What Happens to the Survivors of a Homicide?
When a lovely, bright lady named Rachel was beaten to death by her stalking
ex-husband, her unborn son from her new marriage died with her. The killer wasn't
held accountable for the death of the child. The killer avoided a death penalty through
legal technicality, and by merely confessing to the murder. He also made it clear he
thought she deserved it.
While the system was busily rewarding this scum for admitting to what he'd already
been caught doing, there were survivors, including Kurt, her husband. He had two
children to care for--Tyler and little sister Caitlin. Both children had lost their mother;
Tyler's dad had killed their mom.
If anyone thinks they have a stressful life, I suggest they consider Kurt Miller at the age
of 32. His wife and unborn child had been beaten to death by the lowest form of scum
on earth. The killer was arrogant and unrepentant. Kurt had walked into his house to
discover the killer's handiwork. He had two children to care for, when I'm sure he was
unable to care even for himself at times.
Or think of Rachel's son, Tyler. Think of being 11or 12 years old and your dad has
killed your mom. You grew up with the killer, and had witnessed his dad abusing his
mom. He had a fear he would grow up to be like his father, an abuser. He was, of
course, nothing like his father. He had a conscience--a very strong one. No, he was
like his mother, a caretaker--someone who tried to help others. He was overwhelmed
with the thought that he should be taking care of his sister and his step-dad; he was
overwhelmed with the helplessness of being unable to do so. At such a tender age, this
innocent child killed himself, rather than continue to feel such intense pain. I wonder
who would stand in judgment of Tyler who has not felt such pain???
So Kurt, having his wife and child murdered at age 32, lost another child at 33 in yet
another profound family tragedy...another victim of the violence done to Rachel.
Another loss, another victimization. It is hard for me to imagine anyone suffering
greater loss than this man, all as the direct result of a brutal murder. I don't know how
he endured the pain. I can only guess he was a very strong person.
At age 34, Kurt Miller died of pulmonary embolism following an automobile accident.
Which leaves a little girl named Caitlin, now nine years old.
When Rachel's sister, Tony, built a website in her memory, offering links for victims of
domestic violence--Rachel's own page--some criticized him, saying the site was
offensive. He had included some small but graphic photographs showing what the killer
had done to his sister, and a full transcript of the killer's interview with investigators.
I believe those who are so easily offended by victims discussing their loved one's
murder, should consider how offended they would be if it happened to them. Rachel's
website connects people to resources for victims of violence. It SAVES LIVES!!! And
it clearly demonstrates that violent crime is not some isolated event; it occurs in the
context of real people's lives--its consequences eternal.
It makes me think how great a dad Tyler would have been someday, and what great
kids he would have had.
It makes me think how many other lives are touched when one person is murdered.
And it makes me think I'm blessed to be alive with two beautiful children.
Thanks, Tony.
Rachel's own website, continued after her
death...