Michael Steven Ratley
Whenever I read a story about random acts of kindness; my heart warms just a little bit. When I heard the story of Michael Steven Ratley putting himself at risk to pull his 2 week old son and wife out of their burning mobile home; I felt my heart fluttering. There are still good people in the world. Or are there?
Michael Ratley spoke to the media and said that losing everything physical in his life meant nothing since he still had Effie and Aiden, his wife and son. He appeared to be a selfless man who endured a great tragedy and was going to brush it off and move on. Appearances can be deceiving.
You already know it’s not some sappy happy ending story; otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading it here on PYSIH.
One month, to the day, after the fire that put Michael Ratley in the spotlight as a hero, his wife was dead and he lost his hero status.
Following the fire, the couple and infant moved in with Michael’s parents. Their burned out trailer just down the road, marked only by a charred piece of wood in the shape of an arrow nailed to a post.
On the evening of January 27th, 2007, Effie Rachel Ratley ingested some medication and went to bed. Her in-laws were downstairs with the door closed watching television and her son was in another bedroom sleeping.
Michael Ratley waited until his wife was asleep and put on some heavy black gloves and grabbed a heavy duty hammer. He silently walked into the bedroom where Effie Ratley lay sleeping and proceeded to bludgeon her over the head. It took approximately seven swift blows to appease him.
Police and emergency workers were called to the scene where they were told that Effie had suffered a fall. Emergency workers did all they could to keep her alive and get her to a 
hospital as soon as possible. Everything EMT’s and doctors did kept her alive for the next four days, when she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries at Shands Jacksonville Hospital. Causes of death listed on the autopsy are a skull fracture and brain lacerations.
Nassau County investigators thought the story of a fall was suspicious and launched an investigation into Effie Ratley’s death. Eight months after the incident, Michael Ratley was arrested and charged with an open count of murder. Florida law states that only a Grand Jury can bring a charge of 1st Degree Murder against a suspect. A Grand Jury did eventually indict him on the charge.
Upon Michael Ratley’s arrest, an emergency hearing regarding the custody of Aiden was held where he was temporarily placed into the care of Effie’s mother.
Nassau County Sheriff Tommy Seagraves declined to comment on the specific evidence leading to his arrest, but he did comment that forensic evidence played a role. Maybe it had something to do with the hammer and other evidence stashed in the glove compartment of Michael Ratley’s truck.
In July 2009, Michael finally went on trial for the murder of Effie Ratley. His attorneys tried to get a jury to believe that he was framed by an intruder that he had fought with in the family barn the night before the murder; prosecutors countered that this story was made up by Michael Ratley to set the stage for the murder. Prosecutors also presented the jury with questions about why nothing had been stolen or why Effie had not been sexually assaulted if someone had broken in. Basically because there was nothing in Effie’s history that would cause anyone to want to brutally murder her. Defense attorneys claimed evidence found in Michael’s truck was planted by the so-called intruder. There has been no evidence presented that would validate the intruder story at all.
Of course, Michael Ratley’s family testified at trial and spoke of how wonderful a person he was and is. How this is something he absolutely wouldn’t do. Family members tried to paint Michael as a wonderful loving father. Prosecuting attorney, Bernie de la Rionda, jumped at the chance to question how much he loved his child by saying, “This loving father had no problem whatsoever — a short distance from his son — exterminating the life of his son’s mother”.
Jurors didn’t fall for the crocodile tears cried by the family and in July they convicted Michael Ratley of 1st degree murder in the death of Effie Ratley. They failed to sentence him to death, but decided that 25 year old Ratley should spend the rest of his life behind bars. Judge Robert Foster sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole on August 18th, 2009.
The announcement of the verdict brought a pronounced “Yes!” from Michael Ratley’s family, obviously relieved his life was spared. Effie Ratley’s family was a little upset because they had hoped he would receive the death penalty, but the fact that he is ineligible for parole brings a little consolation.
What’s most disturbing about this story is him pulling his wife out of a fire and saving her one month to the day before he decided to bash her head in with a hammer. Michael Ratley never offered a reason as to why he decided he would have a better life without his wife. He never explained why he would save Effie Ratley only to brutally take her out of the world.
Over the years he had plenty of outs; the couple was married for a little while, then they separated. Michael’s family said it was because he wasn’t mature enough to settle down. Michael Ratley had told some people they separated because he wasn’t sure he was enough for Effie Ratley and wanted her to have everything she ever wanted.
Sometime after the separation, the couple reunited and remarried. Following the second marriage, Effie Ratley found out she was pregnant. Being a mom was a lifelong dream of hers and Aiden was a dream come true. It’s heartbreaking that she only got six weeks to dote on her beautiful little boy.
Unfortunately, we will never know WHY he did what he did. I expect defense attorneys to use the appeal process to its fullest extent, so Michael Ratley will keep mum and continue to profess his innocence. His little boy, Aiden, will never have any closure as to why his daddy decided to take his mommy away from him and in effect take his daddy away too.
Fortunately, Michael Ratley is sitting behind bars with years on top of years to live with the horror of what he did. I’m happy to know that he is confined to such a small area with only his thoughts and memories. Nothing about this story brings me any joy; besides those small miracles.
280 Comments »
ignorant selfish asshole. his head should be used as a soccer ball between the demons.
What a sad story! Beyond everything i think this is horrible for the child. Could you imagine what father’s day and mother’s day will be like for that poor kid? We can only hope he gets a good enough up bringing and enough love to help him deal with this awful situation.
Get Raper Pelligrino as the atty!
Maybe the defense will say he was manic/depressive – in one month he want from saving his wife to killing her……….
Maybe they will shed some light on the fire…… was that a murder attempt that he suddenly decided not to carry through?
Way too many questions as to figure out why, hopefully none hat can be used to create a loophole. This guy did something evil and it’s not worth keeping him alive to find out why – there are more important thing to do with my tax money – like Octumom needs another tattoo.
Pffft Fred, quit being so damn selfish. If the Octobitch…sorry, mom needs another tattoo then it is our responsibility to provide her with such.
Geesh…the audacity of Americans these days.
yes I think Octumom is being selfish, the kids need tattoos first,
like maybe numbers on their foreheads so everyone will know who everyone else is….
Maybe get the kids designer diapers……..
Maybe she needs a masion……20 bedroom….. maybe the Newport (RI) Historical Society would let her use one… like The Elms….
Fred,
I just wanted to make a comment to you re: looking into the fire.
I guess I left that out of the story; but they did launch an investigation into the fire at the home. It is not yet completed, and I will update that as soon as I find something new.
~Min
Cool & thank you.
It just seems to me that *maybe* the fire may have been the first murder attempt
*OR*
if the fire was just that – an accident, then maybe the wife wanted too much or he felt that he could not provide enough for a “better” rebuild…. maybe he or she felt that a house shoud replace the trailer…
OR
the insurwnce was still investigating and he might not get paid…. and this “hero” was going to be exposed for what he really was – an indecisive would be murderer…
*OR*
as min_duhh pointed out at the beginning of her article “the fire that put Michael Ratley in the spotlight as a hero”. Perhaps in his twisted mind he thought that by setting a fire and “rescuing” his wife a month before would afford him the perfect opportunity to be able to later say “but if I WANTED her dead I would have let her die in the fire! I’m a HERO for saving them, remember??”
I have a feeling this POS had been planning his wife’s demise for a good, long time…
That’s a good theory as well….. hopefully the details of the fire shed some light into the dark pits of hell which are in this guy’s head.
Then fry him….
I wonder, did the courts order a mental health evaluation on this guy? Bi-Polar would explain the sudden snap and provide some kind of explanation. I imagine not knowing “why” will weight on the victim’s family for a long time.
Yes, other than you along with most of the people on this sight have got be the most ignorant backwoods people I have ever even listen to.
And of course, you are good at giving lessons on this, right?
In case you are unaware, that was sarcasm. Live with it.
I was thinking the same thing about the fire and the fact that it was purposefully set and then he changed his mind. I was thinking that he wanted to get rid of both. Having a newborn can be very exhausting and he just snapped and reconsidered and then snapped again. I would say that the fire would be something that should be looked into.
I just don’t know how so many people can not read the facts. As everyone on this sight says, they know everything and he is guilty. You may want to do some research on the fire.
I will help you with your ignorance. We are not forensic scientists. We are bloggers who care about the VICTIMS in the world. If you would like to do the research yourself, send us links and URLs to prove whatever type of point you are trying to make.
Just curious, but did you misspell your name? Is it really Samatha, or should it be SamaNtha?
I bet he found out she had slept with someone while they were separated. They separated, married again, then found out she was pregnant? I bet he found out the baby wasn’t his. The only reason he is not telling anyone is because if he wants the possibility of parole, he doesn’t want anyone to know he had a motive. This shit always happens on Springer. When there’s a couple who keeps splitting and getting back together, it always turns out there was a pregnancy somewhere in there and it just so happened momma had a little fun when they were separated.
Actually, that is not the case. The pregnancy occurred when enough time had elapsed following the 2nd marriage and is the baby is a child of Ratley. I guess I should have included dates in that part of the story. I do have a copy of the marriage certificate from the later marriage and with that along with Aidens birthday, you can figure it out.
Though it works on Springer, it is not the case here- even if she had slept around I think most people will agree that it is not a reason to bash someones head with a hammer.
Good lookin out though dude!
Maybe for someone who is calm and can let things go
BUT for a control freak, punishment is requited.
You people are sick. These statements tell me you did not know Effie at all. She was a nice girl and she did not sleep around. As the website says – you will be one the people we will see in hell.
Of course we didn’t know Efiie, you incredible moron. And thanks to Mike “The Hammer” Ratley, none of us will ever get the chance.
No I think he felt under pressure to be in a marriage he no longer wanted and took the coward’s way out.
I think it it is best that you keep your thoughts to your self. Ignorance is pliss – see help!
Ignorance is pliss? Pliss? lmao! It’s BLISS you ignorant slut. Pliss isn’t even a word for crying out loud. And please don’t lie and tell us it was a typo – the ‘B’ and ‘P’ keys are nowhere near each other.
He looks like the sort of genius who’s bash someone’s head in with a hammer and then try and blame the injuries on a fall. “Oh, no officer, I didn’t dismember my wife with a chainsaw, she just had some trouble buttering her toast this morning.” What a moron.
I can’t help but wonder if he set the fire himself then had a last minute change of heart, maybe only due to the thought of his baby boy being burned alive along with his wife.
You know you’ve been reading PYSIH too long when you actually think to yourself, well, at least he didn’t bludgeon the baby to death, too.
That whole tried to blame the injuries to his wife’s head on a fall thing is really bugging me. If he attacked her while she was in bed asleep then he would have had to take the time to clean up the bed/bed sheets/matress/bedroom walls before…err, what DID he do, throw her body down the stairs after attacking her and cleaning up, or something?? Or did he just tell police that she fell and hit her head and then she just went to bed because her head hurt??
Head wounds from being hit seven times with a hammer (hard enough to even cause brain lacerations) would bleed copiously, as well as leave blood spatter/trace on the ceiling/walls/floor where the crime occurred. It would have taken time to hide that. His parents were downstairs watching TV–wouldn’t they have heard ANY of this at all, including the cleanup, even with the door closed??
ARGH, this story is really pissing me off today…I haven’t had nearly enough coffee yet, obviously…
Once again, if you knew you facts, you would know he did not blame Effie’s injuries on a fall. But, you just keep talking as if you did know something even close to the truth.
First, he took the baby out, second he is the only reasons Effie awas alive. But, I am sure in your sick ass mind, letting someone burn to death, or beating them in the head with a hammer is alot less violient. You, as always have made not sense.
I am unsurprised to find a hate-filled, ignorant, hysterical harpy with the common sense and thought process of a damaged 15 year old defending this waste of human flesh, I really am.
Do not be surprised when the illiterate come out to play. It seems her only joy has been in insulting people she does not know, people who actually read news reports and make observations that have escaped her. Don’t you just love it when they tell us we don’t know the facts?
Hey baby. No one knows the facts, including you. We leave that for the judge and jury. As I’ve said once before, live with it.
Just once I would like to see her write a sentence that is grammatically and phonetically correct. But hey, she probably hasn’t graduated from secondary school yet, so I’ll give her a break.
I think we should consider ourselves lucky. Most people using her argument type in all caps.
I kinda think that the fire was an accident, he did save his wife and boy like most would. After the fire, He probably thought about what if his wife had died in the fire, and maybe he liked the vision that he had of how his life would have been. Therefor he decided that was the life he wanted.
Just like everyone else – it is probably best for your not think – I am sure that is not your usual standard.
You need to fuck off, Samatha.
(Anyone else think that “Samatha” was unable to spell her own name when choosing her username? ie SamaNtha?)
There is an investigation following any fire, but the fact that the wife was killed one month following this fire is a little coincidental. I have been looking into it and haven’t found anything concrete yet.
things in life aren’t always quite what they seem
there’s always more than one given angle to any one given scene
so bear that in mind when you try to intervene
on any one given angle on any one given scene
I would bet anything that this whole new turn of developments made the fire marshal go back through his investigation with a fine toothed comb. It would not surprise me in the least to now learn that this fire had suspicious origins.
As usual, you are wrong. They did go through the fire with a fine tooth comb five times – in in which the fire was found to be accidental. Don’t you think if they would have found any sent of arson they would have charged him with that too? Logic is hard to explain.
Logic is easy to define.
1+1 = 2
1+1 != 3
Logic is the method of using a reliable set of facts to determine the veracity of statements through inference.
Here’s an example of logic. First I have 3 positions.
1. A prisoner facing a life sentence does not need a shorter sentence or even a commensurate sentence of life to exact justice.
2. If a prisoner is serving a life sentence, a longer sentence does not necessarily equate to more justice.
3. If conviction on a lesser offense is going to cost more money to obtain, it is in the best interest of the State to withhold prosecution in most cases and instead to leave the findings as submissions for parole and clemency hearings.
To prove 1, I establish that a life sentence in this case is effectively until the termination of the sentenced’s natural lifespan. If his age at death is n, and his sentence is equal to n – his current age, then no additional sentence of x years will involve more punishment.
To prove 2, I must define justice in this case as the punishment of the criminal and the satisfaction of the victims of the crime. In the crime of murder the second item is in fact the benefit of the victim’s surviving family and friends. n + 100 is not more justice. It is not a quantifiable number, it is merely a semantic notation since the convicted will not serve n+ 100. Since the first is the punishment of the criminal and he will only serve n – his current age in jail, then arguably, the time spent in the court room achieving justice for other crimes would in fact be n – his age – some time spent out of prison defending his case (y). If y > 0 then 2 is proven.
To prove 3 I set the cost of the initial conviction and all appeals at r and the cost of all other convictions at t. If r+t > r then 3 is proven.
See, simple…
I am so proud of you – you found a dictonary!!! Also, so what if I am bias – so are all of you. You are a dumbass and apparently were not at the trial. Michael was never found guilty of lying about another assalant – the prosecutors said “alleged” do you know what that means? It means the proof of lying was never found. You do not have the documents, because if you did the conversation would be totally different. And, evidence does go missing – READ THE TRIAL TRANSCRIPTS!!!! It was brought out and made an issue during the trail. As far as receipts – you do not have a clue about trail evidence obviously – they don’t give receipts!!!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW!! Also, just for the record – you definitely do no use your words correctly. I am just wasting my time. I thought this sight was different, but it is not. Everyone just wants to believe what reporters say. Think what you may – it really is irrelavent to me and alot of other people.
