Staff writer
Although much of the sensationalism around Ryan Newell’s arrest has subdued, people have not forgotten about him.
Multiple donors have contributed money to Newell’s defense fund.
American Legion Post 408 member Jerry Jackson organized fundraising in Wichita and Derby. Through collection cans and fundraisers, Jackson has amassed $3,500, which he donated to Newell through Newell’s attorney Boyd McPherson. Jackson has also started American Veterans Hope — a non-profit organization designed to help veterans with unforeseen expenses.
“Ryan Newell is a decorated war hero; he ended up in an awkward situation,” Jackson said. “We feel that these things that happened to Ryan were due to the mental stress that current vets are coming back home with.”
McPherson, of Joseph and Hollander law firm, said a current soldier at Fort Bragg also raised money for Newell’s defense but did so anonymously.
“Active military (leaders) were concerned about showing support for Ryan,” McPherson said.
Although the financial help is appreciated, McPherson said the more important assistance for Newell is moral support. McPherson said the encouragement provided by Newell’s friends has been appreciated.
He has even received support from overseas. A Sergeant who served with Newell in Afghanistan e-mailed Newell from the front line.
Newell was receiving treatment at the Colmery-O’Neil VA hospital in Topeka, but was recently moved to the Kansas City VA Medical Center, according to Shauna Wunderlick, Newell’s mother-in-law.
McPherson said Newell has struggled with not being able to see his wife, Carrie, and children every day.
“He spent the majority of his marriage in Afghanistan,” McPherson said, “and now this.”
However, Wunderlick said Newell has been in good spirits since receiving treatment.
McPherson said the Newells continue to receive disability and social security reimbursement checks.
“One thing that has opened my eyes is the difficulty and troubles veterans are having returning from service,” McPherson said. “He has a tough time dealing with that every day.”
A preliminary hearing for Newell is scheduled for Thursday. It was delayed from Feb. 17 because the prosecuting attorney in the case was out of the state.
Newell was charged Dec. 2 in Sedgwick County on a felony charge of conspiracy to commit aggravated battery and five misdemeanors — stalking, three counts of criminal use of weapons, and false impersonation. Newell reportedly stalked members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka while they were in Mulvane for a protest.