Rene Fox Memorial Destroyed

Written by Benett Kessler

Monday, 04 August 2008

Two years ago, the body of 25 year old Rene Fox from Simi Valley, was found outside Independence off Mazourka Canyon Road. Authorities said she died from acute methamphetamine intoxication. Those who sympathized with the young woman's plight created a memorial where her body was found. Local people had kept it maintained until recently when someone destroyed it. Wayne Deja of Lone Pine said that he and a two women from Independence went to the memorial a couple of times a month to keep things in good shape, including solar-powered lights. Deja, himself, had said he held particular understanding about those taken in by drugs, and he felt sorry for the young woman who got lost in the desert here and died. Deja said unknown people had left angel figurines, stuffed animals and messages and prayers in the wooden prayer box on the site. At the end of July, Deja stopped by and found that someone had destroyed everything and thrown out all the items. Deja said all the glass angels were broken,stuffed animals torn up, pictures cut up and solar lights broken. q Deja said a hand-written note said, "This religious site has no business on public land, see the First Amendment." Deja said many people had found the memorial "spiritual and touching." He was saddened by the person who destroyed it. Deja said the prayer books was still intact. He will try to get it to Fox's family to let them know many people did care about Rene Fox's tragic end. Comments (8) Subscribe to this comment's feed Tina Gasperik said:   This person was heartless and unfeeling. There are lots of memorials along the highways and byways on public property across the United States of America. There is nothing but love and respect for those who have gone on, obviously this person is ignorant. How disrespectful and crual people can be. If they only realized that this memorial maybe one of their own friends or family, maybe they would be more compassionate. I pray that the person who did this dispicable action will someday regret and be remorseful for what they have done. August 04, 2008 RUSS MONROE said:   The curse of our society is small minded people. Methamphetamine addiction is almost as destructive as alcohol. That is no reason not to, understand that Rene was another ‘victim’. We suffering from the stupidity of criminalizing everyone that can’t be considered “NORMAL” by the republicrats in charge. When are we going to realize than NONE of us are? August 04, 2008 sad said:   I am at a loss for words. Only a hateful person would do such a thing! Renee's memorial was more than people realize. There was water there in case you were in need (not just to water the flowers that someone unknown to the family planted). It served as a reminder of how unkind the terrain could be. It also gave hope; when you loose someone you love, regardless of how they died, that you are not alone in your grief. This was a hate crime for sure. August 05, 2008 Gary Clement said:   Obviously a sociopathic hater. Whoever did this will probably continue to escalate their violence until they do like the guy in Tennessee and shoot people in a church. August 05, 2008 Andre' Meek said:   My family was the last people known to see Rene in Mazourka Canyon. I gave her a bottle of water and wondered why she was out there. When we got to the bottom of the hill, we saw a Forest Ranger and reported her to him, not knowing any of the circumstances of why she was there. I also thought that she might be heading for a van that we saw up the road from her, and that she was part of that party. The van was stopped as if they were waiting for her. This van, with a Nevada vanity license plate, was reported to the sheriff when I was contacted by them. They were never able to trace the van, I was told. When we heard she was missing, my family helped search for her. Unfortunately my wife and I were heading back to Oregon during the search. I regret to this day not taking a stronger initiative with Rene and finding out what was really going on. Now, on top of all the sorrow, another crime is directed towards Rene's memory! I hope some day the truth is known what really happened. August 06, 2008 Neil said:   What a bunch of hate mongers. Errr see first amendment. This is what is wrong with the radical left America. My wife and I placed that sign there in honor of someone we had only seen for two minutes of our lives. Hey dusche bags, go to Manzanar and try to tear down the memorials they have to honor the dead, I have many seen people pray there so they must be religious. Oh did mention that is a state funded area? Just so you cowards know, I am rebuilding my sign (that had no religious stuff on it to begin with). I invite you to tear it down again, but theres a catch. I will leave some way for you to call me, you give me one day advance, and I will be there. If you can get through me, you can tear it down. No one around just you and I! You can post on the Court TV web site or on the Myspace page and I will see it. Thanks to Mr. Deja and all others for keeping an eye on the memorial as best as you can we greatly appreciate it. But like I said I will build a new one. August 07, 2008 Wayne Deja said:   I contacted Renee's Family and I will be sending the Prayer Book to them. August 08, 2008 FDInLaw said:   HEARTLESS! This schmuck desecrated the memory of another to make some sort of lame political statement. I say rebuild, and place a few hidden motion activated cameras around the site. Hugs & Prayers for Renee's loved ones. This really angers me, as if the world was not cruel enough, you now have to deal with this. I'm so sorry! Please focus on the countless locals that have shown support and affection for Renee. The site was truly beautiful and a testament to the generous and compassionate spirit of many. Renee will not be forgotten. Take heart! ~ FD August 13, 2008 Write comment Show/Hide comment form Name Email Comment Write the displayed characters Add Comment