I really was trying to help you, but as you said – I am bias but you are bias also. I will not waste my time on you or expect you to think the justice system makes mistakes.
A legal dictionary to boot.
As far as receipt of evidence in an evidence locker, you don’t apparently understand how evidence from an investigative level is collected.
Michael was found guilty. The defense’s argument was found to be a lie by inference of guilt. Michael is currently appealing his case. There are many points to an appeal and he may find a way to convince the appeals justices to give him a new hearing, to toss out his conviction or to reduce his sentence, but right now, he is guilty under the law and every other definition of the term. Your argument is that he was not given a fair hearing and will be found innocent. You claim facts and evidence but never, ever provide them. That makes you suspect and it makes you less than credible. Your bias opens you to a reasonable attack on your motivations. You want him to be innocent, but you’ve never given the evidence against him a fair hearing. You came from a position that all evidence that convicts him is wrong. That’s not a neutral position. We come from the position that a court of law found him guilty despite the wranglings you presented. In fact they rejected your position in full. We’re actually coming from a neutral position to the case. We’re told who killed him in a factual and logical way. You’re attempting to convince other people that you have some sort of extra knowledge of this case that proves he’s innocent, but fail in every respect to make a convincing argument.
That brings the whole thing back to why you are here and why you think what you’re doing actually makes a difference? Do you think you’re the first person to think someone they knew didn’t kill someone? Really? There’s a 15 year old boy whose dad shot his mom, then barricaded himself in his house and shot himself, that’s currently claiming his Dad wasn’t crazy., and that no one who wasn’t in the home or knew his dad and mom can pass judgement?
Do you see the parallels? Do you see why people on the outside have to use logic when you show up with nothing but anger and passion? Someone murdered this woman and the legal system appears to have accurately convicted Michael. We have more support for our opinions than you do for yours. Do a little bit of math and write down what you have, versus what we have, and try and figure it out. Anyone with an IQ over 30 should be able to see that two apples is more than none.
Okay, the first part of this comment is to Raven.
I feel your confusion regarding the fall mentioned in the story.
Here’s what I know on that part, Michael surprisingly found the body of his wife and screamed to notify his parents that something was wrong. There are no reports on the state of the crime scene upon arrival of the emergency responders, but I imagine something was amiss since the police suspected foul play almost as soon as they got involved. I cant say with certainty that the room was cleaned up or if it wasn’t. I do agree with you that the amount of trauma suffered by the victim would have wielded copious amounts of blood and tissue strewn around the scene, especially given her specific injuries. What I can say is that there are two different stories. The first one, told to the EMT’s, was that the victim had suffered a fall. The second one, when the first story didn’t seem to make sense to anyone, was that an intruder had murdered Effie.
I think this one has a lot of people baffled considering he hasn’t given a reason why–and probably never will. Throughout his trial he maintained his innocence, crying to anyone who would listen that he had nothing to do with the murder.
The way I look at it is if he had nothing to do with it, then why give a false statement to begin with? Why say she had fallen, if in fact, they knew that wasn’t true.
The next part of this comment is about what I have found out about the fire investigation.
Originally, fire experts determined the cause to be faulty wiring in the mobile home. When Effie was murdered they decided that maybe they were missing something and they should look into it further. As of right now, nothing has been released for public viewing. Authorities in Nassau County have said the investigation is “inching along”.
As always, I will continue my research and fill you in on what I find.
Happy Saturday all,
Amanda
min_duhh,
I happened to stumble upon this news article http://www.fbnewsleader.com/articles/2009/07/16/today/00newsverdictin.txt and found a couple of interesting things:
The evidence found in Ratley’s truck included the alleged murder weapon (hammer), latex gloves with his DNA on them, a second pair of gloves, a wire removed from his mobile home that burned down weeks earlier, drugs stolen from St. Vincent’s Medical Center, wire cutters, a boxcutter and paper towels with blood on them.
(Notice that wire cutters and a wire removed from his mobile home that had burned down were also found–authorities had originally thought that the fire had been caused by “faulty wiring”…)
He says he was asleep in the living room (a few feet down the hall from where his wife was sleeping), and never heard a thing—other than a small shelf falling in the bathroom down the hall, which woke him. He never heard the bedroom window screen being cut or the bedroom window opening. He just heard what sounded like a falling shelf and went to the bedroom to check in on his wife and found her “covered in blood and unconsious”.
Both of his parents were “covered in blood” from trying to help Effie, yet Ratley had no blood on him at all. Wouldn’t a HUSBAND try to help his wife (especially a “hero” that had had the guts to save her from a fire just a month earlier), rather than just stand by all clean-like and watch while his parents did everything they could??
Anyway, this was a great writeup by the way, Amanda! I look forward to any updates you may find on this case.
Did you ever hear or even think about if Michael’s DNA was on the hammer – that tells me you have no idea of the crime or the crime scene.
Proof or GTFO
Proff of DAB
What language do you think you’re typing?
Of course not Sambo, that what the latex gloves were for – No fingerprints, no DNA. God only knows where the hammer came from originally. Mikey put those items in the truck because he wanted them found. He hoped the unknown DNA would get him off the hook. Sadly for him, the jury didn’t buy it.
Think about what it took to turn the Michael the hero into Michael the murderer in the eyes of twelve jurors. I mean, on it’s face, the idea that a guy who just risked his life saving the victim from a fire would turn around and murder her a month later just doesn’t make sense. That’s a lot for the prosecution to overcome. That tells me that the evidence the prosecution had was very solid and very convincing.
Raven,
I used that article as part of my research. I debated about including all of the details, but decided to leave some out just because this douchebag didn’t need any help to look like human scum. I just included the bare minimum.
Thank you for the compliment- I appreciate it :).
Ooops, min_duhh, my apologies—I didn’t mean in any way to add info that you didn’t feel needed said… I mostly added it to hear what others thought of his possible involvement in the original fire, considering everything else he said seemed to be lies.
You’re right, he doesn’t need the help to look like the POS that he is!
You did no research, once again, you only copied what other newsites have said. So, if you live in a glass house, you may not want to throw stones. I could really be ugly, but I feel smypathy for you – you actual think you are a reporter. May God bless your stupid ass.
And you are an idiot. Where, oh where on this site does it say the writers are reporters? Enough, already. You’re making the grown-ups sleepy.
Amanda, I know this is an old story, but I thought you did a marvelous job. Please keep it up.
I just saw this and actually laughed out loud.
Samatha, sugar, what do you think research is? Why, it’s reading all the articles you can find while making notes for the writing of your own thoughts on something.
No- no apologies necessary! I appreciate you putting those facts out there! Its a good thing :)
I’m trying so hard to get a copy of any reports regarding the fire, even on Florida court sites and stuff like that but its pretty hush hush. I thought for sure I would have found something by now and I’m a little frustrated that I havent….dang Florida. Anyways, since I haven’t found anything yet so maybe all the details are good like you said for people to have something to understand this a little better.
Why 8 months before an arrest? That’s the part I don’t get.
I have to wonder if the fire originally was the first attempt to murder and some act of conscious drove him to not go through with it and save his wife and child and then whatever was driving him to start the fire drove him to beating her to death? Not sure why he just couldn’t get a divorce-especially since they had divorced before.
I got it! Here’s my updated theory: He knew he was going to kill her long before the fire. He staged the fire by cutting the wire and then made it look like a dramatic rescue so everyone would believe he was madly in love with his wife, when in fact he wanted her dead. Then he waited. After enough time in his mind had passed he decided to murder her thinking, “No one will suspect me, I just ‘saved her life’ a month ago.” All in all, a it appears like he would have actually gotten away with it and we would all be saying “Poor guy!” if the evidence had been properly disposed of. Too bad dumbass!!
Maybe someone suggested this already but I’m dropping the idea again.
Maybe the guy set the fire and meant to save only his son, but the mom woke up and ruined the plan? That is the only way that I can think up that explains killing her a month later.
Not that it makes his deeds any less horrible. But offers an explaination.
I don’t agree with a death sentance, other then it’s a cleaning out method for the prison system. The selfish, tax payer side of me agrees with that. But personally, I would like the idea of ‘never go for the kill when you can go for the pain.’ I like the idea that a person has to spend a lifetime in jail, worried about looking at someone wrong, saying the wrong thing, or wondering when he/she’s going to be someone’s next bitch. Then their next thought being the reason he/she is there in the first place.
Death brings peace to the tormented. More so if there isn’t a hell. That’s not what some of these people should be allowed. The longer someone has to live in a cell with the mental torture the better the punishment is.
I know Micheal well i knew him and everything remark he ever made goes over and over in my mind……. I cant belive he gets life and effie got death…… he gets to see his son how ever Effie will never know the joy of being a mother. The day i heard Effie died there was no doubt in my mind who killed her……. so many people know the real Micheal they need to come out of the wood work and tell what they know….
I’m not sure we will ever know all the facts of this case, it seems too many of the pertinent facts of this case are all known by only two people, and sadly one of them is now dead. I do not think that Mike is going to be too forthcoming in his whole participation of the crime.
What a selfish bastard! Effie sounds like she was a wonderful person who had a lot to offer to the world, but her psycho husband took away that opportunity from her. I hope the family and friends of Effie can heal from this tragedy and that the baby will be taken good care of. Rest in peace Effie!
I’m wondering if maybe he thought that he could take her life since he saved her. Maybe he found her unappreciative. I think that saving her might have gave him a god complex. And he saw no problem with taking her life. I really wish we could institute an eye for an eye policy. He deserves to be burned alive while people throw hammers at his head!
I have read each and every comment made on this page. Ignorance is bliss. There were five investigation completed on the fire, which all determined it was not, repeat not arson as you all seem to know. Most every comment on hear is not anywhere near the truth, but, everyone likes to make their own versons so they can have someone besides their selves to find fault with. As far as facts go, more than two people know them – but know one cares about the truth. Also, just so you know – no neighbors or did Effie come to the window for help. It really is time all of you want to be know it alls give it a rest and give Effie the peace she deserves.
Okay, not EVERYONE thinks it was arson, it is just a theory being tossed around. So perhaps you didn’t read the comments as thoroughly as you would like us to believe. Try it again and then come back and comment
To NavyCop, I did read all the story dumbass. If you are a NavyCop, that completely explains your ignorance.
To Min-duhh – If you would have look at the date when seagraves made that statement, you might relize that was a long time ago. All investigations were completed prior to the trial and determined the fire to be accidental. Yes, there were five. Three initial investigations due to the fact the first one determined it was faulting wiring. The next two were completed with you tax dollars. So no, you don’t know you facts as well as you think you do – get the records – they are public now. Also, reading your own writing, Michael had to knock out the window and get her to wake up the then kept talking until she made it to the window – she was not just standing there on her own. So there you go – I answered your two questions – so you may want to get your facts straight – idiot. As far as your comments about a love affair, you are so far off – which once again, reflects your ignorance. By writing the article in the first place shows you have no plans on letting Effie rest in peace.
Also, Michael never said she fell. That is what his parents thought when they first went into the room when they were talking to 911. However, once they seen the what was on the walls – they stated it was obvious she has not fallen. It is obvious to me no research was really done. Nor, did you read the court transcripts or even attend the trail.
To Stuck in the 80′s – you are about as good of an investigator as the Nassau County police department. Just because I use that name does not mean anything. Just like yours – dumbass!
To Karma1 – everyone has came out of the wood work if you would look at all the sites. Although, like you, most of them did not know the real Mike.
To Max the Cat – I can and have stated a few facts. There are many more that are wrong in the story, but I really don’t care what you or anyone thinks – so why don’t you shut the fuck up – you do not even have any facts to tell asshole!!
As far a my grammer errors, I did not know we were having a spelling bee!!
I didn’t say state, you loud mouth, crude ass, douchbag, I said PROVE. All I see here is a bunch of things that you say are true – any idiot can make something up. min-duhh’s fact’s were verifiable with a second, independent source.
And it’s disingenuous of you to pretend you’re some 3rd party with no connection to Michael Ratley, as if your only interest is in seeing justice is done. It’s obvious to everyone you’re either related to or used to fuck Mikey (normally I wouldn’t be so crude, but you just bring out the best in me Sam.)
I’m not impressed by you in the least. You’re the same as every other relative of every murderer who didn’t like a story we posted. You yell and scream the family line, but never, ever, offer any proof – And don’t tell me to look it up here or find it there. You provide the proof, or shut the fuck up….It’s on now Sammy, and I’m gonna have you for lunch.
…. nomnomnom …. ;)
That is exactly what he did just wrote a bunch of shit, or copied someone elses bunch of shit. I did not bring the crudeness out in you, you already showed how crude and classy you are in your previous comments. And unless you are the most ignorant person on this planet you would have to know I am very close to the Ratley family and to Michael – and at what point did I say I wasn’t. We love Effie, Michael and Aiden. As far as you, I really don’t care.
So, bring it on bitch!
MAX, YOU BITCH! BRING IT ON! BITCH!
Ratley.
Indeed.
Samantha, really now. This Jerry Springer attitude you’ve adopted isn’t going to get you more than a booting here. We’ve already lost any possible respect we could have for your spastic self so you may as well sit back down. You’re not helping Ratboy in any way.
The least you could fairly do is to use more creative insults. I mean, c’mon, “bitch”? Bitch, please. Your words will be here for a long time, and there’s nothing you can do to change that. While we’re all ultimately anonymous when we’re online, can you please consider others who may read this years from now? Can you please think of the children? What about the children, Sammy? Hmmm?
Aslo – as far as the Jerry Springer show – I am sure you know plenty about that. You are the one that started the trash talk – but if it make you think Effie feels any better about you – then go ahead.
I’m certain Effie is really proud of how you’ve handled this situation. You do honor to her memory.
Thanks for exposing yourself as just another family lackey Sam, the kind of people we deal with on this website on a regular basis. You may have never said you weren’t close to the Ratley’s, but you never said you were, so please don’t act like you suddenly have the high road now. If I didn’t call you on it, you never would have admitted it.
It was important to keep that a secret, because now that we know, your credibility is shot. You hang on a tiny details and ignore the big picture – Michel Ratley beat Effie to death, and tried to pass it off to some mysterious intruder. It’s the Soddit defense at it’s best (Some other dude did it). Well, gee whiz, we’ve never heard that before.
And of course if we only know poor Michael like you folks did we’d understand that he could NEVER commit such a crime, in spite on the physical and circumstantial evidence to the contrary, Enough evidence, in fact, that a jury of 12 independent, free thinking people found that Michael DID do it, and sent him to prison for the rest of his life.
The burden of proof is on you Sam – min_duhh was only reporting the facts of a case which is done and over with. Michael Ratley is a convicted murderer. I’ve asked you twice to show us some evidence that you’re correct, but you continue to repeat things without proof, insult anyone who doesn’t agree with you, and generally act like a whore for the Ratley family.
There’s always at least one of you true believers in situations like this – people who have chosen to ignore their common sense because they think the perp is cute, or out of some twisted sense of loyalty to a man who doesn’t exist and never really did. To admit the truth is to shatter you fantasy about Saint Michael, and that will never do, will it? So you get mean and surly and foul and crude. You give us all a good laugh, and for that I thank you. I don’t know if you think we’re upset at the things you say, but mostly, I see you as a clown, sent here by the Good Lord to entertain us. So keep up the good work Sammy – we’re counting on you.
Max said – “It’s obvious to everyone you’re either related to or used to fuck Mikey”
Max … given the quality of her posts so far … I don;t think that the two are mutually exclusive …..
