• Originally published January 25, 2012 at 7:21 p.m., updated January 25, 2012 at 11:20 p.m.

• Monday - This Isn't Little League Anymore

  Tuesday - Murder in Smallville

  Wednesday - And Justice for All?

  Thursday - Pink Ribbons and Flickering Candles

  Friday - End of the Line

It was quiet again in January 2001. No phone calls. No organized memorial. It seems indeed that the victims' family and friends had indeed forgotten them.

I was determined not to let that happen in 2002 -- the 10th anniversary of the murders. I contacted a family member and some of Gerri Faye's friends and asked if I could take the lead in organizing a 10th anniversary memorial service. They gave their approval.

I organized a memorial service at the city auditorium and moderated it. I arranged for the local television to tape it for later telecast. I publicized it in the Bulletin (we had returned as a weekly in September 2001), and with news releases to the Citizens-Journal, the Texarkana Gazette and Shreveport television stations.

On Jan. 14, 2002, in advance of the memorial I wrote, "Even in my own family and among some of the biggest fans of my writing, I have been accused of being obsessed with the Butts murder case."

"If being obsessed means being determined to do whatever I can with whatever assets I have available to see that this case is eventually solved . correctly . then yes, I am obsessed."

"I did not know the murder victims - Gerri Faye, 29, Jessica, 11, and Mackenzie, 2. I have met some of their family and friends since then and have no ties to any of them either."

"It's about a baby and a little girl and their mother being murdered. It's about those murders happening within blocks of downtown Atlanta and within even closer proximity to other families with young children and the junior high school."

"It's about an investigation, gnarled from the beginning, with no less than nine and probably closer to a dozen people walking around the crime scene before it was cordoned off and any evidence collected."

"It's about a DA, slapping his hand on the table in court, saying he was on "the wrong side," because of his perceived weakness of the case he was presented by the Atlanta Police Department."

"It's about living in a community where we can feel safe and not worry that your daughter's new boyfriend might be a triple murderer."

"It's about a tangled web of too many coincidences."

"But, it's ultimately about three people. Real people."

"An imperfect mother trying to raise her family alone - and who among us couldn't wear that imperfect tag - a bright and beautiful 11-year-old and an innocent, defenseless baby."

"Real people."

"With real friends and family. And it's those friends and family who are getting together this weekend to remember the slain trio."

"In my opinion the memorial or remembrance program is a good idea. Not just for the friends of the victims but for the community as a whole. As Atlanta moves forward and attempts to position itself as a tourist destination, it is imperative that this case be put behind us from a legal point of view. It's a black eye."

"So, even if you can't attend on Saturday, pause for a moment on Jan. 27 and say a little prayer for three victims of inhumane cruelty."

"Pray for justice. Pray for Atlanta."

Advocate reporter Sonny Long has written "Among Murderers and Madness," the true story of a triple homicide in East Texas on Jan. 27, 1992. Excerpts from the book will appear in the Advocate during the week leading up to the anniversary of the murders.

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