YOUR COMMENTS

I wanted to give my condolences to the father and daughter, this is such a tragety. Theres no words that are good enough to say sorry with. Im just really really sorry and Im praying for you.
RIP Kim.
- J, NH

This is really sad news. Kim was our nurse recently when my daughter fell ill and we had to spend some time at St. Joes. She was a very sweet and empathetic woman who appeared to really love her job and life. She had this personal nature to her and my wife and I immediately grew very comfortable with her in a time when we were very worried about our own daughter. She even mentioned several times how much her daughter meant to her during a few conversations. All I can remember was her big smile. God bless her and her family.
- John, Boston, MA

I knew three of the four individuals arrested in this case. They have been in my home! If you really want to know about these kids I am one to talk to. It disgusts me to know that I have hosted them in my home and disgusts me even more to know that they were in school yesterday!! As my daughter said I have hugged them and braided their hair.

It is a travesty in this town that school and local officials were aware of the trouble these individuals were capable of and did nothing to prevent it!! It is not the officers that deserve the credit for breaking this case it is the individual that turned them in!! Cudos to that kid that had the nerve to make the right call!! Now it's time for Amherst to wake up!!! And get the drugs out of your high school and town!!!!!!!!
- Christa Dacus, Amherst, NH

...GREAT JOB BY POLICE! JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED. Thank you God, for assisting in the police in an extremely fast apprehension of perpetrators in this Crime. This is GREAT NEWS in the light of such sadness. All who knew her, friends, relatives, neighbors! We are thankful for the professionalism of all the law enforcement agencies involved. Fantastic. No justice can bring back such a wonderful person as Kim. No one can erase the thoughts and scares of this horrific event from her daughter.
Its time to Reinstate the Death penalty. When a pack of dogs pulls down a deer and gets the taste of blood they never loose the desire to taste it again. Unfortunately humans are no different. Its time to stop feeding/housing murders as theres no justice served. None at all.
For the Cates Family, I hope the state prosecutors request the death penalty. These young men have had the taste of violence, they'll never forget it and nor can they be trusted not to do it again in 30 yrs. When someone brutally takes the life of someone else in the "live free or die" state, they should pay the appropriate price. They should pay with their life. Justice Served.
...again, my heart goes out to everyone involved and knowing the perps are in custody is at the very least... very pleasing news.
- S.W., Wolfeboro NH

I know the Cates quite well. David's niece is my best friend. The whole family is as sweet as pie. I don't know how in the world they could deserve such a brutal punishment. The entire family is very tight knit and they are there for anyone who may ever need them. Please help them catch the men that did this. Again please keep the whole family in your prayers. Jaime may you get through this stronger than ever...
- Danielle Wolf, Tucson

To Steve in Manchester. If and when they catch the guilty. The most they'll get is life with no parole. The death penalty will up the anti for these crimes and should reduce these occurrences, especially in the cases of "repeat offenders".
We are seeing too many of these homicides in New Hampshire. It's time to do something about it other than wringing or hands over it.
- Steve, Raymond

My condolences to the husband, daughter and family of the deceased. Secondly, let the police do their job. Giving out details to the public will only hinder their investigation and give these creeps a chance to hide longer. Lastly, as a father understand we live in a world that is cruel and hideous we must learn to recognize this and protect ourselves Rest in Peace Mrs. Cates
- James, MAnchester

I live down the street and I remember seeing her jogging around. There is no way that was random. There is never a car in the driveway, the house always looked deserted. We have guns and dogs out here no one would risk a random break in. My dog in hungry and my guns are loaded.
- Sean Down the road in Milford, milford

This is the worse of the worse .. hurting a little kid. And the mom .. I also kinda understand the lack of info, yet I am wondering and wondering. The info presented in the UL does not make sense to me. As I read the story I keep pausing and re-reading, with a Huh? Public is safe? Be on the look out for a tall guy and short guy. That does not sound safe to me. The neighbor's observations about the car, but then the emergency call on Sunday? I guess like everyone, I can't really grasp how stuff like this happens and therefore I want answers.
- tom, manchester,nh

