Opinion ID: 2361162
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 21

Heading: Melody

Text: When Melody attended the Catholic Community Middle School, she studied in an empty room across the hall from Merzbacher's classroom. (E. 512). Consequently, she frequently witnessed Merzbacher physically and sexually abusing his students. Melody specifically viewed one female student sitting on Merzbacher's lap with her underwear down to her ankles. The principal responded to Melody's concern over this incident by telling her that the student was having a problem with the elastic in her underwear. (E. 515). Upon learning that Melody had complained to the principal, Merzbacher threatened her several times. For example, he told her that he would blow [her] fucking head off if she did not stop complaining. (E. 513). Several of Merzbacher's students also attacked Melody when she was going up the stairs and held me around my neck so I couldn't turnaround to see them, and they threw me down on the ground and my lip was busted and my nose was busted. And they held my head down and they kept hitting me and punchingkicking me.... As the children walked away, they said that it came from John. (E. 518). Merzbacher also approached Melody on one occasion and held the gun right [against me] and told me if I didn't keep my mouth shut, ... I wouldn't have to worry about having my studies in the library. I'd be in my fucking coffin. (E. 519). Even years after Melody graduated, she never discussed Merzbacher with her husband because I was too scared.... I believed that he would find me and kill my kids. I believed him. I believed that he would find me no matter where he was, what year it was. I believed him with all my heart that he would find me and kill me and my family, and I still believe that. (E. 523).
In January 1994, Merzbacher was arrested and charged with several counts of rape and sexual child abuse. Thereafter, most of the plaintiffs felt safe enough to come forward and discuss the abuse with either their families, the State's Attorney, a private attorney or the police. Until this time, however, the plaintiffs, who were repeatedly threatened at gunpoint to remain silent, still believed that their safety, and that of their families, was in jeopardy. As the testimony set forth above demonstrates, Merzbacher had repeatedly warned them that, if they reported him, he could find them no matter where they were and would kill them and their families. Mike Doe testified that [u]p to [when Merzbacher was arrested,] I had been afraid because he had threatened my life and I feared for my wife and I feared for my family's lives, but when I saw him with his handcuffs on and all these other people were coming forth and he was in jail, I felt I was safe enough to come forth.... (E. 236). Mary C. testified that I think [that Merzbacher has not threatened me since I came forward] because he is in custody. Some type of type of custody. I think if he were free to walk the streets without being observed, I think I would have been contacted. (E. 352). Melody stated: I came forward ... when he was in jail, when I knew he had already been locked up. (E. 523). Bryan came forward four days after the story [about Merzbacher's arrest] was on the front page of the Sun Paper. (E. 308). Angela reported the abuse when Merzbacher was arrested, and she figured he was in jail. (E. 270). Katherine reported Merzbacher after he was arrested and then I felt like there was a little bit of safety there. (E. 430). Several plaintiffs also testified that, because of the large group of former students who came forward to report Merzbacher, there was safety in numbers. ( E.g., Elizabeth's testimony at E. 472). Katherine testified that I would have never come out by myself with this. Never. (E. 430). The State's Attorney and the police detectives also assured many of the plaintiffs of their continued safety and protection from Merzbacher if they disclosed the abuse. Elizabeth stated that I have the protection of the State's Attorney or the police assuring me if I so much as fall up a step, Merzbacher is going to be the first person they look toward. (E. 477). And Jane Doe testified that [the detective] assured me that I would be safe if I told him. He said, don't worry, you'll be totally safe.... I assumed [Merzbacher] was going to be arrested, and then I'll be safe. (E. 166). Thus, only after Merzbacher was arrested and after the plaintiffs were assured of their safety, did they believe that they could come forward with their claims against Merzbacher. There is absolutely no evidence in the record indicating that, prior to this time, the plaintiffs did not believe that they could come forward without endangering themselves or their families. Moreover, in light of the evidence, the plaintiffs' fears were obviously not unreasonable.