Woman in custody
By Brandy Nance (Contact)
Originally published 08:43 a.m., June 18, 2009
Updated 12:12 p.m., June 18, 2009
A 24-year-old woman is in custody in connection with the Wednesday night death of 26-year-old Ricky L. Nurnberg.
Around 9:40 p.m., Emporia police received a call of an assault at Nurnberg’s residence, 505 Congress St., Apt. 1. Shortly after, they arrested Deanna L. Meece, 24, at another location, according to Lt. Ed Owens of the police department’s criminal investigations division.
Neighbors of Nurnberg this morning reported hearing arguing.
Bert Buckle, who lives next door to Nurnberg’s apartment, said his granddaughter heard arguing before officers arrived. After law enforcement arrived, the street was lined with crime-scene tape and law enforcement vehicles and ambulances, Buckle said this morning as he stood in the yard of his home.
“It was strung all over the place out there,” Buckle said, adding that he has lived in the home for 20 years.
Neighbors who didn’t want their names used said they had heard the homicide was a result of a stabbing.
Buckle said he saw nothing unusual during the day on Wednesday.
“Nobody was going in or out,” he said. “We were outside cutting trees all day.”
Other neighbors who did not want their names published said they didn’t see what happened but at first thought it was a car accident until they saw the crime-scene tape.
An autopsy on Nurnberg’s body is scheduled later this week. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the on-scene investigation.
“The homicide investigation will continue and initial information will be presented to the Lyon County Attorney later today,” Owens said in a press release.
Meece was taken to Lyon County Jail and booked in.
Both Nurnberg and Meece had been charged earlier with battery, domestic violence, according to complaints filed in Emporia Municipal Court.
Nurnberg was charged Dec. 6, 2008, and entered a diversion agreement that was set to end on March 11, 2010, if requirements were met.
He was charged again with battery, domestic violence, on March 28, 2009, and pleaded no contest to the charge on June 4.
Meece also was charged with battery, domestic violence, on March 28, 2009, and entered a diversion agreement on May 7. The diversion was to end on May 6, 2010.
Meece and Nurnberg shared the same address, different from the crime scene address, when the March 28 charges were filed.
Comments
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Posted by venena_1 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ricky was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
Posted by 1mafia (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ricky was my friend, And all that knew him know he had his moments. But havent we all. I hope that all will respect the fact that he is no longer with us. Via condios my friend.
Posted by chapman66749 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ricky you will be trully missed...RIP
Posted by ESUROCKS (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll miss you Ricky. RIP. You were a great friend and i'll never forget you.
Posted by mblueeyes (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We had a lot of good times together. You were always fun and always a friend. R.I.P my friend. love you and will miss you!
Posted by mga (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ricky will be dearly missed by many. he was such a great friend not only to me but to many! He touched so many lives in many ways. I will miss him dearly as will many other! RIP Ricky!
Posted by mickey66839 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rick was a great friend, he was our marshall at our wedding however him and chris were always trying to out due one another, Thanks for the memories and i hope you will be looking down on us laughing, knowing your in a better place
Posted by venena_1 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
having a candle light vigil tonight for him. it's at 505 congress. will start showing up at 830 to 845. for those of you who would like to come i will see you there. i am bringing some candles but others would be greatly appreciated. Amber Clayborn
Posted by michelleemley (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ricky, I will miss you dearly so will so many other people. I wont ever forget you
Posted by ibcnu66860 (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ricky was a great friend to my son AJ. For that I owe him so much. Thanks Ricky!!! Please lets not forget AJ either. He is going thur we really hard time with this
Posted by 1mafia (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i want to thank all that came to the candle light vigil tonight. It was a good showing. Now i ask all of you to come out friday night to celebrate the life of Ricky Nurnberg. Let's all go to sidetracks sing a little Karoke and have some Tuaca for Ricky. Love all that loved him. Jimmy Ross aka "Mex. Mafia"
Posted by hellfirebluefish (anonymous) on June 18, 2009 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ricky was the second person i met in Emporia after moving here from colorado. I wish i had known him longer, for what i know of him, he was a very honorable man. Me and my cuz will miss you dearly, remember grape is the only way to go.
