mall restaurants near a highway that carries commuters some 35 miles to jobs in downtown St. Louis.

The subdivision and those surrounding it have street names evoking the good life, from Quaint Cottage Drive to Country Squire Circle.

The Drews used to fit in just fine, said John McIntyre, who described Lori Drew as an intensely social woman who never hesitated to stop and talk. She and Curt came over to McIntyre's home to look at his glassed-in porch because they were thinking of adding their own, he said.

McIntyre fondly remembered another guest - Megan. She came across the street to baby-sit McIntyre's 4-year-old daughter Genna and arrived with a clipboard and notes, determined to do the job right. He said the activity was good for Megan, who suffered from depression for years.

"She was a good kid," McIntyre said.

Megan became friends with the Drews' young daughter and the girls remained close for years, according to a report provided by prosecutors. But the girls had a falling-out in 2006.

A teenage employee of Drew's named Ashley said she created the "Josh" account on MySpace after a brainstorming session with Drew and her daughter, according to a prosecutor's report. Drew said the girls approached her with the idea, and she told them only to send polite messages to Megan.

Ashley sent Megan many of the messages from "Josh," and Lori Drew was aware of them, prosecutors said.

On Oct. 16, 2006, there was a heated online exchange between Megan and Ashley, who was posing as Josh. A few other MySpace users joined in, calling Megan names. It ended when "Josh" said the world would be better off without Megan.

Tina Meier said her daughter went to her room, crying and upset. About 20 minutes later, Megan was found hanging from a belt tied around her neck.

Drew's attorney Jim Briscoe said on NBC on Tuesday that Drew "absolutely, 100 percent" had nothing to do with the negative comments posted online about Megan and wasn't aware of them until after the girl took her life.

[wheezel3]

If I were the parents or a friend of Megan''s, I''d bide my time. Revenge is a dish best served cold. But I would get an eye for an eye from Lori Drew, her daughter and "Ashley."

[b-easy63]

here is nothing for which to prosecute her.

Posted by ReginaRegina at 12:10 AM : Dec 08, 2007

And the people of the town don''t have to like the Drews, talk to them, associate with them or keep driving instead of pausing by their home. Their daughter does not have to have anyone sit with her and people can still accidently call their home. In short, just like she can''t be prosecuted for what happened, the people in the town can give her and her family similar treatment and as long as they do not threaten them or attempt them physical harm (or consistently harrass them in a proveable way) they can''t be tried for a crime either.

Ain''t loopholes grand? Hope Lori and her little bullies in training learn from this.

[b-easy63]

Anyone criticizing the mother of the dead 13 year old - how in the he11 do YOU know what that mother "allowed"?? Kids sneak all kinds of things. You have no idea whatsoever what kind of reltaionship they had, or what kind of rules were in place in that home. You sound stupid judging someone you have no facts about at all.

Posted by DocOfTheBay at 12:30 AM : Dec 08, 2007


Those of us who claim to know what Lori knew, base it on other articles that came out before this one--in which Lori ADMITTED TO NOT ONLY KNOWING BUT PARTICIPATING IN THE GAME AND TEACHING HER DAUGHTER what to do. In those first stories, Lori admitted to writing ugly stuff herself--it was only after public negativity that her story morphed.

[b-easy63]

Sometimes the best defense is to remain silent and request a dismissal. In no way can a case be made such as what you stated. The woman had no knowledge of any negative remarks to Megan until AFTER she killed herself. Posted by ReginaRegina at 12:10 AM : Dec 08, 2007

2 things: The woman was quoted as stating that she also participated in harrassing Megan and admitted to having knowledge of bad things being said not only by the younger girls but by her when she also posed as Josh.

2. Given the sentiment in that town, a conviction is actually possible. At least an initial one, for harassment and contributing to the death of a person.

it may not stick--but I bet Drew could be convicted in that town. i say what is happening now is the best--the town cannot prosecute the bully among them--so they persecute instead. How''s it feel to have a lot of people you care about know unflattering stuff about you and judge you for it, Lori? Now she can get a clue how Megan felt.

