Nixzmary Soldiers
A group of terrific Moms got together and had a rally outside City Hall in Manhattan today. The group calls themselves Nixzmary Brown’s Soldiers. The group want to pass Nixzmary Brown’s Law which would require life in prison without parole for anyone committing a first offense of killing or violently molesting a child. None of the moms knew Nixzmary personally, but are tired of the system failing children.
Nixzmary Brown was a 7 year old girl Brooklyn girl who experienced a lifetime of physical abuse, neglect and sexual abuse.
She was eventually murdered by her stepfather and mother. Nixzmary’s case was sent to social services, but the system had failed her. In the years that followed, Child protective services blamed the government for not being properly staffed so a much larger staff was hired to review children’s cases.
Nixzmary’s stepfather, Cesear Rodriguez was sentenced to the maximum – 26 1/3 to 29 years in prison for the death of his stepdaughter. Nixzmary’s mother hasn’t been sentenced yet, but at the Riker’s Island prison, other inmates had not taken to kindly to her hurting a child.
Every child abuse story hits me so hard. In 1987, I was a high school student when I heard the story of Lisa Steinberg a six year old child who was abused and killed by her adoptive parents, Joel Steinberg. When I saw a bruised Lisa Steinberg sitting in a classroom, I couldn’t help but wonder why the teacher and school didn’t do more to help her. Eventually,Joel Steinberg was sentenced to jail, but he was paroled early. Hedda Nussbaum, Lisa’s adoptive mother claimed she was abused as well and couldn’t help Lisa. She didn’t serve any jail time. Nussbaum published a book on being abused. I don’t think it’s right that Hedda should be able to profit from her and Joel’s crime. Yes, I understand she was an abused woman; she looked terrible. Yet, I don’t have any sympathy for a woman who watched Lisa be abused for years and never sought help. I even remember throwing up after I read Hedda’s testimony that Lisa was sexually abused by people who visited the home.
Nixzmary’s Soldiers are absolutely amazing woman and moms who will get Nixzmary Brown’s Law passed so that people who hurt children can’t receive parole. Hopefully this will keep Cesear Rodriguez in jail for the full term because although it won’t bring Nixzmary back it will acknowledge that her life had meaning. RIP Nixzmary. She would have turned 10 years old this past Friday.
Hugs,
marlene
Topics: Brooklyn | 4 Comments »
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:53 am
I was a school girl when the sentencing of Joel took place. All of the graphics of the crime made me sick, even as a young child.
For some reason I didn’t agree with the lienency that Hedda recieved. I immediately thought that she should have protected this child.
Sometimes the judicial system backfires. I hope that the laws are changed to begin prrtecting children.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Hi Marlene,
My name is Rosey and I am a founder of the Nixzmary Brown Soldiers. I came upon your blog through a search.
The Nixzmary Brown Soldiers are planning another rally in October. I have filed for a permit and once I receive an okay, I will post details.
Marlene, how can I get in touch with you personally? I love your blog and I appreicate your help and shout out to the Nixzmary Brown Soldiers.
THanks for your support,
Rosey
Nixzmary Brown Soldier
October 17th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
[…] I am crying (see tonight I have some tears). These are tears of relief as I remember years ago, Hedda Nussbaum served no time in jail as she claimed Joel Steinberg abused and killed their six year old adopted daughter, Lisa […]
November 2nd, 2008 at 3:21 am
[…] a book on being abused. i don’t think it’s right that hedda should be able to profit from Read More|||the horrible story of hedda nussbaum and her murderous husband joel steinberg who murdered their […]