Actually, most people tell me I am quite intelligent. I graduated with a 3.8 gpa, I have been promoted five times in five years in the US Navy.
As a matter of fact, YOU are the dumbass. I told you to read the COMMENTS not the story. Don’t throw stones at me. I am freakin’ untouchable. And I will repeat myself…. not everyone thinks it was arson. I don’t even think it was arson.
You took offense at someone pointing a little thing out to you. Big whoop. Deal with it. You are gonna be wrong sometimes. However, I am NOT the person you should be calling a dumbass.
Also, mm-duh needs to get his facts straight prior to writing a story. Also, it, just again, proves the ignorance of people and what they want to believe. Only evil!
Are you related to Ratley by any chance?
Also, every story here is fact checked. Also, if you can prove it wrong, you will get a sincere apology and the story will be updated. Also, we’re not here to make nice, we’re here to blow off steam because there are sick fucks in this world who have made it tough for the rest of us to remain sane in the wake of their destruction. Also, Ratley is aptly named, kinda like Pigman and S(h)ithole.
Also… SHEESH! Read what you type before you hit ‘submit’, please. It’s tough to read what you intend to say, not what you actually type. We begin by taking everyone seriously. It’s tough to maintain any honest respect for what you are saying in light of how you are saying it. I’m not grammatically perfect m’self, but… SHEESH!
You think you are the only one that can blow off steam!!! I am also sick of people who do not know the facts, but think they do. So I can say what ever I like – just like you.
Again, as far as my grammar, if you don’t like the mistakes, then just don’t read – bitch! You can believe you take other points of view serious – but it is obvious you don’t. However, once again – I don’t give a shit!
Samatha says:
September 14, 2009 at 8:26 am
“You think you are the only one that can blow off steam!!! I am also sick of people who do not know the facts, but think they do. So I can say what ever I like – just like you.”
Your buttons. They are big, red and flashy. Perhaps you should not display them so prominently if you do not want them pushed.
“Again, as far as my grammar, if you don’t like the mistakes, then just don’t read – bitch!”
Did you just tell me I shouldn’t associate with you if I don’t like constant fuck-ups? Well, at least you know who you are. It’s nice to be aware of your own limits. It’s not enough, but it’s nice.
“You can believe you take other points of view serious – but it is obvious you don’t. However, once again – I don’t give a shit!”
Other points of view that are well-considered, yes. Reading your posts is like watching a monkey try to screw a football. Can you take that seriously? I can’t. I too have limits.
From reading everything you have written, I am sure you know everything about screwng a monkey – you are nothing but a trailer trash bitch, slut that is trying to act like you know something. As far as giving actual evidence. We have plenty, but I would never staisfy your ignorance. Fuck you and the horse ( or shall I say monkey) you rode up on.
Samantha, you seem like a real toughie! You seem like someone who’s used to insult and physical confrontation instead of intelligent discussion. That doesn’t work too well online, in case you haven’t noticed. You’re terrible at insulting people, and you can’t very well throw a punch at me. Basically, you’re impotent without facts. You have far too many buttons, and you don’t guard them very well. Your insults might anger me if they were anything remotely resembling the truth. When you insult, try aiming instead of firing randomly. You might actually hit something.
I thought you really didn’t care. Huh, Sammy? For someone who says they don’t care as often as you do, you sure seem to, well… care. Otherwise, why would you be here where we can give you the cold sweats and force you to respond? It’s irresistible, isn’t it?
If you do care, and I think you do, you’ll lay out some facts with some evidence. Try linking your information to credible websites and articles. The internet is a research tool that will help you prove whatever point you’re trying to make. It’s amazing, no? The technology I’m using to laugh in your face is the very same technology you can use to throw it all back at me. That is, IF you have evidence and you’re not just firing randomly again.
Oh Samantha, sweet sweet little fucktarded Samantha.
On my return to pysih I find your golden coment “As far as giving actual evidence. We have plenty, but I would never staisfy your ignorance”. Now being able to spot a retarded monkey banging on a keyboard incoherently a mile off I just had to smile.
After you have visited here for days, scrutinising every comment ever so carefully (ok that one didn’t really happen, just using it for dramatic effect) and vehemently chastised and insulted every one and anyone who doesn’t share your opinions or take your rantiings as gospel truth, you finally get the chance to show proof (which you obviouslly have plenty) and you decline as to not “staify our ignorance”.
Firstly, by not showing any evidence to back your claims is the only way to satisfy someones ignorance. To provide evidence is to work to the contrary and shatter that persons ignorance, but you don’t have any proof now do you!
Secondly, I hope you stay for a while as it is people like you that make my time here soooooo much fun.
Thirdly, I hope you contract crotch rot and your cunt falls out.
Wait a minute, I missed that. Did she really say:
“As far as giving actual evidence. We have plenty, but I would never staisfy your ignorance.”
Translation: We have no real evidence, but I’m not going to admit that.
Jesus Sam, you would have been better off not saying anything. LoLoL You’re hysterical. You have evidence, but it would never satisfy us? Actually, that might be the first honest thing you wrote. I doubt you have any real evidence that would satisfy any of us, especially the legal experts among us.
If I were you, I’d be a little more careful about what I wrote in my comments.
If you want the story changed Samatha, all you have to do is provide the same quality of proof as min_duhh did, showing that your point of view is correct and hers isn’t. Can you do that? Because if you can’t, I suggest you stop being such an arrogant asshole and shut the fuck up.
Also, I am a she not a he, so maybe you should get your facts straight too.
This actually cracked me up. She claims to have read all the posts carefully and then calls you a HE … despite the fact that you signed off at least one of the posts Amanda.
It’s the little things that keep me amused.
I actually spent days researching this story.. If I got something inaccurate; I will apologize from the bottom of my soul, when you provide evidence of whatever I wrote that was wrong- evidence that doesn’t contradict something I have in my research. Mostly I don’t pull articles out of my ass and if I did I don’t think Max would find them appropriate to publish.
As for the fire investigation, I have simply been relaying what I have uncovered about said investigation: If you know something and have evidence (which I have yet to find anything regarding 5 investigations) then please by all means share what you know.
Next time you call me out, please state specifics so I can appropriately defend my writing.
If “Samantha” isn’t a Ratley groupie she is probably the asshole who stole my story and I reported …either way I will take her “advice” with a grain of salt til she provides some solidly proven evidence of a mistake.
Pardon me, I made a mistake, I meant DOES contradict not doesn’t contradict.
Okay, I’ve decided to call Samantha’s Bullshit. I thought I could just let it go, but after reading the last sentence of her post about letting Effie rest in peace–I couldn’t let it drop because that is exactly what I was trying to do with this article, as is anyone who is commenting. All we are trying to do is let the world know what kind of scum Michael is.
Samantha said on September 10th, 2009 at 11:44 am, “Also, just so you know – no neighbors or did Effie come to the window for help”- I don’t know what that means exactly, but if it means that Effie didn’t go to the window, this is from the horses mouth contradicting that specifically.
“I knocked out what glass I could with my hands and told her to just follow my voice to the window. She couldn’t see because of the smoke. When she came to the window, I just picked her up and carried her out of the house,” Michael Ratley to Channel 4 reporters the day following the fire.
Samantha also said, in that same post, “There were five investigation completed on the fire, which all determined it was not, repeat not arson as you all seem to know.”
According to Tommy Seagraves, Nassau County Sheriff, “We’re still looking at pieces of the investigation as we go. Everything is still being looked at.”
I interpret that as meaning there is ONE investigation that has yet to come to a conclusion. That quote from Seagraves was taken during Ratley’s trial.
So there you have it..I have called into question 2 “facts” that Good Ole’ Samantha has pointed out; when she can do the same thing for something I have written, I will be the first to apologize.
Sure, I will be the first to admit, I am not perfect and sure I probably do make mistakes; but I am not going to lay down and take someone questioning my integrity. I put a lot of care and effort into the stories I write for this site because I feel the victims deserve for their stories to be told; and just because someone who has some kind of unrequited love affair with a murderer (in my opinion that’s exactly what this is) I’m not going to stop.
Thanks for your effort Samantha, but as I have said already, back up your facts next time.
That is you, you would never admit that you are not the person you say you are. But really – you are just like every one else – you are scared of the thuth. But – really no cares about your opionion – or lack of it – party one trail trash!
You keep mentioning trailer trash. And sluts. And bitches. You really know a lot of garbage people, to be so eager to label all of us that way. Tsk, tsk, Samantha. Go take a shower.
You also speak of ‘the truth’. WHAT IS THE TRUTH? IT IS NOT TRUTH WITHOUT EVIDENCE, SAMMY! So do satisfy our ignorance with ‘the truth’ in the form of evidence, please. Otherwise your ranting is nothing but that – simply ranting.
You may want to read what you just wrote – again, you have presented no facts – just copies of what other people have written. Ranting is all you do – tsk tsk – trash is all that you are so you may be the one who needs to take a shower. What a dumb ass response. And just so you know, I DO NOT CARE!!! “if she wasn’t so amusingly wound up up and GRRRR” That really hurt me – NOT!
But you DO care, Sammy. Or you wouldn’t be so eager to prove you don’t care.
Yes I do care – only about Effie, Michael, Aiden and their familes. You obviously care about nothing. I could continue this stuid game, but I really am sick of people like you. You don’t know Effie, Michael or any of the Ratleys. So go on a talk you shit – Miss I can beat everyone.
A^2 + B^2 = C^2
I didn’t invent this. I’ve proven it, but my proof didn’t add anything to the knowledge base or its accuracy. When I use it, I make a nod to a Greek named Pythagoras, who probably stole it and refined it from a plethora of discoveries and proofs stretching back before the written word of mankind.
Michael was proven guilty through a system, a formula that is usually extremely accurate. There’s a possibility for questioning the system, but it’s reasonable to assume that the authorities who followed the process from one end to the other were extremely thorough in finding his conviction.
Now you come into the room and bellow at the top of your lungs that we’re all fools for believing in justice or thinking Michael is guilty from the facts as they were presented. You do nothing but call people names and claim to have some higher source or connection to the facts that proves you’re right and we’re wrong. You talk about my Ego and the ego of others, but stop for just 5 seconds, look into a mirror and say:
“Could I be wrong?”
You cannot reach any form of reasonable or logical conclusions until you consider the opposing facts that support a finding other than your own. If you cannot consider your assumptions fallible, then you are incapable of considering anything. Again, look at your words. I’m fond of the so-called “from the heart” cliche, but your heart is not the source of cognitive thinking. The heart is rarely a decision making tool. I think Max can say sometimes the heart can lead you into some decisions, mainly from the perspective that if your heart fails you when you attempt a task, your heart isn’t going to let you breathe or move blood around your body if it’s not “in for the completion of a specific task.”
Use your brain on this one. Take it apart and consider it. The heart is great for moving blood around the body, but it sucks as a decision tool.
Maybe I am missing something but uh, why would a fire department complete 5investigations into 1 fire? The would complete one and if it was not arson why keep checking 4 more times? Unless the first one raised questions that needed investigation which raised more questions which raised even more suspicions and questions……Samantha is making no sense as the more investigations that the fire department would make the lower the credibility that it was not arson…..
Apparently I need to use baby words. The first ivestigation was completed by the State Fire Marshal and found to be due to faulty wiring. Therefore, the insurance company completed their own investigation to see if they could recover some of their funds from Fleetwood, the manufacturer. Then, Fleetwood did their own investigation, which turn out to be accidential with no know cause. Then, after Effie murder, the police decided they would do two more additional investigations to try and proof another crime against Michael. Do yo get it know?
OK let me use baby words-he is in jail, a jury of his peers reviewed the evidence presented and found him guilty-you can rant and rave about all the evidence that we do not know about but the jury did see the evidence from the prosecution and defense and decided he was guilty, at this point the appeals court will look at the fairness of the trial and hate to break it to you but appeals courts are loath to overturn a lower court verdict and rarely do so.
Hey Samantha,
Before using baby words maybe you might try using real words. Here are just a few of your gems of wisdom I have found:
” I would never staisfy your ignorance”
“everyone likes to make their own versons so they can have someone besides their selves to find fault with”
“but I feel smypathy for you – you actual think you are a reporter. May God bless your stupid ass”
“which turn out to be accidential with no know cause”
“to try and proof another crime against Michael”
And to thimk these where from the first five of your comments I stopped at and the kicker……………
Samatha. For fuck sake bitch, at the very least learn to spell your name right.
I have been trying to figure out the same thing Ferrets.
I considered that maybe the insurance company conducted their own investigation. then I looked into it and discovered that generally they go by the law enforcement investigation unless there are extenuating circumstances. Then again I am not even sure they had home owners insurance. My point being that if those extenuating circumstances existed that would bring maximum number of investigations to DEUX, and that’s a big IF
min_duhh
I know min_duhh and she told people she was pregnant when she was not if anyone wants to see her record go to accesskent.com click on courts and law enforcement the district court then 61 court it will bring you to a new tab and then click on records search First name ****** Last name ****** in 2004 she stole from her own daughter putting things in her name and running up bad credit for her also did the same thing to her mother along with telling people she was pregnant when she wasn’t and tried to sell the child to a nice couple the child that was never there. this person will go to hell just as fast as the people she writes about check her out on accesskent.com
i don’t allow personal information to be posted in the comments section of this website, so save you personal vendetta for some other forum. for what it’s worth, i’ve only known min_duhh to be a good and honest person who cares deeply about the victims of violent crime.
-editor
Very strange story. And very sad. That poor baby boy. :(
Hey VCBecky – I just wanted to say that you’re really good at this. I’m still feeling pretty sick, so I haven’t been online much, but you’ve more that held your own all by yourself. And Sam here is a stubborn one, not for amateurs – you’ve handled her like a real veteran. The bitch doesn’t have a chance against you’re logic (They hate logic – it’s like Kryptonite to nutjobs like her). The trick has always been to never get emotional, and always keep your sense of humor – but you already figured that out. It’s been fun watching you in action….
Hey Max! I’m glad to provide some inane entertainment while you mend! If we can’t laugh on this site, we’re bound to go batshit insane.
Samantha almost wrote my responses herself. She practically left a breadcrumb trail and I happened to stumble upon it. I would feel sorry for her and her ‘hose w/o a fireman’ style, if she wasn’t so amusingly wound up up and GRRRR. I wonder if she sprained her buttocks. You know, from the angsty clinching…
Just as I thought – another site that cares nothing about the truth – so you just keep on with your dumbass thoughts. I did not say I was a Ratley, I said I am very good friends with the family, and am proud of it. Most of you never even met this family but continue to judge. As if anyone cares.
To VCBecky and Max The Cat – you started the trash talk and infact VC Becky I never even commented to you. Just so you know, you are not jack shit to me and I have laughed at every comment on this site – that is how ridiculous all of you are – one big funny joke. Don’t ever think you are better then me – not possible. So, review your own statements and shove all your bias opinions up your ass!!!! So continue to write your silly little comments – we have heard the same thing for 2.5 years. It is so old – most everything all of you have said has been said many time before. I would say to move on, but I know that would be to hard for you – you would have nothing to copy!!!! Also, my ass is is fine as usual (sick as bitch).
Also Max The Cat , I know Effie is very proud of how we loved in life and love her still. And, I dont know how many times I have to say this, but your opnions means nothing to any of us. At least I have the guts to say who are my friends and not just hide behind a fucking stupid name. It is all of you, who for the most part, did not even care about her or even know her.
This site is no different then the others – someone copies some stories and all the other dumbasses in the world believes it to be the gospel. Pity is what I feel for all of you! Also, the coment about the tatoos – how stupid – I will just leave that one alone.
This has been alot of fun, but, I actually have a life and more important things to do than to sit a argue with more dumbasses.
VCBecky and Max the Cat – you did nothing to hurt me – you only gave me humor. The most I have had in some time. Thanks!!
Okay, I’m late to this one, so let’s spell this out.
Do you think Michael Steven Ratley murdered his wife with a hammer?
If you think he is innocent, why do you think he is innocent?
Provide proof.
If you know he’s the murderer, are you trying to protect him from ridicule?
Why would you want to protect a murderer? What possible advantage is there to protecting this murderer?
If you have facts, why won’t you collect them in an ordered and organized form in an effort to present a cogent and logical defense? Are you just being lazy?
I know Michael was not the murder. I can say things just like all of you, but the proof I can not. There is an appeals process, which, if you really want to know facts, you may want to attend. Just because people like her write a report, does not make it fact.
I am not protecting him from ridicule – just giving my opinion as all of you have.
As far as me being lazy, you can count on me not being lazy and am helping to make sure a chance at true justice is given. Why don’t you try to gather some actual evidence – not just what they said was evidence. You may be surprised. As far as a logical defense, hopefully, we will get a chance to give one this next time.
What facts do you actually have? Do you have depositions that are complete purgery? Do you have finger prints that do not belong to Michael? Do you have documents of important “evidence” that all the sudden went missing? Do you have documents of items that were presented to the jury, but were not listed or mentioned as ever being found? do you know who’s DNA that was actually on the murder weapon? I could go on and on – but there would be not sense and this is certainly not the place to do it. There are so many things none of you known for now. But soon, you will.
You miss the point of our justice system. Currently the only proof anyone needs is that:
1. He was convicted of the crime
2. He received a fair trial.
Your friend is currently an appellant. Under the law, he is guilty of murdering his wife. The words guilty and innocent have very specific meanings that you don’t seem to understand. You appear to be convinced that 2 is in error. Perhaps you should approach any “logical” defense of the appellant from that position rather than use words you don’t know.
To your position on me providing or seeking evidence I was not given, I beg you to carefully research the word evidence.
I can’t create evidence. I can’t submit evidence. I can report on the evidence discovered in court findings or even those detailed by the defense. You can’t create or even admit evidence yourself. Evidence is what’s presented in the case.
As far as facts I currently have:
1. Michael was found guilty of killing his wife with a hammer.
2. Michael was found to be lying about another assailant
3. The facts presented in this article conform with the documentation within the case.
4. You don’t understand logic or the definition of many of the words you’re trying to use. You’re trying to use these words, and may think you’re using them correctly, but you aren’t.
5. You appear to be biased on this case because you are an insider with either the family or with friends of the appellant.
6. You will not concede any points so are not interested in reasoned debate or reasonable considerations
7. You’ve attempted to only use logical fallacies to prove your “points”
8. You won’t provide evidence or facts that support your case or that of your position that the appellant will soon be cleared of all charges.
To the rest of your questions, I do not. Neither of course do you currently. Evidence can’t go “missing.” That’s not how “evidence” works. “Evidence going missing,” is something used thematically or dramatically. Physical or circumstantial evidence that has been tampered with or destroyed is in fact inadmissible evidence. The fact that the “evidence” is missing or that evidence existed and does not exist now is actually an assumption of evidence that’s proven. Example: You may have a receipt that show the evidence locker had three items that the defense wished to investigate, but now the inventory of that locker is missing those three items. That’s two piece of evidence. One, the receipt and two the inventory. Do you understand this a little better now?
You have the same issues – you are definitely using your words incorrectly, but I don’t worry about the small things. Once again, I will ask you to READ THE TRAIL TRANSCRIPTS!!! Michael was not found lying about the attack in the barn. The prosecution use “allegedly”. As far as evidence going missing – if you believe your statement, you really sould not be giving advice. EVIDENCE DOES GO MISSING – and I sorry to say, they do no give you a receipt like you would at Walmart!!!! Secondly, Michael did not receive fair trial, which will be found during the appeals process. Thirdly, you have no true evidence document, depositions, or anything else. So how would you know they conform to any story.
However, I was asked to provide evidence, and I did, which is more than I can say for anyone else. Just like you said, I am bias – I believe that eveyone deserve a fair trial. But, you are bias too, so I really can not waste any further time trying give you insight.3
I thought maybe this sight was different, but it really is not.
Look up the word alleged and you’ll find:
“Represented as existing or as being as described but not so proved; supposed.”
A conviction for the prosecution is a transformation process. Alleged is a legal fabrication for the purpose of “innocent until proven guilty.”
When a person is convicted, the case is sustained as fact even when some aspects of the case may be found flawed. To truly break or appeal a case, you have to disable the core assumptions of the case. An appeals judge doesn’t determine which aspects of a case that were alleged are now sustained as facts, he or she inspects the procedure and the validity of the methods of the case as well as anything new submitted at time of appeal. You appear to have a TV drama understanding of the law.
Exactly so not proved. Like I have said – I have given up on telling you any evidence. And my friend is not and appThere is no way I would post any of the actual documents on this pathetic site. The appeals process is something I completely understanding so I need no explanation from you. Also, my friend is no an appellant – he is currently classified as a murderer. He has an appellant lawyers who will file and appeals. The remainder of your ramblings are no new to me. Maybe they will help someone else understand.
When I refer to missing evidence, I was referring to what was on the FDLE evidance submission documents and what was left when we went to court. So, if someone exchange “receipts” I really don’t care.
I have and understanding of the law – which does not relate to TV drama.
You apparently seem to now more than me – do does that make you a suspect?
Actually proved by definition.
Your friend by definition is an Appellant. You do not understand the appeals process if you don’t understand that. You can be a murderer and an appellant. You can be accused of another crime and be an appellant in another case.
I do know more than you, but how can I be a suspect in this case? How is that logical? That’s an emotional response, like everything else you’ve said so far. If you want to make a reasoned argument, present them. Concede your bias, but then present points that support your opinion.
Do you understand why you’ll meet the same kind of opposition on every site? The problem isn’t with people like me, or Max or anyone else here actually, the problem is with the way you present your argument. It’s weak. It’s not logical. It’s emotionally inspired. It’s spiteful and inspired from all of the rage and injustice you feel in this case because at the core of it all you don’t want to be wrong, so you allow nothing in your life that would allow you to accept it. That’s grief. It in fact is one of the stages of grief. You’re on this roller coaster ride built from your own jagged feelings and you need to get a grip on it if you’re going to be any help to yourself or your friend. You’re not the first person to come here declaring that your friend or loved one is not guilty or not a monster and you won’t be the last. You’re no more correct than any of the others. There should be a classification for the disorder you possess, but I can’t find anything that specifically defines it. A psychologist would have a great time and probably publish a lot of papers trying to find what it is in you and people like you that builds this wall around logic.
Good luck with whatever you’re trying to do, but recognize that if you fail, you have only yourself to blame.
I give up – you win. Yes, I greive for the family and friends of Michael and Effie – it is not a disorder – it is just sorrow and a natural human emotion. I am sure you have never felt anything like that. However, you can continue to think you know it all – and are the only logical person on here if that builds, what you apparently have, a very large ego. Good luck in what ever it is your trying to do, but you recognize that when I don’t fall — I will not be at blame – and I will remember you.
As far as this sight being no difference than any other one has nothing to do with presenting anything. It has everything to do with none of you want to be wrong or open your minds to a different view.
Have you ever visited the Project Innocent’s site. Obviously not or you would not had made your statement.
You don’t understand how to interact with humans, Sammy. You don’t think before you type, you don’t formulate your thoughts in an intelligent manner, and you explode at the drop of a hat. You’ve made yourself into a chew toy, and with all of your defensiveness it appears to be a role you’re used to filling.
Think of the kind of response you want, and angle your wording and your manner to get those responses. That’s all I’ve done with you this entire time, and you didn’t even know you were being lead around by the nose like a Conehead in a sideshow. You say arrogant, ridiculous, preschool-minded things like “I really don’t care!” when you DO care and we all know you care. Basically, you’re an immature, ignorant ass with a giant target on your forehead.
I hope you remember us. I hope you learn from your experience here, but I doubt you will. Someone with your simplistic mind rarely recognizes a life lesson when it happens.
Bottom line – I feel sorry for Michael if you’re any example of the kind of person who is on his side. You’re doing him no good at all.
Same back at you VCBecky. You may dear have been lead around. As far as the conehead comment, I really don’t get it – but what ever.
And, if anyone is an ass, it is you. You are extremely immature and actually think this is a game.
A very nice and special person was murdered and an innocent man is in jail. If you think it is a game – and you are “queen of insults” then you be just that.
Bottom line for me is – You were the first one the explose on me (read your comment) I feel sorry for everyone – expecially your pathetic dumbass who doesn’t need to put a target on her forhead – everyone already knows.
“I don’t get it.”. That’s the closest thing to self honesty you’ve touched on in all of your posts.
You’re not a thinker – you’re a regurgitator. There doesn’t appear to be a single original thought in your head. You realize you’ve tried to reword my observations about you, badly I might add, and throw them back at me as original thoughts, don’t you? It’s no wonder you believe Ratley. Your mind is too malleable.
Why are you wasting your considerable argumentative talents here, Sammy? Go convince the judge that Ratley is innocent. You have all of the evidence – go present it to someone who can do something about it. You’re letting an innocent man rot in jail while you rant here to a bunch of strangers about how we’re terrible for believing the evidence as presented before the court. We’re horrible for concurring with the verdict! Oh what ignorant, illogical people we are, that we didn’t immediately take your ridiculous angle on the whole situation as the gospel truth. Even though you presented no information, no evidence that he is innocent, you still expect us to all ‘shut the fuck up’ because you said so.
I think you’re posting from an alternate universe where you’ve presented your considerable evidence intelligently and effectively. You need a room full of people who agree with you in order to feel like you matter. That’s not here, Sammy. Here, you’ve made a fool of yourself and that label will always stick.
Fool? Your worda mean nothing to me. You should actually look at your postings. You are the type of person that just likes to hurt other people. You may think you have hurt me, but you have not. In your previous commenta, you mentioned immature – perhaps you should look that up.
You do not deserve to know anything related to the truth about this case, because you do not even care about anyone involved.
So continue with you smart ass comments – that is what makes you a better person (ha ha).
“Fool? Your worda mean nothing to me. You should actually look at your postings. You are the type of person that just likes to hurt other people. You may think you have hurt me, but you have not. In your previous commenta, you mentioned immature – perhaps you should look that up.”
I didn’t start out trying to hurt you, Sammy. I started out trying to make you see that your phrasing and your words weren’t making sense, and if you were to try a bit more, you might get your point across and someone might be inclined to listen.
Then you attacked people I’ve come to respect, for no other reason than you misunderstood them. For no other reason than you believe Ratley is innocent, but you have no proof. That makes the rest of us illogical and mean? Really?
So I did what I have always done in a situation like this – I tried to beat some sense into you. People like you don’t understand discussion. People like you only understand violence. I was trying to play on your field. You just happen to suck at the game you started.
“You do not deserve to know anything related to the truth about this case, because you do not even care about anyone involved.”
I hope for Ratleys sake that the judge deserves to hear it. I do care about the innocents involved in this. You happen to only care about the guilty. If you had tangible proof, you’d have shoved it down our throats by now. You do not. We know you do not. You’ve hosed this blog down with your impotent frustration and incompetent, logic-free ridiculousness for long enough. Go have that shower. It’ll do you worlds of good.
“So continue with you smart ass comments – that is what makes you a better person (ha ha).”
No, that’s not what makes me better than you. What makes me better than you is my ability to THINK FOR MYSELF.
worda – yes – I could have called you down on so many things, but I thought I was about the subject – but again, who give a shit with you!
To FunkDupp you are the worst one on this site – As everyone says about me (which I am no where close to your ability to swear) that just lowers your opinion. But I am sure that only applies to me since you believe like everyone else.
You probably know alot about crotch rot (how sick). As far a insults – there are not enough words to even reply to you sick as ramblings.
Sammy, Sammy, Sammy, you’re so bad at this it’s comical. Hinting at the evidence you supposedly have (which you admit comes directly from a convicted murderer), and claiming that we’re unworthy of a peek at the “documents”, is just another cop out. You have no legitimate evidence, ot it would have been presented at the trial. You should listen to Jason, because he knows what he’s talking about. It’s very hard to get a conviction reversed on appeal, especially on the minutia type of supposed errors you guys are hanging you hats on.
And, please, try to be original. I mean, you can say we amuse you right after I spent a paragraph explaining why you are an endless source of entertainment to us, but it looks very, very tacky. But your insults are pre-adolescent, unworthy of an adult. Are you an adult, or Michaels thirteen-year-old Lolita? Maybe that’s something else we don’t know about Mikey “The Hammer” Ratley?
Bitch I never said they came from a muderer (who ever you are refering to) However, it is just a joke – Iike you said – Any one could have copied the same thing that started this enitre website, but I do not believe in anything until I see it in writing.
Of course you, thats another story – and yes, you are a bad person – and a sick individual who needs to seek help. But I really don’t care if you do. To talk about the hammer and make a joke sickens me. Please, talk to Jason – he seems to know everything – maybe he can help you. Effie is in heaven and looking down at you – are you afraid? I would be!!!!!
All beware Effie! Goddess of Wrath and Revenge! She will strike you down from her lofty perch in Heaven with a mere glance!
Ya know, I’m bored. I think I’ll sing to myself…
If I had a hammer
I’d hammer in the morning
I’d hammer in the evening
All over this land
I’d hammer out danger
I’d hammer out a warning
I’d hammer out love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land
If I had a bell
I’d ring it in the morning
I’d ring it in the evening
All over this land
I’d ring out danger
I’d ring out a warning
I’d ring out love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land
If I had a song
I’d sing it in the morning
I’d sing it in the evening
All over this land
I’d sing out danger
I’d sing out a warning
I’d sing out love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land
Well I’ve got a hammer
And I’ve got a bell
And I’ve got a song to sing
All over this land
It’s the hammer of justice
It’s the bell of freedom
It’s the song about love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land
Ahhh, that’s better. IF I HAD A HAMMER (The Hammer Song) is one of my favorites! Lee Hays and Pete Seeger are geniuses.
Oh gawd Becky, that ain’t right. It is a catchy tune though. Here’s another one – Think Reggae….
Bob Marley – Hammer
They just keep holdin’ me,
A-won’t let go;
Holdin’ me;
Won’t let go!
I need a hammer – a hammer -
a hammer – a hammer
To hammer them down!
I need a rammer – a rammer -
a rammer – a rammer
To ram them down!
They just keep teasin’ me
And, you know, they play
like they don’t know.
Provokin me,
But this is all I know:
I need a rammer – a rammer -
a rammer – a rammer
To ram them down!
I need a hammer – a hammer -
a hammer – a hammer
To hammer them down!
Wee-ooh-ooh;
Ooh-ooh-ooh;
Ooh-ooh-ooh;
Ooh-ooh-ooh.
Oh, I need a rammer – a rammer
- a rammer – a rammer
To ram-a them-a down!
Oh, I need a hammer – a hammer
- a hammer – a hammer
To hammer them down!
Said, I need a rammer – a rammer
- a rammer – a rammer
To ram-a them down!
I need a hammer – a hammer -
a hammer – a hammer
To hammer them down!
Holdin’ me (ooh-ooh-ooh);
Won’t let go (ooh-ooh-ooh).
Holdin’ me (ooh-ooh-ooh);
Won’t let go (ooh-ooh-ooh).
I need a rammer – a rammer -
a rammer – a rammer
To ram-a them down!
I need a hammer – a hammer -
a hammer – a hammer
To hammer them down!
(I need a rammer)
—
/Instrumental break/
—
I need a hammer – a hammer -
a hammer – a hammer
To hammer them down!
I need a rammer – a rammer -
a rammer – a rammer
To ram them down!
I need a hammer – a hammer -
a hammer – a hammer
To hammer them down!
I need a rammer – a rammer -
a rammer – a rammer
To ram them down!
Sometimes the only way to hammer your point home is through music, ya know? I’d post “Maxwells Silver Hammer” but I’m limited by the accuracy of the chorus. I can’t bring myself to do it. You’re welcome.
I would have posted earlier (I’m sure Sammy missed meh!), but I had a pounding headache this morning. I played a show last night. Got totally… *say it with me now*… HAMMERED!
Both of you are sick individuals and need help. Making a joke over such a horrible act of violence – I truly feel sorry for you both.
I was excited to read this comment. It’s the first time she spelled “site” correctly. :)
Samantha:
I am still awaiting an apology for you calling me a dumbass. All I was trying to do was point out that not all of the commentators believed it was arson. Hell, I don’t even believe it was arson. I requested that you reread the comments, not the story and you call me a dumbass without provocation. Please try to read comments without assuming meaning, just take them at face value. Some are sarcastic, some are serious, and some are completely unrelated. Don’t pass judgement on the commentators, especially if you are asking them to not pass judgement on your friend.
Don’t reply to me unless you have something constructive to say.
MA2
I will reply if I please to – If you believe it was not an arson well thats great. Other than that, so be it. Also, I never asked anyone not to pass judgement on anyone. All I gave was a different aspect to consider( to some – others just got what they asked for).
So I ASKED you to call me a dumbass when I suggested you should read all the comments!? That seems like faulty logic to me.
Max, does this statement make any sense to you?
“To NavyCop, I did read all the story dumbass. If you are a NavyCop, that completely explains your ignorance. ” ~Samantha
Not sure how my profession explains my ALLEGED ignorance. Do you see something I don’t?
NavyCop – relating COP – how I have learned how ignorant and not care most are. Sorry I did not spell it out for both of you to begin with.
And again, another shining example of your own ignorance. My job in the Navy requires me to be above average intelligence and have at least some form of human emotion.
In 2006, I was the reporting officer to a nasty child abuse case. The father was the perp. He shook his son so hard that to this day, the boy can not walk or talk. I am the one who had to take the report, I am the one who had to assist in taking photos of the bruises. I am the one who apprehended the perp. I am also the one who beat the living daylights out of the father and had to be pulled off of him. Why? Because NOBODY gets away with hurting chldren on my watch. When this same idiot abused the wife prior to his apprehension, she sat in MY living room, shivering and crying, because he locked her out of the house in her underwear, AGAIN. I gave her clothing and called the other shift ( I was off duty.)
Don’t ever call me ignorant. At least I have a working knowledge of the English Language. Don’t ever call me uncaring. I have a three year old daughter that I would give my life for. I would lay my life down for any human being worth saving. Including you, Samantha. Not just because it is an obligation that goes with my job, but because deep inside, I value human life.
You continually insult and harrass me for no reason. You comment where no comment is required, just because you have the ability to hunt and peck for letters on your keyboard. You make absolutely no attempt to understand why people are confused and angry about Ratley’s situation.
Why are you on this site? Can you honestly answer that question for me without calling me names or insulting me? If not, then DO NOT reply until you can.
Sammy is a tweaker NavyCop. That’s the only explanation for someone who speaks without thinking, has paranoid delusions about “the powers that be”, thinks everyone everywhere is against her, and insults and degrades everybody who disagrees with her. I figure she’s on a 4 day run without sleep and is due to crash any time now.
4 days no sleep? Eh, that’s chickenshit. I go longer than that and don’t call ppl out for no damn reason. Hell, I’m even fasting and getting evil because of it, and I still don’t call ppl out for no reason.
I’ve even been toning down on my evilness here. Using facts and reason as opposed to just foul language…. Oh well, not everyone can be as good as me :D
This comment does not even deserve a response, but of course I will make it. I did not call anyone OUT. I, once again, simply responded to a comment. Of course the fact the it was nothing but profanity means nothing because it was the same opinion you have along the pussycat and who ever else.
Actually, you called me a dumbass. For no good reason. And doesn’t the phrase “I give up” typically mean one is going to go away? Checkmate. You lose. Now instead of attacking my intelligence, educate yourself. I tried to make a point to you and you did call me out.
Max, I think you hit the nail on the head. (Sammy, do you like my hammer-related pun? I am so funny to me!!) To be such a glutton for punishment… there’s either a hardcore drug addiction in play, or she has a deep psychological need to be repeatedly hoisted by her own petard. I hope she has Bactine handy. That’s gotta burn.
Her reading comprehension skills are severely lacking. TV will do that to you. NavyCop spelled her point out, she was even agreeing with Sammy about the idea that arson probably wasn’t involved, and yet Sammy exploded.
Quite honestly, I’m starting to feel pretty terrible for her. We keep erecting walls around her, and all she can do is repeatedly run into them with her face. I’d give in to my feelings and stop posting, but it’s just so damn fun to watch sometimes! I can’t help myself! Does that make me a bad person, or just a bored person? ;)
The problem with you is you actually think that you are making a statement that is correct – think before you write. What a fucking dumbass you are. As far as me – my comments come from what I have seen, experienced and felt – from the heart. Like I said before, if you don’t like it, don’t read it. I reallly doubt you could ever think about anyone but your self. God bless you!
“my comments come from what I have seen, experienced and felt – from the heart.”
Your heart goes around calling people “Fucking Dumbass” “Trailer Trash” “Bitch”, etc.? Your heart goes around parroting the words of others as if they’re your own?
Perhaps you should smash it with a hammer…
My heart moves blood around my body.
Good! That’s what it’s for! Jogging gets it going really well, I’ve found. Gets it beating like, well… a HAMMER!
Because I used profanity, does not mean I have no heart – however, you continue with your sick ass comments. I am sure that projects your true personality.
Also VCBecky I have not copied any comments. That would be you – which is on every site – and the person (I guess is a she) who wrote this storey. This storys is a gathering of other storys that have already been written. Also, you may want to refer to some of your only trashy comments. I surely have never said I have not used profanity anyd really don’t care.
Your statement “Max, I think you hit the nail on the head. (Sammy, do you like my hammer-related pun? I am so funny to me!!) To be such a glutton for punishment… there’s either a hardcore drug addiction in play, or she has a deep psychological need to be repeatedly hoisted by her own petard. I hope she has Bactine handy. That’s gotta burn.” Is really pathetic – no burns or drugs here – however, since you have mention drug addiction and deep psychological need ( I would prefer to use disturbances in your case) take a long and hard look in a mirror (I am sure you have one that laying somewhere around on a table). To think and make a joke of someone being beaten to death and some how find that funny – just makes a statement without any explanation.
Also you have learned nothing from the get-go. *sigh*
I suppose your posts serve a purpose in the end. It’s important to have extreme stupidity shoved in our faces on occasion. Otherwise, how do we recognize intelligence when we see it? Thank you, Sammy, for being that extreme stupidity.
Balance reigns again in the Universe… Ommmm….. Ommmm…. Ommmm…
Didn’t you say you were going away?
No – at no point did I say ” I am going away”. Apparently you have the same disabilities as VCBecky or Max the Cat,
Ferret – who ever you are (what a name you picked) I could care less if you think I am irrational or boring – simply don’t make a statement to me. Anyhow – who pulled your chain? It sure as hell wasn’t me. But of course, I am sure you will blame me the same as VC Becky (so scary). Also, I have already stated I believe in Michael’s innocent’s – as far as it being a bushy haired stranger – I have never said that – again, I have my opinion just like you. That statement came from you. Once again, just because I have a difference of opinion does not mean a thing. It is simply my opinion – as you have yours.
Boring-please if you are going to insult me then come up with something more original than “dissing” on the name I use on a website. The bushy haired stranger is an ironical reference to the mythical being that suspects blame for committing the murderous actions that they have committed. If you honestly believe that your friend is innocent then why not focus your energies on his appeal as he will need all the help he can get as Appeals Courts rarely will overturn a lower court ruling-and might as well get your name on his visitor’s list as the jury was not impressed with the evidence presented and it looks like he is not going anywhere outside of prison for a very long time.
Think before you write said Sammy-anyone see the incredible irony in that statement??
It’s impossible to have a rational discussion with an irrational person and Sammy is getting boring…..I think she really believes a bushy haired stranger is the killer-the same bushy haired stranger who framed Jodi Arias maybe…
Why don’t you use something more original? I know this is hard for you but you really did not have to explain your “old school” “bushy haired stranger” comment. As far as my friend and his appeal, you don’t worry – it has nothing to do with you. As far as rarely overturning a lower court’s ruling – you will soon see. Like I said before, you have your opinion and I have mine. Since you are old school – opinions are like assholes – everone has one. I’m sure you can understand that.
When this appeal is set aside with no action, will you come back here and beg for our forgiveness?
Most appeals are full of false hope that their case holds more credence and that your appeal will carry more weight. Did the attorney say something like this to you and the family as he accepted payment?
“First, let me tell you that most appeals fail, but Michael’s case has a few of the tell tale signs of a good case. I’ve been doing appeals for X number of years and there are a few things I’ve seen in successful appeals and Michael has A, B, and C, so I think we have a very good chance.”
They teach that speech at training seminars for Appeals lawyers so they learn how to maintain a high level of business. Lawyers who specialize in appeals are often some of the weakest lawyers in the profession because their clients are the most desperate, the fees are almost always paid in advance, and their time in court delivering verbal arguments are limited by the forum they’re performed in. Appeals lawyers have to be able to convince themselves over and over again that somehow their small little lottery ticket of a chance is actually going to make a difference, so that they can turn around and sell that horse apple cart’s load of false hope to the client and his family as they struggle through the appeals process. It is true that some people are let off on appeal, but would you like to take a guess at what percentage of capital murder cases are overturned on appeal?
Oh well…. In your mind, I’m just some egomaniac whose saying these things because I don’t know your Michael and want him to suffer for a crime he didn’t commit. You’ll deny this through his first appeal, his second appeal, his third appeal and so on and so forth until the end of days.
She may not be back Jason, but you can bet your ass a copy of the appellate court ruling affirming Michael Ratley’s conviction will be prominently displayed on this website, and on the several others where I have some influence.
Chances are his appeal would have slipped by like so many of the others that people we feature here on PYSIH try. Let’s face it, Mikey’s crime wasn’t particularly heinous when compared with, say, a baby murderer or a child rapist. But thanks to Sammy bringing so much attention to his case, I, and several others, will be following his case closely, and we’re sure to make a huge deal of it when his appeal gets “hammered” in court. Jesus Sam, with friends like you, Michael doesn’t have the proverbial snowball’s chance in hell, does he?
People like Sam never learn that it’s best to keep one’s mouth shut until the prize is in the bag, so to speak, when you’re dealing with something that has the kind of long odds a criminal appeal does. Acting like a arrogant jackass on meth is probably the last thing I’d do in her position, but then, I’m not an arrogant jackass on meth, she is. I’d take a low profile, bide my time, and in the very off chance that the appellate judges somehow all get sudden onset Alzheimer’s at the moment my case comes up and I win, take that opportunity to have my fun. but you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, and you can’t get an idiot to act against her nature either.
You can post what ever you want to, but you can bet your ass I will be posting the over turn of the courts decision. Oh, “Jackass” “Meth” – so unlike you! As far as drawing attention to this case, there is no possible way to draw anymore attention then there was. So, you may want to do what you say – keep you mouth shut until the prize is in the bag!!!
Beg for forgivness? There will be not need. So just keep running your mouth about a case you no nothing about!
While you keep using a language you “know” nothing about.
hey navycop, I was thinking that same thing…I’m sure she said she was going..or was it “not going to bother anyore?” weird…:)
Reminds me of a 5 year old getting mad at her friends and grabbing her toys and stomping off towards home in a hissy fit of rage
JUSTJANEYBOX – Not going to bother has does not mean I was leaving. LOOK IT UP – also, I have said nothing to you so your opinion in any of my comments to other individuals actually means nothing to me. As I said before – I am not pretending to be in a spelling bee – so your attempt at humor is irrelavent.
Ferret – was that something that just happened to you? I never walk away. I leave when I am ready – and it will NEVER be because of what you call a “hissy fit” – really you need to grow up!
awww sweet I feel so special…..nah nah NavyCop & ferrets…. my name was put in CAPS…lol…and samantha before you start NO I will not grow up…I love being my age and sitting here laughing at you makes me feel ever so much younger :) so thanks ….(<<<insert sarcastic wit here<<<)
Okay – who cares!! Be what ever you want to. I don’t have to be around you or your childish personality. I do, however, feel sorry for those that do.
“Not going to bother has does not mean I was leaving.”
‘Not going to bother’ has does mean you’re not going to waste your precious time responding. That means you have been struggling with your every response when you do respond. Truly sad, considering how much you fail. You have to concentrate and take time to fail. Understand we realize that, Sammy.
I’m not wasting my precious time because responding to you takes no real time at all. Responses to you don’t require intense thought. Understand that as well.
Now go have fun with the appeals process.
Once again, as always, you are wrong. Bother does not mean you are leaving it is an intransitive verb to take the time or trouble to do something, amoung other meanings, which none have to do with leaving!!! You are correct about one thing – my responses to the comments on this site do take little time.
So run along and get your dictonary!!!
Funny you should say this. You used bother in a Gerund phrase, which makes the verb bother part of the object of the sentence. It’s a playful portion of English that turns the Gerund phrase into the noun.
You are not going to bother with learning the English language.
Subject = You
Verb = are
Gerund Phrase = “going to bother”
Secondary object of the sentence by way of gerund = “learning the English language”
Even better is that you used the intransitive form while I just used the transitive form by adding a secondary, or rather direct object to the reference verb. Even still, my gerund is treated like a noun.
You’ve been out of your league since you left the fifth grade.
Oh I am so wounded by your decisive commentary-not-. Lets talk appeal court cases as examples -David Rice-appealing his conviction for murder for well over 20 years for the death of a policeman in Omaha-basically comes down to a then 15 year old boy saying he called 911 to lure cops to a house claiming a woman was needed help and a bomb went off and that David was involved in the Black Panthers who had set the bomb, rice has actual credible witnesses, movie stars donating money to him, volunteer attorneys who are very good at what they do, and he is still years later sitting in prison and will never get out. Old School? no reality-go ahead and read the Innocence Project where a group is trying to appeal sentences =so how many decades they have worked on those cases. I know you think your boy’s case is different-actually do some research into what happens at the appeal level, what the appeals court basis its decisions on before coming here and claiming we do not know what we are talking about…
Oh and I would suggest that you lose the attitude when visiting in prison, the prison officers will not appreciate it.
Just so you know – I have done my research. The innocence program does not even get involved until you have lost at least one appeal. I would give further examples, as you have, but it would be a waste of my time. You people are the ones with the attitudes and smart ass comentary and are very closed minded. Trying to explain anything to any of you on this site is simply a joke. You have your believes and your are entitled to them – and I really don’t care.
