ABSTRACT
W HEN INTERVIEWED BY CBS News after his release, Clarence Elkins said, “Words, I don’t believe, can express the gratitude I have for my wife and the love I have for her.” 1 Melinda recalled, “When he walked out of there, and he put his hands up
like in triumph, it was the most amazing moment. It just absolutely felt like a relief. He’s out of there. He’s out of there.” 2
It seemed like a Hollywood ending, but this marriage of nearly twentyfive years did not survive. In fact, Melinda and Clarence were under the same roof less than two weeks before Melinda suggested that it would be best for her husband to move in with his parents. Clarence filed for divorce nine months later.
