Battle for change

My husband, her 13-year-old-son and I drove to the jail. I can’t put into words my state of being. I’m shaking with more tears in my eyes now just reliving it. We met with the deputy sheriff and two detectives of Nez Perce County. They told us her cellmate was with an Idaho State Police deputy as we were speaking, questioning her as to what happened. They wouldn’t tell us anything because it is a criminal investigation. I couldn’t see my baby at all because she was bagged and tagged as EVIDENCE! I can’t even begin to explain how heart wrenching this was and still is. We were told there would be a toxicology done and it would take at least six weeks. My husband has kept in close contact with the Spokane Coroner, ISP, NPCSO, as well as the Nez Perce County Coroner, calling twice a week, hoping to find answers as to why did this happen.

Our daughter had a nervous breakdown due to emotional stress. She turned to drugs after countless counseling sessions. She had paid the price of her addiction and was released on September 8, 2022. She had a great job and was saving money to move out of the Rising Sun into her own place. Because of stress at the house that she couldn’t get on top of, her friend told us she took a walk in the park by the airport in Lewiston. She ran into an acquaintance and shared her troubles with her. That acquaintance said, “you need a hit off my vape!” That was all it took and she started spinning out of control. She was picked up by Nez Perce deputies for a probation violation. At that time she didn’t need a jail cell, she needed a hospital. But our laws in Idaho aren’t subject to the addictions, and the medical need for intervention. Addicts are continually prosecuted for falling prey to the illegal drug steam that continues to elude the DOJ! They can’t/won’t get a handle on!

I have contacted a few of Idaho’s Representatives and have started a campaign of making changes to the stagnant laws that ended up taking my young daughter’s life. She leaves behind her a 13- year-old, an 8-year-old, and a 4-year-old son. I welcome any and everyone who faces the addiction epidemic, to join us in this battle for change. You can reach me at cseaves1029@gmail.com. I am still waiting for answers from the Idaho State Police, the Nez Perce County Sheriff Office, and Nez Perce County Coroner. Why is this taking so long?

Claudia Eaves

Orofino