If you don’t care, then why reply? My knowledge of appealing convictions is based on years of education, employment and experience with the justice system, as well as observing cases as they wind their way through channels.
You know, guys, I’m not even gonna attempt to reason with Samantha anymore. I’m gonna go pop some popcorn, then sit back and watch her self-destruct. At this point, it is inevitable…
*Grabs a beer and settles into the La-Z-Boy* May as well get comfortable, right?
I think it is time to give up on reason and let her go off and complete her inmate visiting forms! Have a beer for me while I go off to work! :)
Min_Duhh, I re-read your article and was again impressed by it. You took pains to present both sides, have supported your conclusions, and overall did an excellent job. Thanks!
I wouldn’t have re-read this if it hadn’t been for Samatha’s rantings. So, thank you Samatha. Although, you have come across as a loose cannon–randomly shooting and hoping for a strike; you brought my attention back to this story (and min_duhh’s excellent writing) and provided some good entertainment. So, thank you.
It really is a curious case.
You’re right on both counts matthewrmt. Min_duhh did a first class job on this story, as she does on all her stories, and Sammy brought lots of unnecessary attention to this case.
For instance, I did some checking on Mikey’s criminal record, and found an arrest in early 2009 for 3rd Degree Felony Grand Theft, nearly 8 months before he beat Effie to death. Take a look for yourself:
Florida v Ratley, Michael – Felony Grand Theft 3rd
Now I wonder why a fine, God fearing boy like Michael Ratley would be stealing? It sure doesn’t go along with the popular portrait of him as friend to all, helper of the helpless, give the shirt off your back kind of guy, does it? And I never would have gone though the trouble of finding the Clerk Of The Court in Nassau County’s website, then finding the case search page so I could peruse his criminal records if Sammy hadn’t made such a stink. So Michael, you can thank Sammy for this part of your private life being on public display.
You are really just a work of art. He was sentenced on that charge the same day he was sentenced for Effie’s murder. Obviously someone did not do the RESEARCH!!! AGAIN
It isn’t entertainment it is a fact which was in numeous other storys that apparently your great story writer did not uncover.
Keep up the good work!!!
…but was charged before her murder….
He did the research. The State saved some money on a charge they had to prosecute. Max’s information remains a valid and well researched point. Michael Steven Ratley was a criminal before he murdered his wife with a hammer.
My point exactly – thank you Jason. Sammy was either throwing up some smoke to distract readers from that fact, or the point flew well over her head. Both are possible, but since I did everything short of spelling it out, I’d have to say she’s going for distraction.
If you can’t feed them facts, baffle them with bullshit, isn’t that how it works Sammy?
Once again, you need to look up your facts before you post. He was charged three days after he was arrested and charged for the murder.
I looked a little closer on this one and the charge date does stem from the January 27th 2007 date when the article says he killed his wife. This case is a little difficult to unravel Max, took me a sleepless night last night reading through the transcripts, but here goes:
1. The police charged Ratley immediately with breaking into the car that he later used in his alibi.
2. They charged Ratley with the murder about 8 months later, even though he was their only suspect after about April, and was the primary suspect from the beginning.
3. Samantha is actually right in this one respect, that this charge is just another crime he was committing when he killed his wife.
4. It doesn’t change that the case against him in the transcripts is actually extremely solid and well formed.
A little concession here is probably reasonable.
Thanks Jason – Looks like I made a mistake. It happens. Of course, as you say, it doesn’t change the fact that Michael murdered his wife, was convicted of that crime by a jury of his peers, and will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Once again, you are still wrong. He was charge and arrested with murder 8 months after Effie’s death, which is correct. He was charged with theft (which had nothing to do with any vehicle) 3 days after his murder arrest. No car or any other type of vehicle was he charged with stealing nor was if EVER used as an alibi. This is really getting old. Also, I know you would have never paid the amount necessary to receive an actual certified copy of the court transcripts. And as far as them being well “formed” transcripts are transcripts – a verbatim copy of what happened during a trail (for the most part).
And Max – you have already told me your opinion, which is great that you have one. Yes, it is a fact he was found guilty, but the rest is your opinion, which is like everyone elses on this page. Of course none of you were at the trial, knew Effie or him. So, it would seem LOGICAL that you would think and believe like the rest of the herd.
Samatha, can you answer a serious question? How are you acquainted with the Ratley family? Really? Relative, friend, what?
That’s not opinion Sammy darling, that’s a fact. He was convicted by a jury of his peers, who were in the same courtroom you were in, and because they weren’t deluded, or stupid, or crazy, found Michael Guilty and sentenced him to Life Without Parole. Unlike you, they had no agenda – they were just 12 people who took a look at all the evidence, heard all the testimony, and said, “Yep, he killed her.”
What’s going to happen to you when the appeal falls flat on it proverbial face? What will you do with your pathetic self? I see you as a 40-something loser wearing a ragged, stained “Free Michael” t-shirt, standing in line at the local welfare office.
Transcript and the court record says he plead guilty to the Theft charge.
http://www.nassauclerk.com/clerk/publicrecords/oncoreweb/ImageBrowser/image.aspx?ImageId=2468978&png=-1
Ordering a copy of the transcript I can post will take more time than ordering the transcript from the service, but you can be obliged, I can post it up for everyone so that the whole case can be dissected by everyone else here.
How much is a copy of the transcript Jason? I’m willing to buy a copy for the site. I’ve bought copies of document for us before – it’s part of my donation to keep the site running, and it makes the stories more interesting. This seems like something we really need to make available.
I have a call out to the Nassau County Clerk of Courts
You have to call or write the request, I’m just trying to see if I can get a bulk rate copy instead of paying 2 dollars a page.
Phone is 904-548-4600 Toll Free 800 958-3496
Address is Nassau County Clerk of Courts
76347 Veteran’s Way Suite 456
Yulee, Florida 32097
The clipping service I used to get the original I used does not allow any of it to be placed on the internet, so the 74 dollar charge is right out, but I think I can get this copy for a decent fee. My brother is now a licensed attorney in the State of Florida and I think he can walk in and get a copy within the first year of the judgment for a cheaper price. Working on it.
Jason
Max the Cat-as a work of Art-Picasso perhaps? Though possibly as a work of art you would prefer to be compared to Dali? It is not every day you are compared to a work of art, how outstanding!
Picasso suits me ferrets – My face could be a modern art masterpiece, that’s for sure. LoL
Thats for the laugh!
Actually, I think Georgia O’Keefe may suit you better, Max ;)
Or Van Gogh on one of his really bad days….LoL. Starry Nights I ain’t.
I have a full-size, panoramic reproduction of Starry Night hanging in my living room, unframed. Sometimes I just stare at it. I love Van Gogh. SO THERE! ;)
I actually fell out of my chair, because this comment suits our hopelessly misguided friend Sammy so well: On September 15, she says “This comment does not even deserve a response, but of course I will make it.”
Doesn’t she do that to almost all of my comments? I think she’s gay for me or something…… *shudders*
Again, you may want to look things up before you run your mouth! As far as being gay for you or a stalker – I about fell out of my chair – only not from laughing – I was trying to get the restroom to vomit!!!
You are just as sick as your friends.
And you wouldn’t recognize a joke if it walked up and slapped you in the face. :)
Apparently neither would you!!!!
There, there, get it all out so you can finally move on. Have you considered just imagining Michael as dead? Or just allowing the good parts of him you remember, to live on as some separate entity, separated from your grief?
Grief is about coping. I assure you, it’s one of the reasons I came to this site.
Well, seeing as how nothing you’ve said in regards to me has been funny, there hasn’t been a joke for me to recognize. So now I demand an apology from you. This all goes back to the simple fact that all I was trying to do was clarify for you that not everyone thinks it is arson. You are so stuck on contradicting and arguing with everyone that you couldn’t see it. You barely attempted to read my comment and see that I told you to re-read the comments and not the story, as you willingly misguided yourself into thinking. You called me a dumbass and insinuated that I am ignorant because of my profession.
You first started commenting on September 10. Shall we begin?
Samatha says:
September 10, 2009 at 11:44 am
“I have read each and every comment made on this page. Ignorance is bliss. There were five investigation completed on the fire, which all determined it was not, repeat not arson as you all seem to know. Most every comment on hear is not anywhere near the truth, but, everyone likes to make their own versons so they can have someone besides their selves to find fault with. As far as facts go, more than two people know them – but know one cares about the truth. Also, just so you know – no neighbors or did Effie come to the window for help. It really is time all of you want to be know it alls give it a rest and give Effie the peace she deserves.”
I am going to break this down for everyone else, not for you, but for the intelligent individuals in the room.
“I have read each and every comment made on this page. Ignorance is bliss. There were five investigation completed on the fire, which all determined it was not, repeat not arson as you all seem to know.”
Obviously this can not be a true statement, as not every comment claims arson.
“Most every comment on hear is not anywhere near the truth, but, everyone likes to make their own versons so they can have someone besides their selves to find fault with. ”
Excuse me, “most every”? No, no, no. Not everyone is making their own version of the story and if they were, it is not to deflect guilt away from themselves.
” As far as facts go, more than two people know them – but know one cares about the truth.”
I care about the truth. The truth is closer to my heart than my own life. Hence the reason I chose to become a Master-At-Arms in the US Navy. Are you one of the more than two people that actually know the facts? If so, then instead of insulting me and everyone else here, tell us the facts. Just the facts. The cold, hard, unrefutable facts.
“Also, just so you know – no neighbors or did Effie come to the window for help. ”
The only way you could know this is if you were actually present at the time.
“It really is time all of you want to be know it alls give it a rest and give Effie the peace she deserves.”
Effie is resting in peace, now that she is no longer in the land of the living. You are the one disturbing her blessed rest by flip-flopping on the defense of her useless escuse of a husband.
Who are you trying to protect? Effie? I don’t think so.
Seriously, grow up and prove that you have an intelligent argument before you start a war of words with anyone…Especially me. I win nine times out of ten. The other time I am inebriated and convince myself that I won.
Oh, and by the way? There are alot of people who would disagree with you. It is perfectly natural to be gay for me. >:)
Jason – you worry about yourself, and I will worry about me. No I certainly would never think of him dead. Have you thought of someone your care about and love as being dead? I know about grief and coping. But thanks for your such cheerful definition.
NavyCop – Yes, this whole pages is about assigning guilt and insults. So let me break something down for you. The reason I know there were no neighbors at the scene is because I was there shortly after and know who was and wan’t there. Rather you choose to believe my facts or the things you hear from other storys or individuals, is again, completely up to you – but I did give them. My father and my cousin are in the Navy – of which I am very proud of. And for you I can say thank you for helping keep our country strong, and safe and for perserving our right to freedom (which includes freedom on speech). As far as actual insults – the comments through out this whole site are insults – so, I did not start them. And yes, I wrote on this site because of my memory and love of Effie, Michael, Aiden and all the people who loved them all. So, I am about as grown up as you can get. If you think my statements are lies, and not intelligent then so be it. As far as you being drunk or gay, that is not my business nor do I care.
I will start off by saying thank you for saying thank you for my service.
You did start the insults with me. Calling me a dumbass is an insult. You still don’t understand what I was trying to point out. Not everyone thinks it was arson. Very few of the actual comments allude to arson.
I’m not gay, never said I was gay, and never will be gay. As far as drunk, well, if you read the sentence, it said that I typically win word wars unless I am inebriated.
I am trying to lead you into reading, not just looking at, but reading with understanding, the actual comments put here. You have bounced around from supporting the memory of Effie to apparantly defending Michael.
I still demand an apology for being referred to as ignorant (if you have ever met any Military Police, you would see that they are neither ignorant nor uncaring) and a dumbass (as clearly from my command of the English language, a dumbass I am not.)
Read my original comment to you. Understand it. Then you will see how this whole barrage of words could have been avoided.
And learn to accept a joke on occasion. The mood was getting to angry for my liking. I tend to crack a joke to lighten things up. Unfortunatly for you, it was at your expense.
Samantha,
My friend Bethany, 3 of her daughters and 1 of her step daughters was killed by one of the people written about on this site–she’s dead, and as a friend, I loved her very much. I came here with facts then, I’m coming with facts this time. My legal knowledge comes second hand. When I don’t understand something about the law, I either research it or ask someone in the building about it. I can get transcripts from a clip service paid for by one of my attorney friend’s practices. I can’t post that transcript, but I’ll eventually get around to paying the 74+ dollars it’s going to cost me to get it printed and covered, and then waste days scanning it in so we can settle this. I bothered to read the transcript. It’s clear that the defense was disorganized, fractured and weak, and I don’t think you can read the same words and not see that. The prosecution’s case was damning. I may be mistaken, but it looks like the grand theft charge stems from the break-in Michael staged to produce an alibi. If I am mistaken, just point out a page number and we’ll see if I can’t see what you’re trying to say.
Michael did enter a plea of guilty on the Grand Theft charge. I sent the Court Filing in another post, though because I used a link it does take time to get approved. Michael was charged almost immediately on the Grand Theft charge. Months passed before he was charged with the murder, possibly because the Grand Jury was the only organization that could bring the first degree murder charges needed.
As VCBecky so aptly put, I am prone to a certain amount of tenacity. Something I like to refer to as that obsessive and stubborn streak. When I have a bit, usually only other obligations or medical issues will drag me from worrying that bit. My intention now is to make this website the top website that comes up when you Google “Michael Ratley Murder”
Today it’s the 10th link, give me time and I’ll make it a little higher. When this article has the information necessary to completely reveal every public detail, it will be come the definitive resource, and your arguments failings and the excellent rebuttals from the posters here will carry an interesting amount of weight.
Good luck and long, thought-provoking life to you.
Jason, I seen your site has moved up two – How great. The sites your are trying to put behind you have a hell of alot more crap than this. I surely appreciate what you are doing.!!!
No worries, it’s a process. I have a call in to the Nassau County Clerk’s office, when I have the transcript up here, it will definitely pump the site up. There are some specific damning passages from his trial I’ll want to highlight. How can you protect someone who so coldly bashed his wife’s head in with a hammer? Seriously? How can you not think he did it?
What was I supposed to look up? Your comment? I did, as a matter of fact. And all my other comments where you needlessly replied. >:)
Awe now you have really done it, you gone and got yourself a stalker…
Eh, one of many from this fine establishment :D I pride myself on my stalker-magnetism.
Everyone needs a good stalker.
This is truly an epic game. Not only do we have an unpoppable ball called Samantha, we appear to have an infinite field lined with goals that are all for the PYSIH team.
Before you say it Sammy, I do not think what happened with Ratley is a game. I DO think what has happened with you on this blog is a game. It’s been a game for a long time.
Tenacity when fueled by an intelligent, articulate, informed mind is a delight to witness. Jason is a fine example of this kind of tenacity. I almost want to go make coffee, put on my slippers, kick my feet up and read his posts like I would a good book.
When fueled by impotent, dense, ignorant, unfocused rage, tenacity becomes pitiful. You have been a fine example of this kind of tenacity from the get-go.
Your kind of tenacity scares me. Oh no, my dear SammyBall, not because you’re anything close to significant by yourself. Your kind are capable of anything without consideration for the truth or the consequences of your actions. You scare me because I know there are more of your kind than Jason’s kind in this world.
Go on typing your same old insults – I definitely have no rage – but it sounds like you might need to look in the mirror. Again, your so smart Jason is wrong, but who really cares. I am sorry you are scared, and I am very well aware of telling the truth and the conseqences of my actions. It is most of the comments of this site that have very little or no truth what so ever to them. But, if reading them brings you enjoyment and makes you think you are a winner – by all means – keep on playing “VCBeckyball” (how childish a comment.)
