A small citizen memorial at the Kleberg County Courthouse recalls a tragedy that shook the county, and vows lasting change and eternal remembrance.
"Given in honor and memory of
CLAYTON DURHAM
4.1.1988 – 6.3.1998
Whose loss of life was not in vain
We will always remember
By Brush Country CASA and
Turcotte-Piper Mortuary
4.14.2010"
So who was Clayton Durham? Fifteen years later, they know him in Kleberg County: (
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"One child’s death
Guest Commentary
Georgia Wingate Thompson
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and my thoughts roll back to when I was relatively new here and covered one of the biggest news stories Kleberg County had seen in a long time.
A relatively unknown Kleberg County youngster by the name of Clayton Durham died.
After Clayton’s June 1998 death at the hands of his step-mother and father someone told me that Clayton was “just a poor little black boy, an outsider, and that nobody would remember him after this.”
I was outraged at this comment, not because Durham was considered to be poor or black – or even an outsider – but because of the callous thought that this child and the horrible manner in which he died would not be remembered. I made a vow to make sure the speaker’s words did not come to pass, and apparently so did others in this community.
I’d read Clayton Durham’s case files – which, if anyone is interested, are a matter of public record, meaning you could also read them.
Readers will learn that Clayton Durham is Kleberg County’s own, “ripped from the headlines” story, if you will. It is shocking reading as the files are graphic and gut wrenching. The person who transcribed these files told me that she would have to shut the tape recorder off periodically and cry because what she was hearing was so horrific.
It is an absolute horror story to read how this child was tortured to death at the hands of those who are supposed to be nurturing, caring and loving, and how a system designed to protect children ultimately failed.
Clayton suffered far more than just being beaten with a piece of lumber as was reported at the time. Believe me, anyone who takes the time to read the case file will never forget the name of Clayton Durham.
I covered the trial of his father, Glen Durham, and stepmother Barbara.
They were both found guilty, with Glen receiving two life sentences, one for the murder of his son and one for bodily harm to his son. Barbara received 20 years in prison for harming a child. Let’s hope their conscience whispers Clayton Durham’s name every day.
The other people in this county who vowed that Clayton Durham would not be forgotten went on to form the Kleberg County Child Welfare Board in 1999, which the Kleberg County Commissioners sanctioned and funded.
These caring individuals who organized the board had met and talked about the conditions of children in this county and learned how they could help the Department of Family and Protective Service case workers and the children they serve.
Through the Welfare Board, they instituted the Raindrop Room to supply necessary and needed items for children who have been removed in emergency situations from dangerous home environments.
Oftentimes in such situations, the child leaves with just the clothing on his or her back.
The Raindbow Room provides these innocent victims with clean undergarments, clothing, shoes, toothbrushes and other basic items we all take for granted.
The Child Welfare Board continues to be funded in part by the Kleberg County Commissioners Court, grants and through the monetary generosity and donations of goods from individuals and organizations in this community.
Members of the Child Welfare Board recently conducted their Annual Candlelight Vigil on the courthouse steps to draw attention to Child Abuse Prevention Month, to pray that there are no future victims in Kleberg County – or anywhere else for that matter – because one death such as Clayton Durham’s is surely one too many.
Georgia Wingate Thompson is a freelance writer who resides in Kingsville."