How A Town Heals….

by Donna R. Gore, M.A.

In the aftermath of the mass homicides of Newtown, CT, Ladyjustice wondered how a town collectively heals after such events. We have innumerable examples from which to draw for purposes of discussion. What follows is not an exhaustive account, but a sampling of how each tragedy blossomed into positive remembrances.

The primary element… the motivation in each of these true life occurrences was that the focus was on the humanity and goodness of the victim(s) lost versus the event itself.

The Aftermath of July 23, 2007: The Petit Family Murders:

Following a rampage that included stalking, kidnapping, bank robbery, physical restraint, sexual assault/rape, torture ,murder and arson of Dr. William Petit, Jr and the three Petit women/girls, the State of Connecticut was shaken to its core. Cries for the death penalty for both offenders and an outpouring of collective grief and support were initiated by people around the globe. That one man could survive and ultimately carry on with life is a major miracle. How did the sleepy town of Cheshire begin and continue on the path of recovery?

 1) Within the Cheshire playground, Bartlem Park, lined with inscribed bricks, there is one that reads, “In Memory of the Petits;”

2) Cheshire Academy: Employer of Wife/Mother Jennifer Hawk-Petit. (a former nurse), created memorial garden in her name;

3) Creation of the Petit Family Foundation whose multiple missions include the sponsoring of scholarships in the areas of women pursuing careers in science, families of violent crime and Multiple Sclerosis. (Jennifer Hawk- Petit suffered from MS); Also: A 5K Road Race: http://www.petitfamilyfoundation.org/ways_to_support/participate_in_events/road_race/;

A Golf Tournament: http://www.petitfamilyfoundation.org/ways_to_support/participate_in_events/golf_tournament/

A “Motorcycle Ride for Justice” http://www.petitfamilyfoundation.org/ways_to_support/participate_in_events/ride_for_justice/

An Evening Honoring Women in Science: http://www.petitfamilyfoundation.org/ways_to_support/participate_in_events/wis_home/

A Running Team:

http://www.petitfamilyfoundation.org/ways_to_support/participate_in_events/pff_running_team/

Michaela, youngest daughter of the family, began a community service project, symbolically represented and continued by the harvesting of flower seeds originally salvaged from their home garden;

http://donnagore.com/tag/michaelas-garden-project

A concert:

http://pffpetit.posterous.com/elegy-world-premiere-july-19-2012/

The United Methodist Church remembers the Petit family throughout the year with special services, and floral arrangements;

A well known memorial garden is located at the site of the former Petit homer on Sorghum Mill Drive... The house was razed after being destroyed by arson set by the murderers. The garden is maintained by friends and neighbors and open to the public. http://donnagore.com/2011/06/19/the-legacy-of-the-petit-family-foundation/

The Aftermath of Columbine High School: 

April 20, 1999 A rampage by two crazed, depressed male students who were outcasts with a death wish with grandiose ideas to make an unforgettable impact on the world before they went down. The bomb failed….but the bullets seemingly never stopped until 12 students, and one teacher was shot dead, 21 others were injured.

The Greater Littletown Youth Initiative: After 13 years, this group comprised of school personnel. Mental health professionals, law enforcement and citizens continue to meet every Friday to discuss their children, issues and preventative measures to forestall future attacks: A strong emphasis is placed specifically on “Blueprint” programs. http://glyi.org/

A powerful “Lie-down protest” with dozens of participants by the steps of the State Capital the day after the shootings to plead for tougher gun laws.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705298653/Lie-down-recalls-13-Columbine-shootings-Participants-seek-stricter-gun-laws.html

Rachael’s Challenge: An outgrowth of kindness and compassion begun at the muddle school level- Anti-bullying;

http://www.rachelschallenge.org/big-picture/about-rachels-challenge/

Columbine CD Producer Announces New CD Project Honoring Life of Columbine Victim:

A new CD project has been launched by Columbine CD producer honoring the life and legacy of Rachel Joy Scott, the student who gained much notoriety from her death in the tragedy at Columbine High School. http://www.racheljoyscott.com/default.htm

Honoring Daniel
Welcome to the Daniel Mauser website. This site is dedicated to the memory of Daniel Conner Mauser. Daniel was taken from us in the tragic massacre at Columbine High School on April 20th, 1999.

http://www.danielmauser.com/index.html;

http://www.wfaa.com/community/rachels-challenge/Garland-grads-honor-the-victims-of-Columbine-156933925.html;

