Monday, June 30, 2014
Beth was one of the best trial lawyers I have ever seen, and I have seen hundreds of them all over the state. She was prosecuting cases in Special Prosecutions Division of the Attorney General's Office when I was hired as a new prosecutor. Beth was assigned to go with me on my first trial - she provided guidance but did not criticize the mistakes of a brand new lawyer. When it came time for Jury Instructions, Beth read over the ones proposed by the judge and declared, "These are wrong," and proceeded to inform the judge of that. I was petrified, but she won her argument. I was amazed at her command of the situation. I was lucky enough to see her in action several times during her trials. She had an amazing way with jurors - I believe because of her humility and self-deprecating humor. Jurors loved her. In the early and mid-80s Beth was one of the first prosecutors in Kentucky to take on Child Abuse cases, and she got convictions. One of her cases, Anastasi v. Commonwealth, is a published opinion where the Kentucky Supreme Court upheld the conviction of a child predator, and the case is still cited frequently as one that stands on the side of victims. I too will never forget Beth's laugh, and her stories. She would take everyday events and tell them with such humor, everyone was laughing. In the middle of any given story, Beth would suddenly be reminded of another story, and tell that one. She would be laughing at herself through it all. She had a brilliant mind, and was probably the only person I have ever known who never had a T.V. in her home. Beth also has the distinction of being the long serving female Assistant Attorney General in Kentucky history - 34 plus years, an honor that deserves recognition. Beth Myerscough made a difference - her work and dedication to public service left the world a better place. Rest in Peace Beth.