Jason – I would say I was sorry for what you have suffered, but you apparently have no feels about what you sayd to me so I will just leave that along. You can say you linked or read what ever, but you are wrong. However, I won’t waste my time on trying to give you the truth agan. Yes, he did plea guilty, because he did that crime, which had noting to do with the break in of their home or a vehicle, but keeping using your same source. And if you think you can get a certified copy of the trail transcripts for $74 dollars, you have really lost it. Whatever, just say what you want, everyone will believe you!!! You don’t have to worry about making this the number one sight, there are 30 or 40 of them, so rather it be this one or another one, it really doesn’t matter.
NavyCop – when you are making a joke at some one else’s expense, as you said, it really isn’t funny to that person. So showing humor is hard. And I have been called far worse than you – ignorant, bitch, dumbass, dense, etc. – and I haven’t cried for an apology, nor would I want one. And yes, I have meant some dumbass military police – rather you are or not, I have no idea. I do not know you – remember you are the one who said to not take things so serious.
You all continue with what ever you have to say. I can see no one wants to know anything other than what the “team” believes.
You know the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”? Remember the scene with the Black Knight? You ARE the Black Knight, Sammy. You weren’t much to begin with and now you’ve had your limbs hacked off by the people in this blog. You’re still flopping around and trying to bite our ankles, unaware of how completely finished you are. You’ll bleed out soon.
You’ve been whittled away to so much of nothing that continued argument with you may as well be called shadow boxing. I’m turning my back on you and walking away now. You’re too pitiful to bother with anymore.
A most wonderful movie I must say!
“Tis but a flesh wound”
OK, you say some mysterious intruder killed Effie – Where’s the evidence of this? Where are the fingerprints, footprints, DNA? Are there signs of a break in, did anyone see a stranger leaving the property immediately after the crime was committed – where are those witness statements? And here’s the biggest question of all: Why wasn’t all this evidence, if it exists, presented at the first trial?
Who lied at the first trial? How do you know they lied? Can you prove it? Where was Michael when Effie was killed? Who saw him there? Is there anyone other than family that can say where he was and what he was doing at that moment?
These are the questions we need to have answered – everything else is just background noise. I’ve noticed that you’ve taken a different tack today. You’re trying very hard not to lose your temper, you’re watching your language and generally trying to act much more mature than you have been. I don’t know if it’s a conscious decision on your part or you just increased your dosage of Valium, but it hasn’t gone unnoticed. It’s been a pleasant change from the annoying, ranting troll of a few days ago, and I complement you for it.
Max,
I still sense some of the unbalanced flip-flopping going on. Turning on someone trying to guide you in the right direction is not a sign of playing by the rules. Granted, perhaps I shouldn’t have toyed with her/him so much, but I couldn’t resist. I had to push and see what this individual would “read” next. She/he is reading strictly what she/he wants to read. I think this reprise is temporary, but who knows? Not me, I’m just an ignorant, uncaring, dumbass cop, right?
Forgive me for taking the actual words “serious.”
Whatever. I’m wearied of this war of words. Set. Point. Match. Winner: NC.
Sorry for the outburst. Crappy ride home. Ran out of gas on I-95 with no coffee. Grrrrr.
Another retraction by NC
And you write and comprehend what you want to – so what makes us different? You and the God – I am sure of that.
This is all I can tell you NavyCop. What was it that John Wayne said in She Wore A Yellow Ribbon? Oh yeah:
“Never apologize. It’s a sign of weakness.”
Yup. And the term “Unfortunatly” is as close as you get to an apology from me. However, your insult towards me was unwarranted, so yes, I will continue to deman (not whine or cry) an apology. Troll
Retracted by NC
Oh yeah, and you continue to read what YOU want to read, not what is being communicated. Troll
Again, retracted by NC
I made my previou reply prior to reading this ! It just sadness me again – you go team!!
Okay, all, I will be the first to step up and apologize for baiting Sammy. It was just too much to resist. Unprovoked insult warranted me taking defensive actions… Gotta stop thinking everybody is the Taly-ban. However, since the insult WAS unprovoked, an apology would be the POLITE thing to do, right?
The ball is now in your court, Samatha. I held out the olive branch, because I can rise above insults and read the meaning behind the words.
But seriously. How do you know the Ratleys? Besides showing up after the fire. How do you know them?
Michael’s mother and I have been friends for over 36 years. I have been with them, as they have been with me, through all of our ups and downs. I, as well as them, are there when ever they need me. The early morning of Effie’s murder, I was there, because Cindy called me. Once again, I am trying to tell the truth, but I am sure it will be turned around, as always.
Nope, I’m satisfied with that answer. Again, my apologies for my sarcasm and egging you on.
Chris N—shame on you. Blaming it on her like its her fault and she deserved what she got. Until you know every fact, don’t make a judgement on her. She was my family, and she loved her husband, and that child looks like both of his parnets. I wish that her child did not belong to michael, but he does. He is right where he needs to be, and she never once cheated on Michael. He was her ONE and ONLY love.
Effie was an amazing person and for those who knew her and Michael know the truth and what happend.the only fact we all know is Effie’s was taken from her family and everyone who knew and loved her.The hammer jokes and songs are sick she was killed and you are making a fucking joke of how she was killed! Karma is a bitch this site is about people you will see in hell so i guess if you belive hell you will be the devils BITCH!!!! The only soul you guys have are the one’s on the bottem of ur shoes.
WE LOVE YOU EFFIE!!!!!!!
I am not sorry for anything I posted. You are taking those comments out of context.
Wow… you must really hate Effie and love Michael. You come here screaming about your love and/or devotion for Effie, but you consistently attack those who consider her convicted murderer are bastards and demons for hating him for it.
You’re so convinced of his innocence, but stop for a minute and see what other people you’re acting exactly like.
Do you remember Charles Manson? His family and friends screamed he was innocent. One even yelled and said “all y’all are going to hell for this.” We’re creatures of association. We have nothing but the context of our own experiences and our own understandings to make the judgements necessary to live day in and day out, and what sort of judgement must we make of you?
You scream that you don’t care, but you care. You scream we’re irrelevant, but you can’t seem to explain why your relevancy is actually so much greater than the just and legal findings of this case. I don’t understand how your brain works.
Most of us have souls.
*Checks for soul* Nope, can’t find one, lol
Jason- who do you think you are? And why do all of you think that his murder is some game to come online and joke about? Effie was my husbands little sister, and I am so sick of seeing all the web pages with people just fighting over things left and right. This murder has put wear and tear on both sides of the families. We are still grieving and trying to cope with the loss, and how to deal with whats next to come, and how to support and love her son because he will need it, and you want to put the transcripts on the internet for everyones amusement? I think thats horrible. Families, friends, and co workers are hurting still from losing Effie. And not that I want to have compassion for Michaels family, but they are hurting as well, so I think it’s time everyone leaves well enough alone. Let Effie rest in peace, let the families find their ways to cope with the outcome of the trial. Its been a long two years and unless you experience it first hand…you have no clue what everyone is going through. The internet is not the place for the court transcripts to see. The families re-live that week over and over…they don’t need to google a name and find this website. I will call the clerk of courts and give them this website, so they can see what you are planning to do with the transcripts. Everyone has had enough…let us all move on, and give it a rest will you.
Christina – Let’s get one thing straight. Jason isn’t responsible for the content of this website, I am. I’m the editor of PYSIH, and I handle the day to day operation of this website, determine which stories get published, and choose all the materials we use to enhance a particular article.
Jason is procuring the trial transcript at MY request, because Samatha has challenged the veracity of this story. If and when he receives it, I WILL publish it. I suggest if you wish to avoid reading it, don’t come here. And it might be a good idea to inform the rest of Effie’s family of our intent. I don’t give a damn what you tell the Ratleys.
We are doing this for Effie (believe it or not), because the Ratleys refuse to admit that Michael is guilty, and sent their lap dog Samatha here to defend the indefensible. She says the transcript shows that Michael is innocent, and that if we actually saw it we would know what she meant – Well, we did get ahold of a copy, and we we have found that the jury did a great job. When we get a copy that we can reproduce on the Internet, I plan on showing her and everyone else just how guilty Michael Ratley is, and just how little remorse he and his family have for the vicious beating death of a beautiful young mother. I’m sorry you feel the way you do, but I’m not doing this for you. I only care about Effie. We only care about Effie.
And one other thing. If Jason seem to be joking, it’s only a reaction to this fool Samatha – none of us think Effie murder is funny. We do, however, find it incredibly amusing when an otherwise intelligent person tries to defend a convicted murderer with some of the weakest arguments we have ever seen. We get alot of this: family and friends of the people we write about coming here and challenging a story about their loved one. They insult the writer, present no new evidence, attack anyone who challenges them, and generally make a nuisance of themselves. We have learned not to respond with anger, but to treat them like the morons that they are. That involves a lot of humor. It doesn’t mean we care any less about the victims, it just means we don’t take these people very seriously.
Thanks Max, and I’m not joking around on this anymore. This sort of behavior deserves some sort of remedy. Why is it that people keep protecting murderers when so much evidence shows Michael did this?
Christina and any of Effie’s family members who might read this;
I assure you any humor you see here is a defense mechanism, a way of remaining sane. None of this is meant to degrade Effie in any way. Quite the opposite, in fact. PYSIH is a shrine. We come here to grieve for the lost innocents and to rail against the perpetrators. Why? Because we are sick of it. Many of us are here because we have gone through something similar to what you are dealing with, and we are outraged. Criminals are offered too much comfort, and given too many rights even after they are proved guilty. It’s wrong.
That is why we are so passionate about Samantha’s ridiculous assertions. It angers us that Michael has anyone convinced of his innocence because that means he hasn’t claimed what he did and he has a source of coddling and comfort that he has no right to. He MUST claim it, and that means every one of his friends and relatives must understand that he claims it, and must stop trying to make him feel better about himself. He has no right to feel better about himself. Ever.
Why must he claim it? He owes her. That’s how I see it. He owes an acknowledgment of what he took from her and from you. And from us, though we never knew her. In order to actually pay for his crime (if such a thing can ever be done on this earth), he has to acknowledge it.
I am sorry for your pain. I wish I could take it away.
Samantha made this a competition to get the most accurate information available, this is the only competition. She set the standard at the trial transcripts so I went out and got access to them. Through a small oversight, I didn’t notice that with a clipping service, I was prohibited from posting the entire transcript. I intent to make certain everyone can see how damning this transcript really is. Michael Ratley took a hammer, found his sleeping wife, and executed her.
I’ll have been happily married 3 years at the end of this month. I occasionally argue with my wife, usually lose, but never in my wildest dreams could I imagine killing her. If things got bad (and they’re not), I think Divorce is a fairly easy process, my parents did it without killing each other.
With Michael it was different. In his mind, he wanted to go on living, but he wanted to Kill “Effie” and make certain no one could ever have her. It’s an old, old story, but it doesn’t really make any sense. It all boils down to someone claiming to be a man thinking that it was okay to say, “if I can’t have her, no one will.”
Now we have Michael Ratley’s version, but it has this other twist to it. It has Samantha and now you, who are the ones playing a game. You two are trying to set a murderer free. You think Michael should be back on the street and given a second chance to marry then murder again. Everyone else… no, they don’t agree with you. Most think Michael’s case deserves a quick death and an end to a threat to everyone else.
I didn’t write this story. I wish I was good enough to have written this original story. I got involved because Samantha felt it was somehow her duty to bludgeon the English language with rants without any logic or reason to them, and scream down anyone who could think Michael was a criminal.
So Max thinks I’m weak for apologizing? (Sarcasm inbound, be ready, all) Of all the gosh darn bs! Just kidding.
Sammy, I was being completely serious…As serious as a heart attack, when I held out my olive branch.
I write what I want to write, and usually what I say has obvious meaning. Either it is sarcastic or serious, most of the time it is obvious to 90% of the people who frequent this fine establishment. If it goes over your head, it goes over your head. Ah well, ces la vie, right?
Don’t let it get to you, NC. There’s a whole lotta space over Sammy’s head. We’ve been tossing things over it for days, and we have yet to see any sign of it being remotely full. So no worries.
vcbecky, that made me laugh out loud!
me too vcbecky…been sittin here for days trying to think what game she reminds me of and all i can come up with is…. the clowns on a stick going round with their mouths open waiting for a direct hit…(hehehe)
Whack-A-Mole. AWWW yeah.
Yay! Gotta keep laughing! Laughter keeps me sane! RIGHT? ;)
morning vc, I’ve only ever seen those whack a mole thingy’s on the simpsons so if thats the one then yeah way better than the clown reference ;) and again I agree laughter really is the best medicine especially when you read some of the worst of the worst human trash in the world…it just gets me IMO (like everyone on here…well nearly all) why do family members bother to actually come on these kind of sites in the first place? wouldn’t they actually be to busy grieving to bother? ( I know I would be) and as I’ve said before “the family members/friends whoever do they really think that we can actually send them to hell??” It’s just a website aptly named (and a great one at that)…pysih…I mean sheesh really.. :)
I just got sick of baiting the individual with the noggin full of H2O. ;) (Most ppl will figure that one out. If not, reference Larry the Cable Guy.) Sucks to be half-way intelligent with a whole lexicon at my command :D
Wonder what has happened to the misguided rantings and ravings of Sam?
Pffft. Even GOD rested on Sunday…
Saturday actually, but whose counting? :)
Perhaps Sammy is Jewish?
Hey! I take offense to the Jewish comment! jk, not offendable an-y-more
I am not defending Michael. I support the jurys decision 100 percent. My husband and his family miss Effie every single day… And coming on here and agruing with each other is not doing anything for her. I am glad that people are so against criminals, and think that Michael is guilty. The facts are you will never change any of the ratleys minds, so whats the point of plastering the transcripts on the internet? They were all there and heard all the same information we heard in court, and it made no difference. They want to believe their son is innocent, but the fact is he is guilty. Samantha was not there that night…we all know that whoever she is…is a liar…or she would’ve been on the court stand, and I don’t remember anyone by that name taking the stand in michaels defense… So, again…I am not protecting nor defending michael. I think he’s guilty and should have gotten the death penalty. My opinion….but it doesn’t mean much…
Michael has decades of appeals remaining. His “loyal” (and misguided) family and friends will attempt to gain his release at every turn. With the right attention to detail, a single resource can and will survive with accurate information and be the first response when someone attempts to search for any information on the case. It’s not a matter of Effie’s rest, it’s a matter of all future efforts by the Ratleys and their supporters facing a wall of interested, activated folk, who will write letters to appeals boards in favor Michael’s continued incarceration. Any attempt to seek a pardon from the Governor or a higher power will face journalistic investigation which will find this site with the most basic of internet information services.
If, the transcript in its entirety and a careful dissection of that transcript is found on this site in a later update, then any follow up article that uses this as a source will have significant and damning support in context and with minimal effort. As a resource and an activator of minds, there are few places other than the Internet that can truly provide a more effective effort.
Samantha came here and claimed that we knew nothing, that the transcript was the only way we could. With the transcript, that argument becomes null…. permanently.
Yes, we will follow the appeals process as anyone would. Write all the letters you want, it is your rightl. Also, I never said the transcript was the only source of valid information. I simply said to read it since you apparently think you are the only one that “knows it all”.
As far as all the other same dull comments above – it is just water on a ducks back!
