Survivors of Homicide
Pat's brother Gary was on the police force only five days when he and another detective were beaten, forced to strip, and shot to death in front of a bar full of people. Her family was destroyed and at the age of 11 she was left to raise herself emotionally. She wants to help families of violent crime understand the importance of creating a sense of normalcy for their children and to learn there is life after crime. She states it is important to not allow the murderer to murder the rest of your life.
"Happiness is a journey not a destination and as John Lennon said 'Life happens to you while you are making other plans.'"
Cheryll's son Phillip was beaten and murdered in his apartment during a robbery on June 24, 2005. The people who committed the crime were acquaintances of her son. Cheryll speaks of the investigative process, her experience through the criminal justice system, and that there is support for survivors of homicide.
"I have a need to speak about how I survived the most devastating time in my life, the murder of my son, and how others who survive homicide can find support."
Ron's son Micah was shot by a fellow classmate who was jealous over a girl from their school. Ron's son was missing for seven days before the body was discovered. Ron speaks about crime and how it can happen anywhere, as well as his experience going through the criminal justice system both initially and then in a retrial. He also speaks on the importance of communities to be sensitive to families who have survived homicide.
Nancy's daughter was murdered by her daughter’s husband and his best friend for life insurance money.
"Being a member of the Survivor Speakers Bureau helps build my strength, through sharing my story, and gives me hope of returning to the person I once was. It is my hope to reach out to parents that have lost their children through violent acts of domestic violence."
Bill is a former member of the Pennsylvania State Police and a former Chief of Police. His brother and sister-in-law were murdered by an employee that was hired so that the employee could earn money to buy his children Christmas presents. Both of their bodies were hidden and not discovered for approximately two weeks. Bill speaks to all groups, including law enforcement. Bill advises people of the importance of crime watch programs and looking out for your neighbors when there is something suspicious happening in the community. If a neighbor had made a call when she saw something unusual, Bill’s brother might be alive today.
"I refuse to accept the role of a victim. I chose to accept the position of a survivor."
Rita’s daughter was raped, robbed and murdered at the age of 19 by a so-called friend. Rita speaks as a mother and a psychiatric nurse about the importance of families, friends and communities getting involved when something “doesn’t feel quite right.” It is her hope to reach out not only to victims and families, but to perpetrators of violent crime.
In 2004, Charlene’s life was altered when her son died from an overdose of heroin. The promise for medical help was broken and Danny was left to die in his car. The defendant was sentenced to 2.5-5 years in a Pennsylvania prison for involuntary manslaughter. As a survivor, Charlene believes it is her responsibility to tell Danny’s story to those who are ready to follow in his steps, to give them other choices and to show those left behind that they will live again.