No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Amanda Rice Stevenson, 96 years old, lived with her nephew, Johnny Rice. Johnny and his wife took her into their home because no one else would. At one point, during the time she lived with him, Johnny called Florida State authorities to ask that she be examined. He feared she might harm him or his wife. However, authorities determined she posed no threat to others. A welfare worker wanted to have her hospitalized after she threatened him with a gun, but didn't.



According to another source, Johnny spoke with her about going to live in a nursing home. She supposedly was upset and said she did not want to go to a nursing home.

Mrs. Rice reported she left home around 5:30 while Johnny was watching football. She returned around 9:00 p.m. and found Johnny on the floor in their bedroom. Neighbors say they heard what they think was a car door slam around 6:00 p.m.

Ms. Stevenson allegedly killed him with a .357 handgun. Johnny Rice had a kind heart to take in his elderly aunt. He did a good and kind deed and may he rest in peace.

Why did she have a gun?!! Why didn't the welfare worker have her hospitalized for threatening him with a gun? It's difficult sometimes to get someone committed against their will, but threatening someone with a gun (especially since she really had one) should be reason enough. Why didn't Johnny or his wife take the gun from her after she threatened the welfare worker? I am not blaming the victim, but questioning why she was allowed to have possession of a firearm.

Ms. Stevenson admits she shot her nephew, but she doesn't appear upset about what she's done. At her age, she may have dementia or some other cognitive problem. Or maybe not; why was the murder weapon found on the side of the house? That sounds like the actions of someone who knew what she had done.

Whether she understood what she was doing or not, she committed a crime. She didn't want to go to a nursing home, but now she will be even more confined in prison. It's a shame that she lived such a long life only to spend what time she has left incarcerated.

The old adage, "No good deed goes unpunished" is, unfortunately, accurate in this instance.

Peace