Ashley,
I understand news is news, but printing the details you've shared is going to have a terrible impact on the children of this family, who so far have been sheltered somewhat from this. I think you made a tragic error in deciding to publish this amount of information.

Ashley and company: How could you? This family has been decimated, and you personally and your "newspaper" have added trauma to their devastation. For what?

Bonnie Doerr

Agreed it is hard on this family, but isn't that true for all crime victims and their families. Ms. Reams is reporting on a case that is public record, she is not the enemy...perhaps your anger is misdirected. Killing the messenger.

I doubt very seriously that this article will impact the children more than the fact that their father attempted to kill their mother. I also doubt that the children read the patch. And finally, I doubt that the children have been completely left in the dark about the crime that was committed by their father against their mother.

Is it even possible to "add trauma" when your dad tries to kill your mom?

Let me clarify: I am not angry that this crime was reported. I am bugged about the salacious details that were unnecessarily included in order to heighten the interest of the story. Would it not have been sufficient to have reported the crime and left it at that? And yes, I am sure the children of this family are not "in the dark" about the crime; just perhaps some of the horrible details. And no, they probably do not read the Patch. Their friends' parents probably do, and so discussions ensue.

Its a free country, free speech, etc. Isn't a little discretion warranted, especially in a small, friendly community as Temple Terrace. My question remains as to what end was intended to be accomplished with this story as it was reported.

I wonder if those being critical of Ashley also spend their time reprimanding other news reporters in the Tampa Bay area whose job it is to report factual information about crimes, or just when they have a working personal knowledge of the parties being reported on. The suspect who allegedly committed this crime is the one who has made the “tragic error” and has “added trauma”, not Ashley. It’s not her job to advocate or pander, it’s to report. That is the “end to be accomplished.” Furthermore, the detail of the crime turns people away from the conjecture, gossip, and lurid curiosity sure to ensue from a generic report and engages the public more towards compassion for the victim(s). Journalism 101. Ashley was courageous, honest, and fair in this report.

I see the information in this story as an opportunity for the Temple Terrace community to empathize with, care for, and rally around Erin and her children. This website has been set up to help her. Everyone do what they can to bless this family. http://www.erinandthekids.com

Considering the victim is asking for money in a very public way, I think the details are important. The story on her website left me with questions and feeling very uneasy about donating to this family. Thanks to this article I have a better understanding of why "Erin's husband has been left in a situation that prohibits him from working to provide an income for the family." and that "The final determination of the events of July 22 will be resolved in a court of law." I am not in a position to blindly donate money to people. If I have questions about circumstances, I want to find out more. I appreciate this article.

What a tragic story. With the unsolved murder of a few weeks ago and now this, I am not sure how friendly this community is shaping up to be... Our prayers go to Erin and her children.

I guess one way we can show the goodness in Temple Terrace is that we help these people out. Jonathan, thank you for posting the website link. This article brought me to the link as well. I think Ashley is doing the job of a reporter, and again Patch seems to be the only way to find out what is happening here, both the good and the bad.

Again, Erin, may God bless and keep you and the kids together in His Love.

As a child involved in a tragic/very public crime, I can say firsthand that the reporting of such salacious details does nothing to promote healing for the family. It is possible to report the details of a crime, while maintaining discretion. I am glad however that the word is out there, so that the family can receive much needed assistance. I just believe that it could've been done in less detail.

I've read this article and been moved by this family's trauma (I do not know them personally). I don't understand the pleas for secrecy from the comments, also went to the website mentioned to help the mother and children affected and found it to be vague to the point of dishonesty.

Since the incident has not yet been settled in a court of law, the vagueness of the website was probably necessary. No need to add slander or libel to the mix in this already complicated and tragic situation.

We are deeply saddened the events of July 22 have been laid bare in such vivid detail. We always knew this incident would eventually come to light but have chosen to refrain from making some of these details pubic for many reasons. Our goal has been to focus on the well being of the children and the healing of Erin. In addition to safe guarding the hearts of the children we hoped to spare David's family the trauma of constantly reliving the graphic nature of these details.

This situation was not kept in secrecy, it was simply handled with care. When requests for information were made from the website via info@ErinAndTheKids.com, a short statement of the facts was provided along with a request for discretion. We would like to thank all those who honored that request and who kindly used the channels we provided for acquiring information.

