Deadly Thirst: The True Story of a Foster Child's Murder

by Donna Goodenough

This true story reveals the series of blunders that forced 4-year-old Andy Setzer into a one-way slaughter-chute of foster care - and straight into the protective custody of murderers.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

358 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2003

Reviews

[Donna Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book is the true story of the tragic death of Andy Setzer, my daughter's half brother. When I heard of his death we didn't know he existed. My first reaction was to blame his parents for their part in his situation, then I realized Andrew would have had the chance to meet his sisters and his parents as an Adult if it weren't for the failure of the foster care system. I never gave permission to use my name so it was changed a bit. I will just say, I consider this book to be accurate....signed Cowboy's 1st wife.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I disagree with the person that said, "This book is basically a, "let's have a social worker bashing party" book". To me, the author points out the problems within the system more then simply bashing on social workers. It is a very sad story and the impact of Andy Seltzer's death will be with all of those involved until they die.

[Suny · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story of little "Andy" is tragic. Yet, for an author to make claim to a true story, based on factual research, the author/ writer of a story must do a complete investigation of all participants, and to neglect to do so, to print not only inaccuracies but untruths makes an already sad story even more tragic.

Andy was the victim of abuse, he was a pawn in a system of over worked social workers and a broken system. A system that is inundated with children of parents who love drugs more then they are capable of loving their children.
The woman attacked by Mike was Their next door neighbor, a teacher as was Lynn. She continued to live next door to Mike and Lynn reporting abuse she had heard and witnessed regarding Mikes treatment of Andy. I don't know if it was valid or not I didn't see it., it was turned over o the proper authorities to nvestigatipersonally, unbiased and with no agendas. they were found guilty and Andy was removed.

Mary recieved a disturbing call, and report from her own daughter who continued to see and babysit for Andy. despite a falling out between Mary and Lynn over the events that took place with Mike. Calls were made to Mary regarding the abuse and no reports to validate those calls were made by Mary. Instead a letter in which she signed and felt required to write was written and signed by Mary. Simply asking for a investigation n which she prayed would be unfounded and impartial. She simply wanted to be certain Andy was safe.

The letter accused no one of abuse just stated calls received from the neighbor and a request to ensure Andy was alright. She also stated that she knew Lynn for a very long time and would be shocked that any truths to this would be found, but the nonetheless, felt compelled to report. After all, she was a "licensed foster parent", and required to report. She did so transparently. Nothing was anonymous for Mary. The only people not lcensed were Mke and Lynn.

Social workers came to her home and to Mary's surprise her daughter had witnessed some things that Mary was shocked and now frightened over regarding Mike. Mary gave social workers permission to speak to her high school aged daughter alone. Mary was told her daughter had confirmed the neighbors reports and added some other serious concerns. They left.

Mary had felt overwhelmed with guilt, she had given Andy up due to a husband who didn't want a foster child, she was ill and still remains very sick to this day. Struggling to hold a bad marriage together, a deaf son and illness was more then she could handle, Andy deserved better. She thought Mike and Lynn would be better.

She loved Lynn had assisted her in a less then perfectly functioning family when she was young and this was about to tear that relationship apart. She had done and given her so much, loved her like a little sister.

A falling out had transpired, between Lynn and Mary prior to the abuse. Shortly, after Mike had an affair with the older neighbor lady. Mary didn't want Lynn to experience the pain and anguish which she had in her marriage of repeatedly broken trust. She didn't want Lynn to face giving up all she loved due to a bad marriage which Mary attributed to leading to her failing health, doing it all on her own. She told Lynn she dint like or trust Mike. Lynn stopped speaking to Mary when she reconciled with Mike.

Shortly. Afte Mike called Mary. He told her she needed to pay off a pool that both families had swam and enjoyed together. Lynn's allowed her credit to be used and Mary made the payments. Mary and her husband had struggled with some tax issues leading to credit problems. Mary bought it, but Lynn put it under her name on credit payments. Now angry with Mary, they wanted it paid off immediately. Mary sick, in a failing marriage and worried for Andy not knowing what was true or not shut down and has never spoken to ever Lynn or Mike again. She continued to pay as previously agreed.

Mary received a call from a detective, Mike angry with Mary had along with Lynn now claimed the purchased off fraudulently. Mary was devastated. All she had done and given up for Lynn. Heartbroken she went and showed the detective the letter, pictures and evidence that it was a mutual agreement, not fraud. The pool man had co firmed he spoke to Lynn called her and identified her himself. Angry now and hurt, Mary forbid her daughter to see them. She wanted the door closed.
Lynn and Mike continued to entice Mary's daughter to come to the house behind her mothers back. It was during this time, that the daughter saw Mike abusing little Andy, and that it all was reported.

Through a long and painful time,and investigation. Mary became the bad guy. Yet, her world fell apart with Andy and the abuse allegations made by the neighbor and her daughter. Lynn. Who she had taken under her wing she now learned had " molested" her own deaf son when she was entrusted to babysit him. She had sex with her son he was just a little boy and deaf. Lynn totally betrayed her family and her children, how could she. Mary wanted to report her but her children decided it was best for all to stay away and end the nightmare.

Mary was discovering inconceivable things that transpired and how did she not even know? How could she have entrusted Lynn who sexually molested her son! Why didn't he speak up sooner and why now we're her children telling her of abuse and witnessing abuse they knew of. Mary couldn't comprehend, her entire life was dedicated to having helped this girl. How could she have trusted her with Andy. What did she do to Andy?

Mary requested that if Andy didn't go to his grandma who she was promised he would be returned to, that her license still valid, he could return while thing were worked out. He knew and loved Mary and she loved him too. Mary was told Andy was with his grandmother b social services. She was told he was happy healthy and we'll and soon returning to his mom. Mary was at peace.

Next Mike emailed Mary, telling her she murdered Andy, it was crushing. It only followed with hateful allegations that Lynn and Mike were victims and Mary was evil and caused this. Those two were founded through nvestigation to be abusive . I personally do not know, what I do know, is I believe Marys children who told me the truth and I believe them. Lynn willingly and knowing sexually abused Marys son and d Mike according to Marys daughter abused Andy she was one of several who witnessed abuse.

So next time, talk to all parties when writing a factual report.

[Margo Dedmon]

This book is about distant members of my family. Laura is my cousin. Her father Terry is my father's brother. I only had contact with Laura when we were both very little. Then about 6 years ago I made contact. She told me her son Andy, (the main character of the book) died in a car accident. I am outraged that all of this happened to a child, let alone a member of my family. I am just now discovering how horribly dysfunctional and messed up my father's side of the family is. I wish I had known Andy. I didn't even know of his existence until after he was murdered. I would love to get in contact with the author of this book. There is much more about my family I'd love to put into print.