It pains me that I even have to write this, and it frustrates me to no end that my sister-in-law Anne has been forced to wait for this trial for so long. I am eager for her to find peace.

Kevin Archibald was my brother-in-law. Due to the distance of where we live, I was only able to see him every couple of years. But even in the short time I’ve known him, I had grown to love him as family. When I think about him being gone, it hurts. It hurts even more when I think about his close friends and family who knew him his whole life. Especially for Anne, who is his equal in love and kindness.

Kevin was a kind and generous person who seemed to always put others’ needs before his. I never heard him utter a negative word about anyone or anything. He lived life like most of us want to, happy. He was constantly embarking on new experiences and fully engaged himself in each one with a youthful excitement that made you excited for him.

Kevin was one of the nicest people I’ve met. But it wasn’t until after his passing, when I heard numerous stories from the people he’d touched throughout his life, did I realize just how special he was. His joy and kindness influenced so many and the recurring theme was clear; Kevin simultaneously humbled those around him while also making each of them feel special. Spending time around Kevin made you want to be a better person.

I was completely in awe the day I heard that Kevin’s case, and basically his untimely death, were just going to be dismissed. Like it was no big deal, like nobody cared that it happened. Meanwhile, the person who killed him walks away with no punishment whatsoever. This happened all because of some obscure part of the law that not even the judge knew about. It is completely unbelievable to me that after years of my sister-in-law’s pain and suffering from her loss, she was just told it’s over and there is nothing else that she can do. Everyone involved, the judge, the defense attorney, and especially the defendant, should all feel ashamed of this outcome. My vocabulary isn’t sufficient enough to even try to come up with words to describe the deep frustration and lack of closure this has left. A wonderful man lost his life, the woman he loved is left alone, the irresponsible person walks away with no consequences, and his next victim will have no warning.

My wife and I lost a brother-in-law. Our children lost an uncle.

We miss Kevin.