Suicide victim memorialized at PD

Steven Parker, right, places a cross in front of Kilgore police department in memory of his son, Ray, and three others who have committed suicide in jail here. Family and friends of the man who took his own life inside a Kilgore Municipal Jail cell last week placed a cross on the lawn of Kilgore Police Department yesterday to memorialize their friend and loved one.

The four men present took turns pounding the small white cross into place, in hopes that others would see the symbol of their loss and remember Ray Parker.

For Nathan O'Rourke, longtime friend, the cross placed on the lawn is a symbol that hits home.

"This just means my friend is gone," O'Rourke said.

The sentiment was different for Steve Parker, the deceased man's father.

"I want this cross here, not just for my loss, but for the loss of any families who have lost a loved one at this facility," Parker said.

Parker's son was the fourth suicide inside the municipal jail and Parker wants answers, but said that he has received none.

"I am not making accusations at this time," Parker said. "I just want answers."

According to Parker, law enforcement officials told him a preliminary report would be available within 48 hours of his son's death.

"It has been eight days — eight long days. Someone should have contacted me by now," Parker said. "I just want to know what happened and that my son has not been forgotten."

Joe Parker, Kilgore mayor and Ronnie Moore, director of pub- lic safety, greeted the small crown gathered in the police department lawn and each expressed their condolences.

"I always though if he was in jail, he would be safe," the grieving father said.

The memorial to those who died in Kilgore city jail will stay in place at least seven days, according to Moore. The family is expected to remove the cross next week.

Moore said he would contact Texas Rangers today for more insight into the young man's death. The Rangers are investigating the death.