Arrests made after Middletown mom of 9 died from an overdose, community responds
As drugs continue to ravage the community another family, this time in Middletown, has lost a loved one and instead of falling victim to compassion fatigue, police launched into action to save one family's Christmas and urged the community to do the same.
On Wednesday night, a mother of nine died of a drug overdose and the officers called to the home were so affected by the Middletown family's plight that they asked the community to help.
After making a plea on Facebook, the community responded in full force, donating coats, toys and everything in between.
"The kids, all 9 of them, have just lost their mother to a tragic death and right before Christmas on top of that. The mother was with her supposed 'friends' who then in turn left her to die in front of her 9 kids," the original post said.
Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw said dispatchers and other personnel working on the case were torn up too.
"It has disturbed us so much that it's time for us to make a difference. Their father is a hard worker, he has tried to make ends meet but it's a vicious cycle," police said.
In a video, Muterspaw shows an office full of coats, clothes, toys and everything in between. In a second video, it shows a hallway full of toys and even a bike.
Muterspaw said all the items and about $16,000 were donated within a few hours.
"We are loving the support for the Sanders family!!! Please don't call our communications center, they are getting overloaded with phone calls but feel free to message us with any questions," Middletown police told their Facebook followers within hours of posting the initial call for help Thursday.
Muterspaw led off the donations with a $200 contribution. The department asked for clothing, coats, blankets, food, a stove, a refrigerator, even ornaments for the Christmas tree, and toys. The kids range in age from 14 to 1.
The department provided the Christmas tree and donations are still being accepted. Police said the outpouring of compassion and donations will not only take care of the nine children and their father but other families in need during the holiday season.
"This is Middletown, Butler County and Ohio at it's best! So proud of all of you," police said.
Police said that the two men stole the woman's money and told the kids they were leaving to go buy a two-liter bottle of soda, leaving the woman to die.
Jim Boyer, 63, and Keith Boyer, 32, were arrested Friday afternoon after warrants were issued earlier in the day.
The two are father and son.
Here's how to donate items:
Bring them to the police department at 1 Donham Plaza, Middletown, OH 45042.
The kids are: girls -14, 5, 3, 1 and boys - 13, 11, 10, 6, 2
Here's how to donate money:
Butler Heritage Federal Credit Union
660 N. University Blvd.
Middletown, Ohio 45042
Be sure to specify the account name which is KINDNESS FOR SANDERS FAMILY.
Checks can be made out to the Middletown Police Department or the City of Middletown.