Posted by venena_1 (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i want to take time to thank everyone who made it to the vigil tonight. it really means alot that you care so much for him. and yes lets not forget AJ. he will most definitely be in my thoughts and prayers thru this rought time. we will always love you ricky.
Posted by madpoet (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How sad! Sounds like Ricky was a nice guy. It also sounds like he and his girlfriend just couldn't get along. I hope anyone else out there in a bad relationship takes this to heart and ends the relationship before something like this happens. I'll bet she feels awful for what she did in a fit of rage but it won't bring this young man back. Everyone involved in this tragic event will be in my prayers.
Posted by create (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am making a contribution to SOS in both these victims' names. Had she contacted them before the last beating, he'd still be alive and she wouldn't be in jail. Too, too bad. I'm only sorry their friends didn't counsel them to get help. I don't believe they weren't aware. As long as we see bruises and look the other way, we are accepting the miserable and dangerous behavior of batterers.
Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There can be no justification for violence in a relationship......and I agree totally with crackinsack and madpoet......if you find your self in such a relationship run don't walk for the quickest way out. They rarely get better and almost always get worse.
Posted by chapman66749 (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ok to crackinsack you did not know RICKY so to get on here and say things about him beating up his girlfrien(shut up) obviously you are so dumb that you dont know what Domestic Violence means....read a little more they were both charged.....Domestic is not just one it means they were both fighting....so dont come on here talking bad about someone you dont even know....RIP RICKY.....i dont care what the stipulations were he did not deserve to die NOONE DOES...
Posted by create (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
chapman, I'm sorry you didn't get any help for your friend, Ricky. A good friend would have done that.
I've done quite a lot of volunteer work in this area. Yes, both are charged in domestic violence cases, but according to the article, your friend Ricky had been arrested AND charged six months ago, then again three months ago. Whassup wit dat, dude???
I agree with madpoet, crackinsack and biscuitboy. The only thing to do in a problem relationship that turns to battering is run and never return. Ever!
Friends don't let friends batter their old ladies.
Posted by rickysbrotherinlaw (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
for those who cant read i am rickys brother in law.regardless of what exactly happened no one needs to die over a stupid fight.me and ricky didnt talk a whole lot because we live in az but when we did we were like actual brothers,we had a way of comunicating that all our own he will be deeply missed,at the same time this should help people stop and think how they interact with others it could be the last time you get to say anything at least try to make it desent.
Posted by inaweoftheblindness (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I too knew Ricky and am very sad to hear of what has happened. I spoke to him many times about ending the relationship with her, but as the old saying goes..."love is blind" and because of this he lost his life. Friends can only do so much for friends, you can't force them out of a relationship they are in, although I wish I could have in this case. Please do not make comments that "friends" should have stepped in and done something, because I did, on many occasions and I'm sure many friends of Ricky's also talked to him about this problem, but like I said, no one can make someone do what they don't want to do. Domestic Violence and Battery has become so common and it's sad that two people cannot find the strength to just walk away from it. I was physically and verbally abused for 9 years by my ex, and finally my eyes opened to the abuse and I left. That was 2 years ago and finally I am living happily. I only wish that Ricky's eyes would have opened to the problem and he was here today. Ricky is now with our maker and at peace. Deanna will probably never be at peace with what has happened out of rage, and sadly this violence has caused a lot of pain to the members of both families of Ricky and Deanna. My heart goes out to all of them and they are in my prayers. Domestic Violence and Battery is an illness and I pray for all people that are involved in an abusive relationship because, I once lived that, and I know by experience how hard it is to just "Walk Away". Please, if your in a relationship like this, leave, it's never going to stop if you don't. God Bless you all.
Posted by create (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can read quite well, thank you. I can write well too.
If you believe I am not being "desent" then fine, I apologize. Nonetheless, I will never stop educating others about the horrors of domestic abuse that often turns to what has happened here. All too often, friends and family just don't pay enough attention or don't want to get involved when they see bruises or have knowledge of arrests for battery. How sad. I'm sorry you didn't have a deeper way of communicating.