I am Kims second cousin in Tucson Arizona. We are all in a state of shock and complete disbelief. I thank the Union Leader paper for being our only source of information right now. Plese keep the info coming. Thank you to all who have said a prayer for Kim and her family. God Bless You.
- Becky Mason, Tucson, Arizona

There is absolutely no reason for people not to be armed these days. It's easy, affordable and the information is easily available. Pro Gun New Hampshire (PGNH.org) has a FAQ about the laws of owning and concealing firearms. It's well worth the read.
- Jack, Concord

I strongly disagree with the Union Leader's identification of the juvenile victim. Whether or not there were additional crimes committed against the mother or daughter, specifically sexual in nature as other readers have mentioned, it is improper to divulge the name of a child involved in such a horrendous crime. I urge the Leader to omit the girls name from its subsequent articles on the event to further protect her fragile peace of mind.
- Jason, Contoocook

How about public punishment??
- Rebecca, bethlehem

I wanted to let everyone know what our prayers are with this family. This was the sister-in-law of my pastor's wife, and I know they left immediately upon hearing the news. We are praying for this family daily as a community. God Bless.
- Kelly Ervin, Maryville, TN

My prayers go out for the Cates family for the husband's loss and the father's outrage. My prayers also go out to the Police Officers involved in the investigation of this crime, that they quickly and expeditiously find these monsters and see they get everything that's coming to them.
- Greenfield resident, Greenfield, NH

We have to be on our toes for our safety and protection at all times unfortunately. I hate guns, but I am seriously thinking of owning a pistol and take shooting lessons to defend my family if I needed to. And I am female. I also do believe having a large dog helps, unless of course a victim knows the criminal. I feel safer having a big dog, and now I also lock up everything, even my car in my garage. And people are right, we need to convict these people and not just let them live on in jails. We cannot walk, jog, horseback ride, alone anymore. Especially in rural communities. And also be alert to your surroundings. Attend a safetly class...
- resident, Litchfield

The police are tasked with investigating this horrific murder. These crimes happen anywhere, so nobody should feel safe. I read this article and get sick to my stomach thinking that this poor woman may have been targeted by some disgusting predators! Society is filled with them. We live in a society where nobody wants to get involved in anyone's business. When crimes occur, people don't speak up. When the police ask for the public's help in solving a horrific crime, people say "it's not my job." Why is society turning into what we've become. If we only knew... As for the description given by police, I'm sure thay want to catch these murderers in the worst way, so to think they would keep key details of the suspects description from us is rediculous. Let them do their job and go find another article to taunt and insult the police at. This is not the place for it! RIP Ms. Cates! My heart goes out to the entire family!
- Michael, Manchester

My apologies and sympathies to this woman's family and friends.
But so many of you readers! My God! Complaining about what details are, or are not available, as if the Police and/or the UL are supposed to be providing or withholding information in order to make YOU more comfortable? Get over yourself! The police are there to investigate and hopefully, solve this murder. If they had specific information of the public being in danger they would tell us. Otherwise, it's their job to be tight-lipped. I'm certain it's not your job to second-guess the police.
SHAME on you, griping reader!
- Robb Fox, North Walpole NH

Very sad news, and hitting very close to home. I grew up in Amherst and loved the small town feel. But this can happen anywhere nowadays. I personally feel much safer with my ADT home security in my home. Im not promoting them at all, i just feel safer myself knowing i have it installed... peace of mind. You just never know. I hope the child pulls threw this, and my prayers to the family.
- Sean, Hudson NH

All NH residents should have some kind of protective firearms in their homes. This is simply common sense. New Hampshire is one of the most pro-2nd amendment states in the nation.

