In an apparent effort to limit the damage caused by the reported assault of Carmen Wilhite by Donna Kelm, the Odessa American this afternoon published a misleading article claiming that an OPD report detailed that Kelm was not at fault. The OA article apparently relies on the statements of Linda Hall, one of Kelm’s supporters, as the basis for their false and misleading report.
Hall, who was seated some sixty feet away from where the incident took place and whose view as obstructed by a pick-up truck made her statement to OPD officers at the scene stating that Kelm “did gently touch Carmen on the arm before Carmen pulled away.”
Photos obtained by Odessa Headlines show clear bruising around the elbow area of Wilhite where she described being grabbed by Kelm. Such bruising would appear consistent with being forcefully grabbed. Wilhite also informed Odessa Headlines that she had seen her doctor and that the incident has aggravated her neck and back and caused her pain and discomfort. Wilhite further stated that she had neck surgery a few years ago and she was concerned that the attack by Kelm may have aggravated her injury.
Additionally, Odessa Headlines has received a video what was filmed during the incident that shows Kelm being the aggressor and has learned that this video has also been provided to OPD Detectives.
Odessa Headlines will continue to provide factual, accurate updates as they become available.