[b-easy63]

PS You think dmotte might be the mom still doing stuff on the internet? :o !!!!!

Posted by SamTheTVCat at 04:37 PM : Dec 07, 2007


No. smiley is probably the mom with dmotte as Ashley and maybe a couple of friends of Lori''s as the cheerleading "kill the weak kid" section. Drew should be evaluated for being emotionally immature, it appears she still has a bullying mentality-probably a residual of her highschool years.

[realcreature]

Psychological abuse of a minor = Child Abuse
Nonaccidental physical or mental injury = Child Abuse
This case should be under federal grand jury investigation because in this case the internet data crossed state boundaries when it travelled through the Myspace server computers.

[b-easy63]

Did you see her pictures? She was online flirting with a boy and she killed herself. Tragic yes. Someone else''''s fault? No.

Posted by smiley676 at 03:06 PM : Dec 07, 2007


Admit it smiley--you are Lori Drew or a friend aren''t you? Must hurt to realize so many people advocate shunning your lying, hateful azz. So now Megan is indicted for a picture- She does not look innocent enough? So that justifies a grown woman psychologically cyber stalking her. You reap what you sow smiley or should we just cut the cr---a--pppp and call you Lori? lmao. Got an entire crew working the blog to empathize with your sick azz?

[b-easy63]

I''''m blonde, what is a neocon?

Posted by cathomas71 at 02:42 PM : Dec 07, 2007


Someone who loves to torture others and start illegal wars, who is all for illegal wire taps and outing CIA agents--but whose personal idea of torture (which must not be allowed) is toe tapping in the John for homosexual funn but not getting any takers except the local cop in a sting operation.

[b-easy63]

For such an insensitive beeyatch, you sure care a lot what other bloggers think. Sensitive when what people who don''t even know you think of you? Yet no sympathy for Megan and only justification for the nutcase mom who helped to harm her? You write like you aren''t wrapped to tight. Stay away from nooses and your closets--you have all the signs of "self pitying victim" written all over you and your posts.

[realcreature]

There is definite harassment and fraud going on: fraudulent activities that resulted in the suicide of the victim. Pretty sure that''s a crime, maybe not premeditated, but maybe...maybe the harassers were aware of the fragile mental state of the victim...that would make it premeditated. The data stream that Myspace uses makes this a federal case falling under the jurisdiction of the FBI - in a federal court.

[b-easy63]

So if all fates are deserved, then Lori Drew and her family are getting just what they deserve.

Posted by marcodele at 02:38 PM : Dec 07, 2007


EXCELLENT POINT. NO ONE CAN FORCE THE TOWN TO BE NICE TO LORI DREW. She needs to take her hatred act and move on. I have a feeling, school is not very much fun for Ashley and Lori''s daughter these days. Them being associated with a vicious loser who preys on emotionally disturbed kids.

[b-easy63]

If i was the Drew family i would sue the town for stalking as well as harassment. She has a case here. The town and everyone in it, though mad that a girl is dead are ignoring the obvious. that the girl is dead because of her parents. Posted by evermalace at 02:29 PM : Dec 07, 2007


I don''t think you are a real law student. Because you would realize that as long as no one makes overt threats or can be traced to a specific person, it would almost be impossible to sue a town. Especially if there was no change in venue. The "Town" would simply acquit themselves. LOL

[b-easy63]

Here is the question: If the mother did NOT know what was going on that leaves the hired girl and the daughter as principle participants. Has the employee been discharged or disciplined? Has the daughter been disciplined? What has the mother done to those she indirectly stated were responsible for the web comments and misleading, if not outright lies, statements that pushed the other girl over the edge?

Posted by kbut1945 at 02:01 PM : Dec 07, 2007


When this story first broke, Lori Drew admitted to not only knowing her daughter and employee were harassing Megan, but also that she pretended to be Josh herself and spent time trashing the girl. The article said Drew and friends laughed about it and how they were getting Megan. It was one big joke. Now the woman is saying she never knew--guess she found out her town did not share her warped opinion of how parents spend quality time with their kids...she deserves to be shunned and as for her blog--her story changes--that makes her a liar as well as a tormentor of children. I don''t condone people threatening them, but I would not mind seeing everyone ignore them, and when they appeared at the function--most of the crowd leaving to not be around them. Great lesson for Drew to learn: you mess over people or bully them--eventually you pay.

