Crime

Media focuses on killer, forgets about the victim – dozens of fake GoFundMe sites popping up

Establishment media ignores Robert Godwin, Sr. (Twitter)
Establishment media ignores Robert Godwin, Sr. (Twitter)

While the media focuses in on the now dead Steve “Stevie Steve” Stephens, precious little attention by the very same establishment media has been given to the victim of Stevie Steve’s sick, twisted mind.

To make a heartbreaking situation even worse, on the heels of the death of Robert Godwin, Sr., it’s been reported that between two dozen to “at least” 35 fraudulent GoFundMe pages have been set-up scam the family by taking advantage of family, friends and strangers who wish to financially assist the grieving family.

But at least one account set-up by a Good Samaritan in Arizona has been vetted and deemed honest and legitimate.

As reported by Jennifer Abel of the alternative news site Heavy.com;

Stephens murdered Godwin around 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon (Cleveland time), and posted the video to Facebook, where it remained for about three hours before Facebook took down the video and Stephens’ entire page. Police initially said the video was posted to Facebook Live, but later that night Facebook released a statement saying the video uploaded later.

In the video, Stephens can be heard asking “Can you do me a favor? Can you say [his girlfriend’s name]?”

Godwin, obviously confused by this non sequitur from a stranger, repeated the name in a questioning tone of voice. “Yeah,” Stephens said. “She’s the reason this is about to happen to you. How old are you?”

A clearly perplexed Godwin started to walk away, while exclaiming “I don’t know nobody by that name!” Those were the last words he ever spoke.

In a separate article from Heavy.com, the straight story regarding GoFundMe was brought to light by reporter;

A GoFundMe account that was set up in memory of Robert Godwin Sr., the 74-year-old Cleveland man whose murder was posted on Facebook by Steve ‘Stevie Steve’ Stephens, has raised over $57,000 that will go into the family’s bank account. Although the family and police told people not to donate to any GoFundMe account earlier Monday, the company spoke with the family and will make sure that the money will go directly to them.

In the hours after Godwin’s death, there were over two dozen fake GoFundMe accounts set up. In a statement posted on Twitter, his daughter, Debbie D. Godwin, wrote that GoFundMe accounts and fundraisers have been set up “fraudulently” and asked that they stop. FOX8 also reports that another daughter, Tonya Godwin-Baines, told authorities about at least 35 GoFundMe accounts created without the family’s support.

Debbie D. Godwin also wrote on Facebook that the family has no plans to start a GoFundMe account for their father. “If you are ask[ed] to donate to a GoFundMe account, please know it is not us,” Debbie D. Godwin wrote.

One GoFundMe account, set up by Wesley Davis of Phoenix, raised over $57,000. This one has since been vetted by GoFundMe, which will make sure the family receives the money. “I am working with GoFundMe to make contact with the family as we speak. GoFundMe will ensure all funds are directly deposited into the victims’ bank account,” Davis wrote.
“I cannot imagine the pain his family is going through right now,” Davis wrote on GoFundMe. “I am just a kid from Arizona who unfortunately saw this video on Facebook and wanted to help. Take initiative. I’ll post photos of me delivering the help. I know this won’t bring their loved one back but it’s the least we can do. I hope they find peace.”

In a statement to Heavy.com, GoFundMe also said, “This campaign has been vetted by GoFundMe and they are working with the campaign organizer to ensure all funds go directly to Robert’s family.”

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