If you moved here from somewhere else and you are unaccustomed to the idea of owning a gun, please try to get past whatever brainwashing you underwent in the state you previously lived in.

No one has the right to harm you in your home and you have every right to defend yourself and your family. Make sure you have the means to do so.

You can find a local NRA gun safety class here:
http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx

Please take the time to learn the rules of gun safety BEFORE you pick up a firearm. You can review them here:
http://www.gunsafetynow.com/
- Bob Smith, Milford

This poor child has been through a terrible ordeal-let's not forget that and the father as well. Sadly, this may drag on for awhile, let the police do their job and let our town come together to watch out for each other and help this family as much as we can. Personally, this has changed how I look at my town, but it is still my home.
- Concerned, Mont Vernon

Re: Michael Layon and others comments about the perpetrator's discription. Think about who gave that description before you come down hard on the investigation. A 10 year old girl with very severe and painful injuries was remarkably able to call 911. That is the only source of a discription. If you knew the extent of her injuries, you would be amazed. Honestly, I am very impressed that they were able to get a discription at all. This is such a tragedy and this suffering little girl is the only witness. My heart goes out to her and her family.
- Trey, Amherst

And for all those who think the amount of information the police seem to have is ridiculously little, some of you may remember the Dartmouth double-homicide near Hanover (husband and wife professors). When law enforcement first spoke to the public, they had shockingly little information (or at least they revealed shockingly little information) and that was a very high-profile case. They eventually found the two murderers in that case and convicted them. Do not underestimate what is being done behind-the-scenes and things you know nothing about and will likely never even hear about.
- M.G., Amherst, NH

I'm a little confused about why people are implying that law enforcement officers are ignorant in this case. You have no idea what they are doing. You have no idea what they have already done. You have no idea what information they have, but are holding back for the purposes of making a SOUND case. They are doing their jobs. Why are some of these writers so sure they know what is being done, and that what is being done is not enough? It strikes me as very odd.

As for publishing the names, photo and addresses of the victims vs. waiting until it is known whether this was a sexual assault - It's a murder. They determined that when they found someone dead. Murder trumps sexual assault. If the murder had occurred on MY road, I'd certainly want to know about it. In fact, I'd want to know about it if it were anywhere NEAR my road. If it had been a sexual assault without a murder, John from Derry, I would agree with you. Murder changes things.
- M.G., Amherst

Bouchard, Are you going to do anything differently today knowing the suspects were on foot or in a car?? You don't need to know any more than you do. Get over it.
- ken, nashua

Living in a small community, we sometimes feel as though our sleepy town is immune to the such horrible crime. This type of thing can happen anywhere. We need to be vigilant in keeping our eyes open for strange ongoings and not be afraid to report them to the police, now or any time. Neighbors need to watch out for each other, as much of Mont Vernon is very rural. I happen to be lucky to have observant neighbors. Lock your doors and windows. At least you'll have forewarning of any attempts to gain entry into your residence and be able to provide protection for you and your family.

It takes time for the police to gather information, especially when there isn't many or any witnesses. If police had more information on the suspect(s), they would have released it. They are investigators and that's what they're doing. It'll take time to piece this horrific puzzle. They want to apprehended these subjects as much as we want them caught.
- Lisa, Mont Vernon

UL? Really? Shouldn't it be clear this was NOT a sexual assualt before you make public the names of the victims???
- John, Derry

