FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 2/17/08

Kerr and McDonald’s Attorney Orders Halt to Book About Jaliek

The two authors from New Jersey who had committed to write a book about Jaliek Rainwalker’s life and disappearance have decided to “cease and desist” the writing of the book tentatively titled “An Inconvenient Child”.  The decision was made following the receipt of a letter from attorney Jeffrey McMorris written on behalf of Jocelyn McDonald and Stephen Kerr, Jaliek’s adoptive parents.  The letter states, “This letter represents Stephen Kerr and Jocelyn McDonald, parents of Jaliek Rainwalker and his minor siblings.  We understand that you have announced plans to author and market a book related to our clients’ children.  You must cease and desist from compilation, creation and/or marketing of any such book.  Our clients are withholding any consent for such projects.”

Although they are completely within their rights to write this book, neither is in a position to fight Kerr and McDonald’s lawyers.  The authors were in the process of assembling  more than 300 pages of notes that include details of the “family naked time” from four different sources, information about a local social worker who has been involved in Jaliek’s life since he was two days-old and is still involved with the family, an in-depth psychological profile of Kerr and McDonald that was provided by two experienced criminal profilers and details of the intuitives’ findings about what happened to Jaliek on the night of November 1, 2007.  The book will also include stories collected from family members, neighbors, family friends, former foster families and friends of Jaliek from karate and summer camp.

The review and collection of notes was started the night one of the authors attended the “Light the Night” vigil in Greenwich on December 23^rd.  All letters and notes are being turned over to a new local author who will remain anonymous until the book is published.  This new author, like the previous authors has agreed to have all proceeds from the book be used to provide post-adoptive services for Capital Region families and for services to children who have aged-out of the foster care system.

The special website, www.aninconvenientchild.org and toll-free number, 1-888-SARATOGA (1-888-727-2864) have been temporarily disabled.