Since Theresa Parker disappeared more than two years ago, her family has longed for answers. But even as the man accused of killing Mrs. Parker goes to trial this week, they wonder if resolution will ever come.
"Mom has been beside herself," said Hilda Wilson, Mrs. Parker's sister. "I'm wondering how we will feel (during and after the trial). This has really emotionally consumed us for 21/2 years."
Mrs. Parker, a Walker County 911 operator, was last heard from on March 21, 2007. Her husband, former LaFayette police officer Sam Parker, is charged with murder in her disappearance, along with three other felonies.
Although no body has been found, Floyd County District Attorney Leigh Patterson -- who is prosecuting after Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Herbert "Buzz" Franklin recused himself -- thinks there is enough evidence to prove Mr. Parker killed his wife.
When Mrs. Parker disappeared, the couple was in the midst of a divorce. At recent pretrial hearings, witnesses testified that Mr. Parker was a violent man who drank often and boasted he could kill someone and hide the body where it never could be found.
Mrs. Wilson and other family members have been subpoenaed as witnesses in the trial, which begins Monday in Walker County Superior Court.
Mr. Parker has entered a plea of not guilty and said he never hurt his wife. Mr. Parker's lawyer, public defender David Dunn, has maintained that there is no proof that Mr. Parker committed any crimes.
Mrs. Patterson and Mr. Dunn could not be reached for comment about the upcoming trial.
Mrs. Wilson said her family is dreading coming face-to-face with Mr. Parker and testifying against him.
"Things are going to come out that none of us want to publicly say," she said. "It's going to be shocking. I don't want (Theresa's) name dragged through the mud, because she was the most caring, giving, loving, most honest, genuine person."
After two years and numerous searches, the family believes Mrs. Parker is dead. As milestones such as marriages and pregnancies come and go, Mrs. Wilson said the family misses her even more.
Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, who is not related to Mrs. Wilson, said Mr. Parker's trial is expected to take about three weeks.
The jury was selected in Bartow County last week, Sheriff Wilson said. The jury members will not be sequestered but transported from Bartow County to the trial each day, he said.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES
In addition to murder, Mr. Parker also is also charged with making false statements, computer invasion of privacy and violation of oath by a public officer.
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