The !0th Anniversary of The Columbine Massacre: About 1,000 people gathered for a sunset memorial service at Clement Park, next to the school, where survivors, relatives and current students reflected on the massacre. A dove was released for each of the 13 victims as principal Frank DeAngelis read their names.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705298660/Victims-of-Columbine-High-massacre-honored-at-service-on-10th-anniversary.html?pg=al

The Aftermath of the Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University Rampage Shootings:

On April 16, 2007, 32 students and faculty were killed on campus and 17 others injured in two separate attacks by a deranged student. The massacre prompted the state of Virginia to close legal loopholes that had previously allowed Cho, an individual adjudicated as mentally unsound, to purchase handguns without detection by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The incident prompted schools nationwide to install state-of-the-art notification systems that would broadcast warnings to cellphones, electronic bulletin boards, e-mail accounts and social media. Virginia Tech, especially, began responding to any campus threat

Day of Remembrance: We Remember: Organized runs, candlelight vigils, picnics poetry, music and other events have been part of the remembrance every year…

The Annual Day of Remembrance & Website: 32 students and faculty members who were tragically taken from their loved ones and our community on April 16, 2007. They ranged in age from 18 to 76 and represented a variety of academic areas, faith and ethnic groups

http://www.remembrance.vt.edu/2007/

http://www.weremember.vt.edu/index.html

VT Engage: The Community Learning Initiative: Includes a variety of service projects and grants to inspire VT students to become part of the larger community. http://www.engage.vt.edu/student-programs/;

The Office of Support & Recovery was initiated after the massacre to facilitate support, commemoration activities, student alerts and provide counseling;

http://www.recovery.vt.edu/index.html/

The Aftermath of the rampage shootings on January 8, 2011 and attempted assassination of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson Arizona. 

S x fatalities and 13 additional injured persons were targeted at a supermarket.

Americans for Responsible Citizens – Gabby Giffords and husband Mark Kelly’s effort to advocate for responsible gun policies and decrease the power of gun lobbies. http://americansforresponsiblesolutions.org/about/;

As of February 2012, the U.S, Navy honored Gabby Giffords by naming a ship in her honor for supporting the military and veterans, advocating for renewable energy and championing border security,”

http://www.navytimes.com/news/2012/02/navy-next-lcs-named-for-congresswoman-giffords-021012/


The Aftermath of Newtown, CT /Sandy Hook Elementary School Massacre- December 14. 2012.


A work still in progress…. with gifts, donations, honors and remembrances of every variety imaginable….. However a few words of caution from experts testifying before the Connecticut Legislature on “Recovering from National Tragedies: How Schools and Communities Recover” February 22, 2012:

Experts Dr. Thomas DeMaria of Long Island NY and the 911- Mass Homicides and Dr. Marlene Wong of Los Angeles spoke on this topic:

http://sowkweb.usc.edu/faculty/marleen-wong

http://www.zoominfo.com/p/Thomas-De%20Maria/60249540/



A couple of the many interesting points to keep in mind when formulating recommendations, and implementing policies regarding the outpouring of support and the physical environment of the event…..

1) Dealing with the outpouring of gifts – It is well intentioned, but can be a real problem and barrier to healing as schools have to rent warehouses to store the goods and figure out how to distribute equitably is a real problem as well as the increased expenses incurred. More importantly, the access to celebrities and, numerous material goods is not normal in the everyday scheme of life and should be done with care and caution.

2) It is vitally important to change the entire environment in which the event occurred (if it is not razed) such that children feel safe. Historically, they will not enter an environment where they witnessed violence. Therefore, changing the physical structure, layout, painting, making it bright and welcoming is very important for their healing.

3) If it is not changed, the scene tends to attract local voyeurs and curiosity seekers, going to the site, wanting to have their photo taken on site etc.

A sign of hope…. Both psychologists felt that there is a multitude of support in Newtown and Connecticut… and that they are better suited than many small towns to deal with the aftermath…. Link: http://ct-n.com/ondemand.asp?ID=8728


Conclusion: “How a town heals is a measure of the goodness of its people.”

To read more of Donna Gore's posts, and learn more about "LadyJustice," refer to her website: www.donnagore.com Donna is also a Featured Columnist for Here Women Talk and the host of SHATTERED LIVES each Saturday at 5ET.

