Dory Maust
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| © 2007- 2010 Dory Maust, All Rights Reserved |
Kathi Johnson, Contributor
David Maust changed our lives. We will never be the same because of him.
I watched what my husband Ron went through emotionally for the months he investigated this case.
I have always stood behind him throughout our thirty-five years of marriage and have always believed in his integrity. I
have witnessed it countless times in the thirty-three years he was employed by the Hammond Police Department.
The hard work and sleepless nights, coupled with the worry and stress over this case took its toll on Ron, but at the
end of the day he did an exemplary job in taking a killer off the streets of our city. I couldn’t be more proud of him.
It’s the behind-the-scenes things that aren’t depicted on the evening news that those outside law enforcement aren’t
privy to that can change a life. There are other law enforcement people who have the same dedication and heart
behind their work that Ron had and they would understand the effects of a case such as this. Watching someone as
emotionally distraught as he was during the discovery of the bodies was nothing short of heart-wrenching. What do
you say to someone who has just exhumed the bodies of the three young boys he’s been searching for over the past
three months? How do you console him after his integrity has been questioned so vigorously in court when you know
he has been honest? It was a long ordeal but we survived, although not without scars. And it wasn’t the first time Ron
was hung out to dry for telling the truth and knowing him it won’t be the last, for he is a good and honest man. And
even David realized that.
I wish to thank my children, Ronnie and Kelli, for their complete support and understanding of their Father while he
worked this case. At times the stress of such a job can disrupt and change family life. Our family is as unique as the
man who heads it. Ronnie and Kelli have always backed their Dad, whether it was cheering for him at a softball game
or in the bowling alley or giving him a hug when he came home after a double shift at the police department. We are
indeed fortunate that unlike many police families, ours was strong enough to stay intact. And I thank my husband Ron
for being the strong head of our household. He has the patience of a saint, the strength of a giant, perseverance,
honesty beyond belief, a heart of gold and a love of God, family and country.
I am in awe of the talent in Dory Maust. I have never become acquainted with anyone like her. I hope that only good
comes from the pages she has written and that those who read this book will come away with a new understanding of
how easy it was for David Maust to work his way into the lives of his victims. I hope that the contributions made to
“Stand Up For Kids” make a difference in many young lives. I also hope that everyone involved in this case, especially
the victim’s families, can someday find the peace they need to carry on with their own lives.
I continue to remember the McClister, Jones, Raganyi, Dennis, and James families in my prayers. Their loss was
incomprehensible and didn’t have to happen. It is our intention that from the understanding of the childhood that
David experienced coupled with the subsequent ignorance of our system, we can change things and keep killers like
him from murdering any more of our children. If but one life is saved, this book was worth it.
Sincerely,
Kathi Johnson
David Maust changed our lives. We will never be the same because of him.
I watched what my husband Ron went through emotionally for the months he investigated this case.
I have always stood behind him throughout our thirty-five years of marriage and have always believed in his integrity. I
have witnessed it countless times in the thirty-three years he was employed by the Hammond Police Department.
The hard work and sleepless nights, coupled with the worry and stress over this case took its toll on Ron, but at the
end of the day he did an exemplary job in taking a killer off the streets of our city. I couldn’t be more proud of him.
It’s the behind-the-scenes things that aren’t depicted on the evening news that those outside law enforcement aren’t
privy to that can change a life. There are other law enforcement people who have the same dedication and heart
behind their work that Ron had and they would understand the effects of a case such as this. Watching someone as
emotionally distraught as he was during the discovery of the bodies was nothing short of heart-wrenching. What do
you say to someone who has just exhumed the bodies of the three young boys he’s been searching for over the past
three months? How do you console him after his integrity has been questioned so vigorously in court when you know
he has been honest? It was a long ordeal but we survived, although not without scars. And it wasn’t the first time Ron
was hung out to dry for telling the truth and knowing him it won’t be the last, for he is a good and honest man. And
even David realized that.
I wish to thank my children, Ronnie and Kelli, for their complete support and understanding of their Father while he
worked this case. At times the stress of such a job can disrupt and change family life. Our family is as unique as the
man who heads it. Ronnie and Kelli have always backed their Dad, whether it was cheering for him at a softball game
or in the bowling alley or giving him a hug when he came home after a double shift at the police department. We are
indeed fortunate that unlike many police families, ours was strong enough to stay intact. And I thank my husband Ron
for being the strong head of our household. He has the patience of a saint, the strength of a giant, perseverance,
honesty beyond belief, a heart of gold and a love of God, family and country.
I am in awe of the talent in Dory Maust. I have never become acquainted with anyone like her. I hope that only good
comes from the pages she has written and that those who read this book will come away with a new understanding of
how easy it was for David Maust to work his way into the lives of his victims. I hope that the contributions made to
“Stand Up For Kids” make a difference in many young lives. I also hope that everyone involved in this case, especially
the victim’s families, can someday find the peace they need to carry on with their own lives.
I continue to remember the McClister, Jones, Raganyi, Dennis, and James families in my prayers. Their loss was
incomprehensible and didn’t have to happen. It is our intention that from the understanding of the childhood that
David experienced coupled with the subsequent ignorance of our system, we can change things and keep killers like
him from murdering any more of our children. If but one life is saved, this book was worth it.
Sincerely,
Kathi Johnson
 |  |  |  |