I am Kate Shultz, mother of Christien Rodriguez (now deceased) and William Shultz (detained for over a year now at the Martinez Detention Facility and diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia), as well as mother to daughter Cassandra, age 23, and sons Steven, age 19, and Tommy, age 9. I am a 4th grade school teacher.

This is going out to all of my friends and family who are aware of the tragedies and trauma I have been through with my children over the last several years, and this past year in particular.  For those of you who are reading this who are not as familiar with me I'm sorry that I cannot legally goes into many details here. I am truly in need of your assistance. 

Two weeks ago I was served (along with dozens of other individuals and county entities) as a defendant in a federal civil wrongful death suit brought by the family of Will's best friend and his younger brother, who was murdered by Will.  Those of you who know me and my story know what I went through trying to get Will held and helped to prevent this tragedy and I am not liable in this suit, however, it is standard operating procedure for the injured family in a wrongful death case to include anyone and everyone involved in the situation, which this family understandably has done.

The problem I have is that I must file a response within 21 days or I default and would have a civil judgement and likely bankruptcy looming over me for years to come.  Thanks to amazing friends I have found an highly competent civil defense attorney who will help me for as little as he possibly can. He himself lost a son age 24. In order to respond in time and avoid being involved in any litigation against me, I need a $5000 retainer by this Wednesday, June 15.

With all that has happened in may life lately my living expenses have been drastically impacted, with the therapy I've needed to provide for my other children among many other things (not to mention trying to plan a wedding), and I/we are living paycheck to paycheck and just don't have that kind of cash or credit at the moment.  I have already contacted several family members and put them in the uncomfortable position of having to tell me they weren't able to lend that much at once, as much as they'd like to.  I have never  done this before, but I am suddenly in need of help and thought I'd give this a try rather than put anyone else in that uncomfortable spot.

I cannot express how greatly I would appreciate however much any of you can lend right now so that I can provide myself with a decent legal representation in this matter.  I have every intention and ability to repay each person who lends money today within a year's time. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for whatever you can lend.

Love and gratitude for you all.
Kate