About me and my mom, Ramona
My name is Nia Zambrano, but it hasn’t always been that way. I was born as Linda Richards, in Lansing, Michigan, to young girl named Ramona. She didn’t give me up for adoption, as planned, and dropped out of high school. Ramona was not educated, but was a very smart, hard working woman.
March 20, 1984
I was eleven years old when my mom disappeared. Our dog had been run over in the street and I needed her. For over eight hours I searched and waited alone for her. She was later found dead; brutally beaten, raped, and strangled. That is when I became an orphan.
Nine families
Unfortunately, no one could or would tell me how my mom died. My imagination left me with sleepless nights and difficult days of coping alone. It wasn’t easy and it took a toll on my foster families. My mom’s death caused a ripple effect. This moment in time, affected more then nine foster families.
Making a Difference
At age 17, in 1990, I became a member of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC). They took me in with open arms even though I didn’t fit the mission profile. They seemed to understand my suffering like no one else could. Over time, I became a spokesman for them. I feel I had a part in the development and instillation of Law Enforcement’s Victim Services program in the State of Michigan.
I also decided to write about my mom’s death. It is a healing project that will be of benefit to other trauma victims as well. You can read more about this in my bio.
For the Love of Christi
In 2007, I became a member and strong supporter of For the Love of Christi, in Austin, Texas. Shortly after becoming a member, I won a “100 Second Shopping Spree” at the local grocery store. All fun and proceeds went to this beautiful group.
Ramona’s Murder
In 2012, in Oklahoma City, my mom’s murderer, James Ables Jr., was eligible for parole for the very first time. I was not allowed to be a part of the trials; however, the prosecutor, Brad Miller, had personally let me view all of the court and autopsy record’s when I was 16.
The Board insisted that I decide if I was for, or against, Jamie’s parole. I didn’t feel it was a black or white decision and invoked animosity. By then I had been studying Criminology and recitative stats; my goal was help Jamie get into the programs he needed first.
Pardon & Parole 2012 Aftermath
The men that spoke on his behalf introduced themselves, indicated Jamie has seen me on news, and wanted to meet. I invited him to be a part of 13 week program for Victim/Offender Mediation. Media continued through the week of my attendance in OK City. More on Ramona and clips of that coverage.