Posted by scherer_casey_07 (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with Ricky's bother in law. Just because your fighting about something doesnt mean you deserve to die no matter what there past was. Who cares about his old charges. That shouldnt have to do with anything. She did more damage then he would have ever done. Ricky R.I.P we will miss you....
Posted by futurefamilymember (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Please let me start off by saying not ALL batters are MEN. (Men are just less likely to seek help with their situations.) Furthermore sometimes people who have made mistakes in the past will learn from them and turn to walk away. However, that action does not always resolve the situation.
Lastly, pending second degree murder charges do not equal self defense in any way, shape, or form.
God is the only "being" with the right to take a life. While we struggle to understand why He chose this to be Ricky's time, all this gossiping and assuming is good for no one. There used to be a time when a tragedy brought communities together no matter what their personal feelings for those involved.
RIP Ricky
Posted by jnurnberg (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is Ricky's oldest brother. My family greatly appreciates all of the woderful comments from Ricky's friends. Ricky was a wonderful fun loving person who would give you the shirt off his back. I am sickened by people who find it necessary to use this as a sounding board. It is very disrespectful, my mother is going to see this. Please don't post somthing you wouldn't want your mom to read if she had just lost you. And for the record Ricky told all of us we loved De. They had verbal fights in the past and she had hit him. :e was the one being beaten up. In Kansas when the police are called for a domestic disturbance and one of the people claims the other hit them, both are charged. That is the LAW. Ricky entered into a diversion to keep De out of jail because he loved her. He was never found guilty. You do not have to re-post to counter anything I have said, you could just be respectful of my family and drop this. My family thanks you inadvance for your silenc. There is a memorial fund set-up in Ricky's name with Kansas Childrens Service League. Check his facebook page for posts as well.
Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Those of us who did not know this couple personally of course aren't privy to all relevent information.....and there are always plenty of if's and's and wherefore's to go around.
But believe me when I say that any comments I make about the horror of domestic violence is in no way intended to belittle or defame this couple...both of whose lives have come to a premature end....one literally and one figuritively
My comments are only a desparate plea for others in such circumstances to find a way out......it will never end...but it will end you either literally or figuritively
Posted by inaweoftheblindness (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jnumberg....Thank-you , thank-you for letting the people on here know the circumstances. Yes Ricky did love De and it is so sad what has happened. All of Ricky's friends here in Emporia have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Ricky will be greatly missed by many people. He was a super fun person to be around.
Please everyone, lets leave this space for those who loved and cared about Ricky to express their loving thoughts, lets not argue about the what ifs or buts....we have lost someone very special and he will be greatly missed.
Ricky...we love you man...R.I.P.
Posted by futurefamilymember (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ricky was also on myspace for those interested.
Walking away from domestic violence does not solve all the problems, you have to address the root cause that lead you there. Furthermore, that plea can be made without finger pointing.
Posted by inaweoftheblindness (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ricky's My Space has been set to private I noticed....I'm kinda glad of that, since noticing the comment on the new Gazette article today. Always someone that has to put more into things than whats there.
Posted by futurefamilymember (anonymous) on June 19, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted on behalf of Ann
Son,
I got an xray today and they found you in my heart. The Dr said if he took you out I would die cuz I can't live without you.
Love Mom
Posted by jnurnberg (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AJ
From Ricky's Mom
You were Ricky's best friend and he loved you for being there for him. I know this is hard for you too. I am very grateful that you were the with Ricky. My love and prayers are with you.
Posted by laurajanderson (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would just like to say how sorry I am to Ricky's family and close friends. I haven't seen Ricky for several years, but we went to school together - all through grade school and high school. He was always such a nice guy and didn't have a mean bone in his body. I was actually just looking at old pictures with some of our other classmates the other day and thinking what a cute kid he was. Please don't forget that even with all the comments posted about the topic of domestic violence, there are still many of us whose hearts go out to you for your personal loss. Ricky was a great guy when I knew him and I can't see how that could've changed. You'll all be in my prayers during this difficult time...