At this time we would also like to thank those of you who have spoken out as advocates for these precious children. While we understand that the relieved information my indeed prompt more support we will forever cherish those of you who gave without demanding details, who gave a few dollars or hundreds of dollars, in love and faith simply because you were asked.

We would also ask that we all move forward together with the shared goal providing a united show of support for all the victims of this tragedy. God Bless.

The following questions need to be answered at some point:
1) While Erin and family collect $$$ from her website, is anyone helping David post bail so that he can seek professional counsel (instead of public defender) and be evaluated and treated by a Psychiatrist? Preferably not the physicians or treatment he is receiving while he is incarcerated and awaiting his court date.

2)Does Church of Christ look down upon a couple separating to the extreme that David could somehow believe murdering his wife is the better option? (Again, this man is mentally ill and needs treatment not prison.)

3) Does anyone realize this article would not exist if Erin's website were not up and running with pictures of her and David's children. (How is she claiming to "protect" her children from this horrible event while she gives out their names and pictures for anyone to see? I guess the potential earnings in donations are worth it? (Again, this is concerning and very sad.)

I am ashamed as a member of the Lord's church to read what mutual friend said about the church. At Temple Terrace church of Christ, we do not teach that murder is better than divorce. The church speaks from God's word and God's word says that GOD HATES DIVORCE. Murder is a sin as well. Please focus on erinandthekids.com everyone and not on these blasphemous blogs. These beautiful children need this money! Poor Erin too, can you blame her for wanting to be vague on her site? People outside the brotherhood would only say such slander on here. Shame on you ! Open your bible mutual friend & make sure you are a member of a sound congregation!

First let's not confuse the Patch with a real newspaper type site. Then do not think any of the people that tend this site are journalists or have any journalistic prowess. You'll do better by remembering that. BUT saying it is wrong to write about the act and that it will somehow affect the children is pure ignorance. You cannot protect every precious little snowflake from the real world. They probably know more than you at this point and have formed opinions in whatever capacity they possess. You attempt to keep the truth from some because YOU see fit is arrogance on your part and probably something to do with your religion which is a whole different problem. go read the garden section it won't upset you and your delicate sensibilities.

I think it would be best if people don't post opinions or conjecture about something so serious. Making declarations about motive and the mental health of the victim and the accused is unwise since those details are unknown. If you are a "friend" who knows either of the two people and knew these details you wouldn't be posting them for all to see on The Patch. There are only two things that are known: 1) what this article reports via the police report and, 2) that the family is asking for help paying for the many expenses they will have. Best to leave it to the courts to sort out the rest. Also, I'm pretty sure that no Christian would say that murder of a spouse is preferable to divorce. To post such a hypothetical here seems to demonstrate ignorance or a desire to be provacative.

Hi, everyone. I understand that this is a serious and sensitive issue. Patch encourages commenting, but we ask that you please abide by our Terms of Service (http://templeterrace.patch.com/terms). Some comments on this story had to be deleted because they did not comply.

All, Patch is an example of online media, for all of you who pine for the days of print journalism, welcome to the future. Print journalism is on its way out.

Florida College supporters, Ashley is doing what any journalist does, she's printing the facts. I think it's prudent to direct your outrage towards the culprit: David Hamilton Ray. Wouldn't we be his unwitting accomplices if we all pretended that what he did wasn't that bad or worse, swept it under the carpet or tried to hide it? The truth is often not pretty.

The church could have done more to help prevent this episode but we were too hung up on their lack of attendance and where their 'membership was' to want to further help. Temple terrace church of Christ has so much money yet we need a website to ask for more?? Where is all the churches money? Fancy church building and salaries for preacher and song books but can't help a family falling apart? We just look the other way because they are not 'official members?'

Sadly, David Hamilton Ray is not some secret mass murderer running amuck in Temple Terrace, yet after reading this article it sure sounds like he snapped and has now sadly become a criminal. Lets all remember to pray for him, and pray for the kids for this loss. He was a hands on caring father and a stable rock for those kids. But there are consequences for our actions so the court of law will step in and punish him. But is it not important to ask WHY did a man like this actually justify this as a solution in his head?! What or who drove him to this? He was loved by everyone in the area. WHat really happened to David Ray?

