Recently, Carlsbad resident Jayann Sepich was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her efforts by the DNA Justice Project.
In 2003, Katie Sepich was murdered while walking home from a party in Las Cruces. Her killer was not identified as a suspect until 2006, when his DNA came up as a match to evidence. Katie’s parents began pushing for laws requiring that DNA samples be taken from adults arrested for certain felonies, as a way of improving the justice process. Since then, Jayann donated much of her life toward this effort, speaking with legislators across the nation and encouraging them to pass something similar to “Katie’s Law.”
According to the group “DNA Justice Project,” Jayann has since retired, but her work will live on through all of the children and families she has saved as a result of her efforts.
The Sepiches, including Jayann’s husband, Dave, and their children, are an inspiration to all of us. They honored Katie by devoting themselves toward helping others. Groups such as the DNA Justice Project continue to work toward educating policy makers on the importance of Forensic DNA and DNA technology in the criminal justice system. Congratulations to Jayann on a very well deserved recognition.
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ConocoPhillips recently announced the award of more than $412,000 in grants to 18 organizations in Eddy County, and 38 organizations across New Mexico. The City of Carlsbad Police Department was one of the local groups to be selected as a recipient this year.
Eddy County groups who received grants from ConocoPhillips include: Artesia Municipal Schools, the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad, Bright Future Inc., CARC Washington Ranch, the Carlsbad Community Foundation, the Carlsbad Community Theatre, Carlsbad Municipal Schools, the Carlsbad Police Department, the Carlsbad Soil and Water Conservation District, the Center of Excellence, Desert Willow Wildlife Rehabilitation, the Eddy County Fair Board, the Eddy County Sheriff’s Department, the Eddy County Fire Service, Loving High School, Southeast New Mexico College, the United Way of Eddy County and the Village of Loving.
Thanks again to ConocoPhillips for this generous donation.
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Reminder: Household Hazardous Waste Day will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 20 at the beach parking lot. This is a service for residents, and a chance to drop off tires, fertilizers, paint thinner, cleaning products, old cell phones and other similar items. There’s also a confidential pharmaceutical take back. For more information on Household Hazardous Waste Day, please call (575) 628-8176.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway