August 7, 2009

At the request of Caleb Barnett's family and the Brad McKinney family, this information is being released:

This morning, David and Kim Barnett (mother and father of Caleb Barnett) contacted me requesting a meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Brad McKinney (Brad and Robin). The Barnett's indicated their need for this meeting to assure the McKinney family of their sincere sorrow for what had occurred to them.

They met at the McCracken County Sheriff's Department at 11:00AM this morning. The meeting went extremely well as both families expressed their sincere sorrow for what both families have gone through.

Both families agreed and attributed this incident and tragedy to illegal drug use. During the meeting, the families discussed how they could work together in an effort to educate other teens in our area about the dangers of illegal drugs and the possible consequences.

Both families agreed that Caleb's Barnett's death should not be in total vein, and hoped that they could make some good come from it.

Mr. & Mrs. Barnett plan on visiting area churches and speaking to their youth about this experience and what can happen as a result of drug abuse.

Mr. & Mrs. McKinney have also set up an account at BB&T Bank in the name of: Caleb Barnett Memorial Fund / The donations collected will be donated by Mr. and Mrs. McKinney to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department D.A.R.E. program. The monies then will be utilized in continuing the DARE program that is currently taught at the county elementary schools and hopefully will even enhance the program. These donations can be accepted at the following locations:

Both families also plan on putting together jointly, a presentation, concerning these tragic events that occurred, emphasizing the dangerous consequences of drug use and abuse and hope to be able to give this presentation to high school students at the county's high schools.

"These families have come together for one cause, to make sure that this doesn't happen to another family, or teen. Both families also felt it important for the public to know that they are united in this effort."

Thanks,

Sheriff Jon Hayden

McCracken Co. Sheriff's Department