WARSAW, Ky. — As state officials in Kentucky and West Virginia prepared to transfer back to Kentucky the man accused of Friday's brutal stabbing that killed two children, Carolyn Marksberry's brother said Tuesday that his sister is a “rock” and will embrace her remaining family as she heals.

KILLED
Cody	Chelbi
WOUNDED
Courtney	Carolyn

        Bill Hedges of Fort Bliss, Texas, said that while his sister feels responsible for the attack that killed her two youngest children, injured her third and left her with 15 stab wounds, she still believes people must help one another.

        Mr. Hedges also said the family is asking the public to buy a toy and give it to a needy child Saturday to commemorate one of the slain children's birthday.

        Chelbi Sharon would have turned 8 this weekend. Her younger brother, Cody, 6, also was fatally stabbed early Friday in an attack that has gripped this Ohio River city of 1,800 people about 45 miles southwest of Cincinnati.

        “My sister's sadness is not merely originally from the loss of her two beautiful children but I think she initially felt somewhat responsible,” Mr. Hedges, 41 said Tuesday. “Carolyn always helps a friend out. I am fairly confident that is why Carolyn felt a bit responsible.

        “But Carolyn is steadfast that, despite what the world presented us with, we have to help each other, so she is a rock herself, too,” he said. “You would be amazed at her character, her personality and how she views this and how she is going to go forward.”

        Ms. Marksberry, 37, the Warsaw city clerk, is listed in fair condition at University Hospital. She is now able to talk and has been making marked progress, her brother said.

        “She still needs a great deal of rest and recuperation,” Mr. Hedges said. “I think a trip out of the hospital is not what the doctor will order.”

        A public memorial will be held Saturday at the Gallatin County Elementary School, where Chelbi and Cody attended classes. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized, Mr. Hedges said.

Chapman

        The man charged in the stabbings, Marco Allen Chapman, 30, appeared in court Tuesday in West Virginia, where police say he fled after committing the crimes.

        He is charged with killing the two children and wounding their mother and 10-year-old sister, Courtney. Mr. Chapman waived an extradition hearing in Charleston, W.Va., Tuesday morning and will be back in Kentucky by the end of the week.

        Appearing before Kanawha County (W.Va.) Circuit Court Judge Charles King, Mr. Chapman answered some routine court-related questions, but said nothing about the killings.

        Judge King gave Kentucky authorities until 5 p.m. Friday to pick up Mr. Chapman. Gallatin County Sheriff's officials are in consultation with prosecutors, state police and West Virginia officials about who will take him back to Kentucky for trial.

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