Submitted to jeick@tahoebonanza.com
INCLINE VILLAGE - They might be referred to throughout national media outlets by their legal names as Nancy Dunsavage and Eva Fiedler, but in Incline Village, they're known as Debbie and Melissa Reed.
They've lived here more than 20 years. They've participated in many activities and events, such as Chics and Charcoal and Relay for Life, and established many friendships and relationships throughout the community. And they're hearing a lot of support from their fellow community members.
"Debbie and Melissa are two of my favorite people. I don't know a mother that has been more devoted to her daughter," said Incline resident Georgia McGregor, who has been Debbie's property manager at her home for more than 15 years. "Besides being their landlord I was also personal friends. They both are just sweethearts. I have known them since Melissa was 15 years old.
"What a tragedy. I was not aware of any of this, but if I had had a daughter of my own, I would have done the same thing Debbie did."
Debbie Reed (Dunsavage) worked at Dr. Jonathan Smith's optometry office in Incline Village. Smith said he's known Debbie Reed for 17 years, and she was already working at his office on Northwood Boulevard when he purchased the practice in 1993.
"In those 17 years, she has always been an honest, hard-working, dependable employee. I believe her to be an incredibly caring and loving mother," Smith said in a statement. "Nothing that has happened in this past week makes me think differently. I hope this matter is resolved quickly so she can return home to her family and friends.
Last Friday, not long after her mother, Debbie Reed waived her right to an extradition hearing, Melissa Reed issued a statement to the Bonanza, referring to Debbie as a "devoted mother" who never spoke disparagingly of Melissa's allegedly abusive father, and thanking the Incline Village community for its support.
"I would like to thank the community for their outpouring of love, concern and care given to me and my mother during the events of the past few days. I ask that those who do not know my mother reserve judgment," Melissa Reed said. "Some of the information that has appeared in the press is not accurate. You have not heard her (Debbie Reed's) story.
"My mother has always been a devoted mother and I support her completely. She never spoke disparagingly of my father."
John Rogers, of Incline Village's Incline Law Group, represents the mother and daughter. He declined to comment beyond Melissa's statement.
Long-time local resident Monica Folio said she has had a relationship with both Debbie and Melissa Reed through Tahoe Players, the local performing arts and theater academy she chairs.
Folio said she had know both since Melissa was in sixth grade and in Tahoe Players.
"I feel very close to both. I was very shocked and saddened when I heard about this because I have known Debbie to be a hard-working single mother who never missed a performance - whether Melissa was in the production, just back stage pulling the curtain or helping in any way in a production, her mother was always there," Folio said. "She volunteered to help with collecting money, selling tickets, seating people - there was no end to her wanting to help. She is my hero because a lot of mothers do nothing for their children, and this woman, as I knew her, was a very good and caring mom."