[b-easy63]

THAT is the golden rule


Posted by b-easy63

You certainly are one to talk about the golden rule. Every one of your posts is negative, harassing and judgmental.



And yet... THAT seems to bother you and you seem to NEED to respond to what I write. What''s wrong? You are a depressed person who now wants to kill yourself because I don''t excuse grown ups from picking on kids. Pooooor baby!!! So I''m judgemental--so what? What comes around goes around--and hopefully that Drew and her family will spend round and round--go ahead smiley--go toe to toe with some of us--we don''t hang ourselves, we''ll take our verbal rope and give you the azzwhuppin'' your little miscreant heart desires. No babies here. You have your opinion and the side you are on--suck it up--there is another side and we don''t do whining. "Judgemental" whaaaaaa! Bite me.

[thgdriver]

I don''''t know too much of the background of this case but it seems like a pretty extreme reaction by the young girl when she could''''ve just turned off her computer.

Posted by tm121

Thats exactly right, going back for more showed a mental condition and this poor teen needed help, as I said, She also had other issues.

[Netterz]

The MOTHER was in on, and allowed the fake persona of ''Josh''. What possible, logical, and adult reason can there be for faking a persona to talk to the girl? The girls has been CLOSE friends for years, so Lori Drew had to be aware that Megan had mental problems and suffered from depression. There is NO REASON she should have allowed, well enough be a part of creating a fake boy for herself and the kids to use, to bait Megan. My personal opinion, is that they ALL should be charged with murder. Lori Drew is an adult, and should have acted like one, by not allowing the girls to create the fake ''Josh''. Its sickening, that they did this in the first place, with the obvious intention to hurt Megan. They all should be charged with Internet Crime, and murder charges. I hope they all do rot in h3ll, and have no idea how they can even live with themselves, knowing what they did to Megan, and her family.

[thgdriver]

The teen obviously had other issues besides being teased by whoever. Anyone who takes their life have more then one problem. One could say this was the last straw of many.

Someone said, they might take matters into their own hands!! What gives them that right or makes them any better then Drew even if she participated?

BTW, police cars don''t arrive with "sirens flashing" they arrive with "lights" flashing and "sirens wailing". The reporter need to go back to journalist school

[nbenn514]

Interview last night shows Megan shared the Josh e-mails with her mom who said Josh was cute. And, her parents "relaxed their strict internet rules" so that Megan could continue the relationship. It also said that Drew created the MySpace page but that she is denying responsibility for the content. If she created it, she should have been monitoring it. Megan sounds like she was fragile and Drew''s input was the one that sent her over the edge, but maybe if not the webpage, something else would have. How tragic this beautiful girl ended up in such a dark place that she determined suicide was the only way to get rid of the pain. But, in Megan''s life, there are lots of adults and so far, I haven''t seen anything in any press where any of the adults have taken responsibility for not keeping a much closer eye on this child! Lori Drew''s an idiot for her act of retaliation on the part of her daughter. Or, just plain mean. She''s being tried in the court of public opinion and in some way, serving her sentence. It doesn''t bring Megan back or ease the pain of those who knew her. Hopefully, the publicity will get parents to pay attention to their kids'' online activities and finally acknowledge how dangerous myspace can be. This isn''t the first time a kid''s been hurt because of something that happened on line.

[klingon69]

Original Star Trek and STTNG both rerun here in Tennessee on Charter.
Posted by barbaraf4 at 11:27 PM : Dec 07, 2007
STTOS still comes on WB here, STTNG comes on Spike & Voyager and Enterprise come on Scifi channel.
We used to get it on G4, however our local cable company took G4 off to put on Golf TV.

[reginaregina]

GrammaWhamma,

The official statement by the Drews states that anything like that is NOT from them....that it''s an imposter trying to make them look worse, as they are only speaking through their attorney for now.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,316049,00.html