Biological Father Storms Out of Mitrice Richardson’s Funeral

BY ANNE  SOBLE

In a display of what a number of people at Mitrice Richardson’s funeral said was disrespect toward his deceased daughter, Michael Richardson angrily stomped out of the church nave after services had begun.

Repeatedly flashing a bright orange bandanna, he appeared to scowl and fidget in the front pew on the Richardson family side of procession aisle.

When the pastor praised the role of the dead woman’s mother Latice Sutton, and her stepfather Larry Sutton, who helped raise Mitrice Richardson from about five years of age through college, her biological father became visibly agitated, then reached for his mother who was seated behind him, stood up and told his family members and friends to walk out.

Many of the people filing out looked puzzled and even embarrassed. Some of them tugged on the person next to them to follow.

As they left, the pastor continued his comments, those in attendance listened and the empty pews spoke to the attitude of the man who repeatedly declares, despite rulings to the contrary, that he is Mitrice’s “legal next of kin” and entitled to act on behalf of her estate in litigation.

About 15 minutes later, most of those who had walked out returned to their seats but Richardson remained outside. It was announced that he would join those making remarks to the congregation.

Comments by his mother, Sally Ann Kelly-Richardson, who spoke with a deep rich cadence, preceded those of her son. She eased the tension in the nave as she told an endearing story about her granddaughter and the humorous havoc that a mischievous toddler could wreak with the contents of a container of baby powder.

Then Michael Richardson went up to the microphone. He said, “I don’t want everyone to get nervous [about what I’m going to say],” still waving the orange bandanna as if it was a flag or colors.

Though not as charismatic a speaker as his mother, he lavished praised on his daughter’s stepfather, Larry Sutton, and said, “When I wasn’t ready to be a father, Larry was.”

Richardson then publicly announced, “I went to prison [and Latice did an excellent job as mother], while I was in jail.”

Family members have indicated that Michael Richardson was sentenced to a prison term of over six years for strong-arm robbery. They add that the dead woman’s biological father played no role in her life from when she was three until about 15, when intermittent visits began.

Describing himself as “a very angry person,” the father said, “I am going to try to keep dignified and professional,” then said, “Latice Sutton is no joke, [and] neither am I.”

Michael Richardson has repeatedly refused to work with other family members on the searches and public information outreach, and the funeral was no exception.

Latice Sutton said that the money he collects at fundraisers, which largely take on a carnival-like air, was not contributed toward any of those searches or media campaigns.

Sutton added that Richardson offered “not a penny for funeral costs, not the casket, not the cemetery, not anything.”

Nor does Richardson disguise that he relishes the media spotlight. He frequently contacts members of the press himself and gives his own public appearances high marks on his website and blog.

Mitrice Richardson’s biological father held his own memorial service Aug. 16 and has announced he plans to hold another larger one for all those who “have grown attached to Mitrice’s unfortunate fate,” as well as begin an another series of fundraisers.