New Hampshires peaceful way of life is changing as fast and silently as global warming.
This tragic murder hits home as Kim Cates was the nurse taking care of my Dad at CMC after his pacemaker was installed. She was as sweet, as kind, and as pretty as any nurse could be. Many many others must know her and feel ther same emptyness I am feeling.
Rural crimes are increasing, and the violence associated with them equally so.
Wolfeboro's recent murder of a nurse on mothers day has numbed our entire community. And...we still don't know if the murderer is amoungst us. It makes everyone think differently. I actually decided to purchase a gun for protection.
I've always hated guns but these days all the criminals have them. I'd like to think in a better world there would be no need for one. But as the ol' adage goes, "Fight Fire with Fire", therefore, living at the end of the dirt road I decided it was time for better protection.
I can only hope violence is not a continuing trend in NH. I would ask that all who read this be alert to anything out of the ordinary, and if you feel something is amiss in your neighhborhood...ACT ON IT! Call the Police. We cannot prevent these events if we don't follow our instincts. My instincts are telling me its time to protect yourself, your neighbors, and your communities. The best way I know is to be observant, report suspicious activity, have a form of protection available. God help those who try and alter our way of life in the "live free or Die" State. Steal our freedom, and you will...
Its time NH reinstated the death penalty...AND USED IT! Prison is no place for murders. There is No Remorse! They do not rehab murderers...an eye for an eye is the only way to send a message...and the only truly appropriate justice.
Kim Cates will be dearly missed by the many thankful for her cheery disposition and wonderful care, and I won't rest easily until justice is served. God Bless you!
- S.W., Wolfeboro

Having Grown up in nearby New Boston, the news of this horrible crime is extremely upsetting to say the least. My family still lives in New Boston, not far from Mont Vernon. My prayers and thoughts go out to the Cates family and especially the little girl. She has a long road ahead of her, I am sure, and my prayers for her to make a complete recovery. This is a horrible thing to happen and I hope they find the animal that did this and they get what they deserve.
- April, Franklin

Prayers go out to this family and the whole community.

This little girl needs mercy and comfort for all her days.

Let's find these animals and deal with them as swiftly and viciously as they attacked mother and child.
- Melissa, Milford, NH

Are they on foot in a car, come on they should know a little more than what your telling us. I understand its under investigation but they public should be safe. This didn't happen an hour ago. Sorry for the family...
- S.Bouchard, Deering

May God rest her soul, and bring peace to her husband and daughter....
- Marge Hallyburton, Lyndeborough

Having just moved from Old Wilton Road to New Boston, this horrific event has shaken me to the core.

Even more horrifying is that this publication has an image of the victim along with her and her husband's names and their address. What could possibly be the purpose of publicly posting such detailed information, and so soon after this tragic event took place?

Shame on you, Union Leader.
- Shannon, New Boston

Michael from Derry - did you ever think this might be the limited information the police have available to them from the survivor of this incident...the daughter!? Come on man!
- Betty, Keene

This is very scary for us small town folk. Many of us have lived in this small town are entire lives. The trust and safety we all had is now shattered.
God bless the family and friends that have been affected by horrid crime.
- resident of, Mont Vernon

What a tragic situation to happen .. My sypathies to her husband as well as her daughter , I hope she recovers quickly ... I hope tehy find the person/persons whom committed such an awful crime ...
- MIke, manchester

"One man is described as tall, skinny and bald, with a blue-hooded sweatshirt. The other is shorter." Are you kidding me? This is all the information the police have on the suspects? Note to self, do not wear a blue sweatshirt if until the perp is caught. And should the public be on the lookout for anyone who appears "shorter"? If the police would provide a better description and or sketch of the wanted men, myself and the rest of the UL readers could be on the lookout for the them. Until then I will keep Kimber close by to defend myself and family. This is a tragic loss and the police owe the family and NH citizens a better job of tracking down the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
- Michael Layon, Derry

People need to wake up that this kind of thing can and does happen anywhere. It's when you believe you're immune that you will be affected most.
- R, Raymond

How tragic! You're never safe even in a small town. Lock them doors!
Wonder if we'll ever find out the whole story.
My heart bleeds for the victims. Take care & peace be with you.
- Meg Griffin, Bedford

Steve in Raymond - maybe because they only have a description that could be ANYONE in AMERICA?
Let them find a suspect first.
- Steve, Manchester

I can't think of a better reason to bring back the death penalty for all first degree murders, then this!
- Steve, Raymond