Published: March 30, 2006 02:58 pm         

'What ifs' will always haunt little girl's family

Audra Matheny’s tragic story has so many “what ifs.”

What if Linda had come back from California as planned?

What if the Mathenys had been able to get her to admit to whatever was bothering her during her last Louisiana visit?

What if she had confided in just one person - her teacher or her pastor or her mother?

Even the police had “what ifs” in this case. Then chief of police Kevin Coder told Audra’s father, Charles Matheny, that when officers were called to the Wilson home for domestic disturbances, they always assumed the quiet little blonde haired girl was Steve Wilson’s natural daughter. Coder told Audra’s dad that if he had only known she wasn’t Steve’s daughter, he would have contacted the Mathenys in Louisiana. And Charles said if that had happened, he would have come and gotten Audra.

The “what ifs” have run through the minds of her family since that fateful day. Even now, the questions continue.

Audra’s half brother and Steve Wilson’s son, Sean, wonders “What if my dad really didn’t do it?” Sean, who wasn’t told much about what happened, nevertheless has heard all of the questions that the defense raised during the Wilson trial. Audra’s mother, Linda, still wonders about it as well, although she seems more accepting of the jury’s decision.

Audra’s father’s family completely agreed with the court’s findings. Their big worry is “What if Steve gets paroled?” Audra’s aunt Glenda said that she received a letter last year from the state of Oklahoma that says that Steve Wilson has served enough of his sentence and can be released any time. The Mathenys have always been notified of upcoming parole hearings a few months before. Steve’s hearing is set for April this time, and they have received no notice. Glenda believes the letter they received last year means they won’t be notified any longer.

Tuttle residents, especially those who knew Audra or the Wilsons personally, may be able to make a difference by writing to the parole board.

According to the state pardon and parole board, when corresponding with board members, include the following information regarding Wilson about on the backside of the envelope and on the letter Do not send registered mail.

Steven Wilson, DOC# 126263

Parole Docket Date - 4/2006

Include any other pertinent information you may have in the letter.



Parole board addresses

Letters concerning Steven Wilson’s upcoming parole hearing may be sent to the following Parole Board members:

Ms. Susan B. Loving

P.O. Box 7320

Edmond, OK 73083



Mr. James M. Brown, Sr.

P.O. Box 1814

McAlester, OK 74502



Ms. Lynnell Harkins

P.O. Box 20547

Oklahoma City, OK 73156



Mr. Clinton Johnson

Chairperson

P.O. Box 18594

Oklahoma City, OK 73154



Mr. Richard L. Dugger

Vice Chairperson

P.O. Box 20623

Oklahoma City, OK 73156-0623