'Just a thought' thank you for all your comments so far. So level headed. I am very worried about www.erinandthekids.com I saw it on Facebook. Why are her sweet babies names and pictures being posted?? Temple Terrace is a small community! This kids will be recognized way faster than Ashley reams posting anything in temple terrace patch. Ashley didn't even say the children's names or have any pictures!!!

From what I understand about this Church of Christ is upsetting me:( if 'Erin and the kids' have church family and real family why are we asking the public for money?

I also agree with others that the Church of Christ needs to step up to what is going on. Does anyone think that David Ray was scared to ask for help because of fear of what it would do to his family name ? Or the gossip it would endure? Is this church a cult? do you realize how many people ask that every week but sit jn the pew becauae they are scared to be x-communicated??
Did he think he had no other out? Did anyone ever bother to ask why they missed church a lot or why they needed so much aid with the children a lot? Was David ray crying out for help? Was the victim?
I agree with 'what is going on brethren' what really happened to David Hamilton Ray BEFORE the rage that led to attempted murder. Is anyone reaching out to help David or pray with him? He is still a Christian whether the Church of Christ wants to admit it or not. He needs prayer and forgiveness too. Can some of this money from the site go to getting him some medical help? In or out of prison?
Can their wealthy Churches help pay?!

Erin is one of the kindest, meekest, most organized, frugal and talented person I have EVER known. I am so glad she was brave enough to finally get to speak up for herself without fear of retaliation.

"He needs prayer and forgiveness too."
It isn't our place to forgive him. He did terrible things to his family and only they can forgive him.

And how is a church getting brought into this? This story is simple and horrible: a seemingly good man attempted to kill his wife, the mother of his children. The attempt failed and he immediately made another attempt, which failed. Then he tried a third way to kill her.

People, this man tried to kill his wife who he supposed to love more than anything. he doesn't need medical help. he needs a cold damp jail cell for the next 10-15 years.

Wow, it sickens me to see how irreverent & uneducated people can be. The fact is, Erin and her kids need help, not just financially. The Church has helped in many ways but is also asking for independent helpers. Why try to attack the church or individuals on a news report? Just stick to the facts and try to understand that there are people hurting in this. Its so sad what the world has come to.

These comments are hilarious. Quit blaming the church, quit blaming someone else (the VICTIM). "Upstanding" citizens do not, out of the blue, try (three different ways!) to kill their wife.

10 to 15 years? Um try three counts of attempted x 20 years..plus the domestic violence charges...and he is 39.. 39+60= 99..he will get out when he is 99 :)

Some of the people leaving comments are assuming that Mr. Ray is not getting support. It is likely that his family and friends and probably even some members of his church are reaching out to him in whatever way they can. But remember according to this article he is in jail accused of trying to kill his wife three times with violence and premeditation. If what is reported is true then SHE is the victim. He is not. If the events reported here are true then HE alone is to blame. She is not and their church is not. (It seems silly that anybody would have to point that out.) If what is reported is true then Mr. Ray will have to deal with the consequences of his actions. Unfortunately so will his wife and children and family members. Every person involved in this terrible story needs prayers.

wow. just heard that the tv show snapped is picking up this story!

Snapped is for women killers...not men killers...

I view this one way as a retired police officer and another as a Christian. But I find the answer in Jesus' contact with the criminal on the cross who Jesus said would be with Him in paradise. Luke 23:39-43 There is no doubt in my mind that the criminal was forgiven of every sin he had commited but he still had to endure the consequences of his crimes. Let the courts have their say and should David be convicted perhaps he will ask Jesus for forgiveness and as the criminal in this account admit that he brought punishment on himself.

Let's not blame a reporter for doing her job. Here is the true problem: I heard these exact details over a month ago, in a city over 1000 miles away from where the incident occurred! And do you know how I heard them? through the "Christian" rumor mill. Maybe the reporters aren't the problem... maybe the true problem lies in all the busybodies and gossips who have nothing better to do. Let's address these people - and leave poor Ashley alone.

I was locked up with David Ray and I do believe that's how it happened. and I think its messed up that he can't speak to his kids..great guy keep your head up David God will bring you home with all my love Snoopy 12d frj

A member of the church of Christ in NC.
David committed the horrible crime--- not the church or Family or media. How messed up society is! To blame everyone but the guilty.

The good news is that with God's grace EVEN this can be overcome! For ALL involved.