Posted by ESUROCKS (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, how disrepectful to his family and friends!
Ricky, you will be missed so much by SO many people, including myself. You were such an amazing person inside and out. I'll never forget all the times that you made me laugh when I needed it the most. NEVER a dull moment around you my dear! You cannot be replaced. They broke the mold when they made you! RIP -- see you again.
To the family -- I am praying for you all, praying that god will reach down and help each one of you thru this! HUGS and PRAYERS! ~ Mandy
Posted by carpediem (anonymous) on June 20, 2009 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To Ricky's family and friends; I only knew Ricky briefly through Karaoke and I remember he was always smiling when I saw him!! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this horrible time..
To everyone else who feels that the Emporia Gazette is the place to voice your own inadequacies in order to make yourselves feel important; This young man was LOVED by MANY!!! He is not here to defend himself and his family should not feel like they have to. There is a time and place for everything. This is the time for mourning and RESPECT. Voice your opinion on another day, another time.
RIP Ricky Nurnberg
Posted by justme8907 (anonymous) on June 21, 2009 at 12:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just want to say, that Ricky will be missed by all who knew him. He was a great guy and it is truly tragic that his life was ended so suddenly. I will definatly miss you man.
To all who feel the need to assume that because there were charges of domestic violence and battery, Ricky was the sole cause, do some research, and if you don't know what your talking about, keep your mouth shut. I find it especially odd that people who didn't even know him, are making assumptions about the relationship, and chapman i agree with you entierly.
R.I.P Ricky!
Posted by MangryKoala (anonymous) on June 21, 2009 at 3:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Death is NOT a justification for something as trivial as Domestic Abuse. It takes TWO to fight!!! People forget that. Regardless of the personal history, things are not always what they seem. I've been in that situation. In the past, I have hit, and I've been hit, and I have to live with those regrets for the rest of my life.
I knew Ricky by association. I drank with him on occasion. As I remember him, I can't recall him ever showing up at the bar with anything less than a smile. He will surely be missed by many. ~ Marc Mann
Posted by t2000driver (anonymous) on June 21, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i didn't know ricky and won't say anything about him but i do know deanna and everybody seems to have forgotten two lives were destroyed by this craziness. two people who had their whole lives ahead of them and had it cut short by the one common thing, drinking! like i said, don't know ricky but from all the pics i've seen both seemed to enjoy drinking and you can bet when this happen, they were drinking. think people, if you can't handle it don't do it!!! i know deanna had her issues and tried on many occaisions to talk with her and even got her out of one bad situation. just soory couldn't be there this time. my thoughts and prayers are with ricky's family but they are also with deanna and her family, her live is pretty much over as well though in a different way.
Posted by memaw (anonymous) on June 21, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As for all of you people that make comments like SHE should have reported the beatings....try HE should have reported all of the beatings..like her coming from behind and smacking him with a beer bottle in the head or her hitting him in the forehead with a 2x4...don't be so quick to judge!! Just because you were arrested for DV doen't mean you were a person that beats women!! If you fight back in a domestic violence case you are arrested too..;it doesn't matter that you were defending yourself. Apparently you didn't know Ricky if you are making comments like that. Ricky will be terribly missed by so many people and I am one of them. He was never anything less than a joy in my life. He was like a son to me and I pray that one day we will meet again. God bless you Ricky we all love you so very much!
Posted by create (anonymous) on June 22, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If anyone hit me from behind with a beer bottle, I'd leave and never go back to that relationship. Then I'd report it, press charges, and file a pfa. If there were that many beatings, and he didn't report them, then someone else who knew about the beatings should have. We have many agencies in this town that would have helped, yes even helped a man who is being beaten. Too many people knew about this violent relationship and not one took the time to step in or report any of it. Not one! Too bad. Lots of excuses in the aftermath though.
Posted by futurefamilymember (anonymous) on June 22, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I pray that those of you who speak without knowledge and pass judgement on others in these postings never have to experience first hand this kind of pain and sorrow.