Kelsey Shelton Briggs

Kelsey Briggs was born in Oklahoma on December 28, 2002 after her father, Lance Brigg and mother, Raye Dawn Smith were divorced. Kelsey lived with her mom, but she loves spending time with her daddy. The first two years of her life, Kelsey was a healthy, energetic, happy little girl. In the beginning of 2005, Kelsey's mom, Raye Dawn Smith began dating a man called Michael Lee Porter. Around this time, the first signs of abuse towards Kelsey were noticed. Mid January of 2005, Kelsey suffered a broken collarbone and bruises while in the care of mom, Raye Dawn Smith. Kelsey was moved to her paternal grandmother, Kathie Briggs on the 24th of January 2005. At April 2005, Kelsey was still in Kathie's care but visited her mom regularly. Raye Dawn Smith married Michael Lee Porter on the 18th of April 2005. Kelsey was always brave. She was daddy's little soldier. At the end of April 2005, while in the care of her mother, Kelsey broke both her legs. May 3rd 2005, Kelsey was placed in States Department Human Services custody. Kelsey was moved to her maternal grandmother, Gayla Smith on the 4th of May 2005. In June 15, 2005, Judge Craig Key returned Kelsey back to her mother. After stating Kelsey's abuser was unknown. August 27, 2005, Kathie Briggs saw her granddaughter, Kelsey one last time.

" The last time I saw her, just the way she looked, the way she acted, she looked like she was dying, she was not the same child again."

-Kathie Briggs-

October 11, 2005, Kelsey's stepfather, Michael Lee Porter, apparently hit or kicked Kelsey in the stomach so hard, it killed her. Her death was ruled a homicide, due to blunt force trauma to the abdomen. Kelsey died just days before her father came home from the war. Instead of a happy homecoming, he had to bury his little girl. Kelsey had a purpose in life. Kelsey Shelton Briggs was put here to make a difference. To make sure other children are protected. A law was passed in her name. Kelsey's stepfather, Michael Lee Porter is currently serving 30 years in prison. He has no possibility of parole for 25.5 years. Kelsey's mom, Raye Dawn Smith was sentenced to 27 years in prison for enabling child abuse