It is time to give everyone who loved and cared for her a break. There has been to much suffering, slandering, lies and just hurtful comments that have not made a difference, and never will.
Ms Christina – how miss guided as always. I am definitely not a liar, and I was there at the home about an hour after the crime was discovered – which you were not. And, many people who were not there were aloud to take the stand, and not very many of the people that were there took the stand. So, rather I was there or not does not mean I would have been on the stand. And no, you will never change our minds, just as we will never change yours. Also, we miss Effie every single day. So at least we have one single thing in come.
Here we clearly see the insidious nature of a criminal. They will say just enough truth to effectively lie and convince loving family members–who already desperately want to believe in the criminal’s innocence– that they are being railroaded. They end up tearing families apart in their desperate bid to be absolved of their guilt.
Family members will listen to the exact same testimony but pick out the points that support their belief and ignore any condemning evidence as misconstrued/planted/ inaccurate.
I don’t really blame them; I find it hard to understand why Michael would rescue his wife from a fire then beat her to death later. Unfortunately, the evidence, as reviewed by an impartial jury of his peers, found that he did murder his wife.
And let me tell you something, getting 12 people to agree on one thing can be a near impossible task. I’ve sat on a few practice juries–where no one’s future was a stake–it was a horrible, difficult, frustrating task. Most juries take their responsibility very seriously and I respect their decision.
This jury appears to have found a just and accurate verdict–Michael is guilty and deserves to rot in jail.
RIP Effie
Samantha—why would they call you over if there was some “murderer” lurking around their property?? It doesn’t make sense at all. If someone just crawled into the 7 inches of space near the window…beat someone at least 7 times in the head with a hammer…why in your right mind would you drive over there and put your own safety at risk? Unless you also knew…Michael had no reason to kill you. I think you are the one who is misguided…not me.
Once again, your ignorance is showing. As I said, I was there about an hour after the murder. Which, if you new anything, you would know that there where about 10 cops, rescue and FDLE.
Even if no authorities were there, I would not be concerned for my safety because by dear friends needed me.
So, not only are you misguided – you just continue to talk about something you know nothing about. You did not even know Effie or Michael. You had only met them a few times. And just so you know, Effie new exactly what type of person you were the first time she met you. I will leave it at that.
How are those appeals coming along? Have you resigned yourself yet that Michael Steven Ratley killed his wife in cold blooded murder and then lied to you and everyone else?
Denial is only the first stage of grief. Break free from it.
Jason they are coming along just fine – as are other findings. As far as accepting the truth, I already have. Why don’t you break free of giving advice to someone who really doesn’t care what you dumb ass thinks!!
VBecky – if you don’t believe that the police would have been there after an hour – I really don’t give a shit – but you are just as ignorant as Christina. It is you who are showing your dellusional pigheadedness. Obviously, if you read some of the previous posting, other people do agree. But again, I really don’t give a shit. You don’t want to here the truth, you just want to ack like an ass. Like Christina was told, if you don’t want to read the shit then don’t come on the site!!!!
As far a “Mulch” goes – make sure your theory works by first trying it on your self!!!!
Samantha you incredible douchebag. What are you doing still beating this dead horse? Are you telling us they STILL haven’t finished Micheal “the Hammer” Ratley’s appeal? You’d think that someone with as great a case as you say Mikey has would have had his appeal heard by now.
Comon, you and I both know the only way “The Hammer” is ever getting out of prison is feet first in a coffin. You should stop embarrassing yourself like this and move on with your life. Take Jason’s advice and get some help with the grieving process. Or try Mulch’s recipe – sometimes pain can be very cleansing. Do some fucking thing for Christ’s sake, because you’re getting sooooo boooooorrrrriiiinnngggg! LOLOLOLOL
His appeal is just as weak as I suspected. Be prepared for severe disappointment. Not advice, not a threat, just a clear and honest observation from someone who understands his case better than you do.
Sammy, if you don’t care… why are you posting again after so long? Why are you hammering this dead horse, so to speak? What are you trying to prove to a bunch of strangers whose opinions you really don’t care about? Why are you even answering morons like me, Max and Jason? Why are you here, instead of using your scathing logic to convince the courts about how RATley is innocent? Why are you wasting your superpowers on us mere mortals?
I suggest you read your posts before you make them, from the position of someone who isn’t you. It’s better for you to catch and correct as much of your blatant stupidity as you can, before sharing it with the rest of us. I know it’s a unique idea, that you should consider your words from the perspective of someone outside of your own body, but it’s a skill that will help you throughout life. It’s a skill you’re lacking, and the lack keeps kicking you in the gonads. Protect your balls, Sammy. Even animals know that.
Boring, you need to talk the walk and not walk the talk. You, have no idea about the appeal or what calls and other subjects have been discussed. But, of course, you are the expert. That is why You just continue to beieve what you want. It will not change the outcome.
Max The Cat – all I can say to you is you no nothing about the appeals process – not does anyone care. You are not a player nor will you ever be – ignorgance is not allowed. You are the one that may need some counseling – but of course I do not pretend or know or would I want to. You are a sick as bitch. Also, you stupid bitch that – definitely lives out side your body – sick!!!!! And you need to take your own advise.
Max the Cat – if I had balls, that would be a diferent story, however, since you know so much about animals – and you think you know how to pour piss out of a boot without instruction on the heel – then post on bitch – You think you are any different? You post more than any one else -OH SO SICK OF YOUR RAMBLEINGS!!!!!
Let me sum up the result of that appeal for you.
1. The court finds no grounds to dismiss
2. The court finds no grounds for a retrial
3. The court finds no reason to reduce the sentenceael
4. The conviction and sentence are sustained.
Michael Steven Ratley committed cold blooded murder. He has been convicted of this crime by a jury of people far better than his peers. He now resides with his peers and should remain there until the day he dies.
Type “Michael Stephen Ratley” into google and this page is the first hit. Next, “Michael Ratley” will eventually put this wife murdering scum on top. Some day soon, when the appeal is denied, and we post an update, I plan on begging Max to put the subtitle of “We tried to tell you Samantha” underneath, and then, whenever someone puts “We told you so Samantha” into a google search, I think that site will probably show up. This isn’t about harassment, the goal of this exercise is to get someone who seems to be grieving over the wrong person to realize, Michael Stephen Ratley is a murderer and deserves no defense or defender beyond the legal expense already incurred. Death was too good for him. The only possible gain from this argument, and futile exchange is if someone sees this and hopes that they never end up like Michael Ratley, and that the friends and family of the next murderer cum moron, don’t try to defend him for crimes for he most obviously committed.
Ah Sammy, it does my heart good to know that out of all these comments from all these intelligent people, it’s mine that bug you the most. God bless you for saying so.
I’m not going to waste my time arguing with you about my knowledge of the appeals process – My track record speaks for itself, and you can’t change history no matter how much you rant.
But damn do I love fucking with you. You’re just so damn serious, and it’s so easy to get you going. A couple of cracks about Mike being a piece of shit is always good for at least 5 or six replies from you – and most of them are to people who aren’t even involved in the original argument.
BTW, who do you reply to comments that are months or even years old? Do you think the people who made them are still waiting for you to reply? I’m gonna let you in on a little secret – most people don’t obsess about a website the way you do about PYSIH.
My favorite thing about you though is your overblown sense of self-importance. You have this delusion that your insults and assessments of our character actually mean something around here. Oh yes, no one here cares about what I think – how awful for me. I love this place, and the people who post here, not because the worship me, but because I get something from every one of them.
Again, I can’t stress enough how important it is for you to humble yourself and listen to what my friend Jason is saying to you. In spite of his personal animosity toward Mike “The Hammer” Ratley, he keeps taking the time to give you good, honest advice. He a very, very smart guy, and you shouldn’t waste this opportunity to learn something from him.
I say this to you in all sincerity, because I know, as most clear thinking people do, that Mikey is never getting out of prison, and eventually you’re going to have to find something else to do with your life besides post nonsensical excuses for a murderer on this website.
Sorry guys, but I’m still kinda stuck on the opening line:
“Boring, you need to talk the walk and not walk the talk.”
O.o
What if I walk the talk with a walkie-talkie while talking? Does it then count as talking the walk, or is the walk talked out at that point? Is it o.k to talk the walk without the walkie-talkie, or does that make me a walk talker, which you are opposed to?
Clarify for me. Then we’ll move on to your next line and translate it into something that hopefully means… something.
Samantha, you’re the biggest dumbass I’ve ever encountered on PYSIH, and I’m willing to put that in writing! On archival paper, suitable for framing! You should be proud!
(jeezus!!)
Ok that’s enough. Your “I can’t prove anything but I just KNOW he’s innocent” bullshit is trite and unconvincing. But then again, I just KNOW you’re a crazy fucking whore who needs to be caged and given a piece of rawhide to chew. Since what we feel is true is obviously a fact in your world, get back in your cage you filthy fucking beast.
Ratley should have done the world a favor and beat your crazy ass to death with a hammer as well.
Once again your delusional pigheadedness is showing. Samantha, you are wrong and nothing you say will make anyone here agree with you. The court doesn’t agree, and we do not agree.
waaaaayyyyyyy too fast and clean. Shall I? Yes I shall
take one 55 gal drum. fill with viniger, piss, salt and a light acid. Stir and let stand for about 4 weeks.
Take 1 razor and a pair of pliars and starting at the base of his neck make an inverted “V” cut. Slowly, using the pliars pull the skin back and drip our mixture over the wound to “clense” it.
By the time you work your way down to his sholders he will be a babbling lump of shit. Then you can use his head for a scoccer ball.
I hope Max might remember me. Been “gone” a while. Personal life was kicking my head. A bad divorse later and I am back. I hope you people have a little imagination as to punishments. The above is rather standard for me.
Of course I remember you mulch. You’re one of the Elders of PYSIH, like GloryBug. It’s great to have you back man. Sorry to hear about your troubles…hopefully you can take out some of your frustrations out on the the latest candidates for the PYSIH All-Star team. Why don’t you get started by heading over to the Brian Mark Hopf story and see if you can come up with one of your unique “recipes” for this baby raper/baby murderer.
Special note, when Michael Ratley’s appeal is finally denied, you’ll find it amended to the bottom of this page.
http://199.242.69.70/pls/ds/ds_docket?p_caseyear=2009&p_casenumber=4850&psCourt=1&psSearchType=
Thank you Jason. I followed your link, and I noticed something interesting. Under the entry for 03/15/2010, the description states that in response to Michael Ratley’s Attorney’s Motion for Extension of time to file Initial Brief, there was this entry:
This was the second 60 day extension the court had grated Ratley’s defense team, so apparently the appellate court wants to get moving on this. I think we should see a decision before the Fall.
I also saw that it only took the prosecution 3 weeks to submit their answer brief – I guess they’re weren’t too concerned with what they saw.
My third letter in this matter is in the mail with regards to this case and to the apellate.
I don’t think I have any sway on this, but I think the letters are worth writing if you and anyone else is interested. God knows that at least people other than Samantha would spell their words correctly. Letting a murderer loose to hammer another potential spouse, even if it is “Samatha[SIC]” is unacceptable.
If you cared to actual look at the entire docket, you would have seen that the courts filed two extension to get the court transcripts. Therefore, there was not choice but to apply to an extension since the time would have passed. But, believe what you want. We are all hoping we see something by the fall.
Jason – I really don’t care what your opinion of me is. As far as being SIC (as you spelled it) you may want to look in the mirror. However, I really don’t know, don’t want to – so therefore I am not going to judge. You are entitled to your opinion as I am. So write what ever or who ever you want – just as we are doing. Also, I was not aware that we were in a spelling bee!!!!!
My dear, sic is something used to denote when you’re quoting a wrongly spelled word, the way you keep spelling your own name wrong.
Would you like a cookie for effort?
Thank you…. I don’t actually believe in eugenics, but I was trying to figure out how Samatha[SIC] managed to keep on breathing at the same time she was typing, and trying to think if knowing how that worked on such limited brain power would actually be worth her survival….
Girl, I will give you this. You are the cherry on top of “batshit crazy”. Why don’t you take this persistence and determination and go to school or something? Do something important with your life as opposed to wasting it defending this pile of horse shit. Trust me, if you put anymore of yourself into this man you WILL be disappointed because he IS guilty. G U I L T Y. Not covered in gold as you make him out to be, but a man who has done something VERY wrong.
“Jason – I really don’t care what your opinion of me is. As far as being SIC (as you spelled it) you may want to look in the mirror. However, I really don’t know, don’t want to – so therefore I am not going to judge. You are entitled to your opinion as I am. So write what ever or who ever you want – just as we are doing. Also, I was not aware that we were in a spelling bee!!!!!”
HAHAHAHAHA!! I have bronchitis and phneumonia and I really am “sic”, thanks for that little bit of entertainment.
No more news? Nothing about the life insurance policy on Effie? Nothing about how Michael was really into men, with a large gay porn collection?
How about how others came upon the scene of the fire, requiring Michael to act?
Who put the mice in Effie’s car console? How coincidental that he called Effie and told her to open it while she was driving on a busy highway.
I applaud the motivation of the site, but the bickering detracts from the real issues, imho.
And that first one wasn’t a gerund, Jason. Which is also not capitalized ;)
all i can say is that i am shocked. i went to school with michael. i had classes for years with michael. sat next to him and talked, he was a close friend til around middle school or so. i’m just shocked. this truly hurts me to read, to see, to know.
Good Lord, just when I thought I had seen it all from enabling family and friends I read : “As far as giving actual evidence. We have plenty, but I would never staisfy your ignorance.”
Priceless, thanks for the laughs Samatha and for fucks sake learn how to spell your own name.
I agree with several of you saying he staged the fire to make it appear that he loved his wife and did not want her dead – what he thought would be a good defense. The same thought came to me as well. Also, he claims an intruder broke into their barn and that he had to fight him off…so… did he call the cops? I mean, he had his wife and infant son in the house, so would any reasonable husband and father just chase the guy off and never report it to the police? Puh-leeze! What a dope.
You are the “dope” (actually I know who you are and I know your father so “dope” is a familar work to you). The police were called; His father called them: I was present as well as my husband, his sister and most of our neighbors. So – you continue your research!!!! Along with all of the other so called evidence presented in the case. They (the so trust worthy) Nassau County Police Department decided not to make a report because nothing was stolen. But of course – I am sure he was able to hit his self in the head, cut two bolts and locks within 4 minutes and get help. I always new my son was gifted!!!!
Please – go on with you sick life’s – this is beyond redundancy and ignorance. Jason – this is specifically for you – you have no idea of the process – but, I will not fall into your gutter. You are a really sad person that needs to finds a life. Try to get over the two that are gone. That is what I do every day for the last 5 years.
And for my first and final response to all this – a wonderful wife, mother and daughter in-law is dead a wonderful husband (sorry – he was definitely not gay – don’t you think that is what they would have used in the trial as a motive? Wasn’t!!! Artie, Jason, etc.!) father and son is in prison for the rest of his life. And, please, do not even try to say he deserved death. I, as his mother and my son, would prefer that – it is a little bit quicker for an innocent person. So, every one should be happy. You have gotten your so called justice.
I can promise you, this site is named correctly – I will definitely see all of you in hell, but not my daughter (Effie) nor my son Michael.
May you all find a different subject to discuss or go out and have fun. That is what suggest to all of you. Life is too short.
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he was a closeted homosexual with gay porn found in his cupboard…he was secretly meeting a teacher from his high school…funny in prison he gets all the guys he wants..