The Final Chapter: The Jury is Out

By Donna R. Gore, M.A. "LadyJustice"

“Perhaps catastrophe is the natural human environment… and even though we spend a good deal of energy trying to get away from it; we are programmed for survival amid catastrophe.” Germaine Greer 

December 5, 2011 marks the first day of jury deliberation in the trial of co-defendant Joshua Komisarjevsky. It happens to be the 4 year, 5 month mark since Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters, Hayley – 17 and Michaela – 11 were the victims of the most heinous crime imaginable in Connecticut…and nationally!

Stalking, kidnapping, home invasion, physical assault, restraining, sexual assault and rape, torture, asphyxiation, arson and MURDER- they all occurred in one household in the span of a few hours on a quiet street in Cheshire, Connecticut.

One of the many “bones to pick” with the legal system, is the fact that the jury is not able to see photos of victims or hear victim impact statements during the penalty phase…only during the sentencing phase after they have rendered their decision. However, this was not the case with the defendant! Jennifer’s sister, Cindy Hawke Renn believes, as many others do, that this is a distinctly unfair and does not allow the jury to be educated.

[LJ- There must be a pre-existing judicial rule for this…. Why is it that the defense can attempt to call upon the juries’ sympathies for the defendant, and not have an equal balance for those who are murdered during the penalty phase?]

The following is a summary of the virtual roadmap they must follow weighing mitigating and aggravating factors… It’s a bunch of gobbledygook legal maneuvers in LJ’s opinion, designed to give the perpetrator every chance in the world … but that’s the way it is…

What a chore…. If a jury member takes their responsibility with all seriousness and keeps to the letter of the law. Here’s what they must decide…

The defense's burden of proof for establishing mitigating factors is less than the burden that the prosecution bears in establishing aggravating factors.

First, the jury will evaluate two statutory mitigating factors — whether Komisarjevsky's "mental capacity was significantly impaired" or his "ability to conform his behavior to the requirements of law was significantly impaired," as well as decide whether Komisarjevsky's role in the killings was minor.

If the jurors find at least one mitigating factor under the statute, the death penalty cannot be imposed.

If no mitigating factors are found, then the jury must decide whether Komisarjevsky committed the murders in an especially heinous, cruel or depraved manner and whether he created a grave risk of death to another person. These are called aggravating factors.

If jurors do not unanimously agree that an aggravating factor exists, their task is over and Komisarjevsky will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release.

If they determine that an aggravating factor exists, the jurors must do so "beyond a reasonable doubt" and proceed to the next step.

The jury will then move on to the 42 additional mitigating factors claimed by the defense.

These factors, which are not covered by statute, focus mostly on Komisarjevsky's background, his mental health, his employment record, his cooperation with police after the slayings, the value of his life to his family and the defense's assertion that he has been a well-behaved, productive prisoner.

If none are found, Komisarjevsky will be sentenced to death.

If the jurors agree unanimously that at least one of these factors exists, they then weigh the aggravating factors against the mitigating factors and determine which prevails.

They can identify different factors, as long as they all agree that one is present.

If they find that aggravating factors outweigh the mitigating factors, Komisarjevsky will be sentenced to death. If not, the sentence is life in prison. Our collective thoughts and prayers are with the Hawke-Petit Family while they wait…while the nation watches the final chapter of this unbearable burden.

“There is a land of the living and a land of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning.” Thornton Wilder

To read more of Donna Gore's posts, and learn more about "LadyJustice," refer to her website: www.donnagore.com Donna is also a Featured Columnist for Here Women Talk.

The Legacy of The Petit Family Foundation

(“Three Angels” Petit Family Memorial Garden)

Some enchanted evening; you may see a stranger,

across a crowded room; and somehow you know, you know even then,

That somewhere you’ll see him, again and again….. 

Who can explain it? Who can tell you why?

Fools give you reasons, Wise men never try….

(Lyrics: “Some Enchanted Evening, Broadway Musical, South Pacific)

By Donna R. Gore, M.A.

This blogger had the good fortune to meet and get to know a world class physician, an academic, a quiet family man who devoted his former life to his patients and “his girls”, wife Jennifer, and daughters Hayley and Michaela. The most recognized survivor of crime in the State of Connecticut, a reluctant hero, is the man known as Dr. William Petit, Jr.

Ladyjustice has hesitated to write anything about this dignified and tormented man. The media hounds him. The public is well meaning and generous through many charitable events whose proceeds go toward the Petit Family Foundation and the Foundation, in turn, sponsors many activities encompassing the three missions honoring his immediate family.

This tragedy of tragedies has effected the hearts of people throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Ladyjustice does not want to exploit nor offend in any way shape or manner by offering her humble opinion. She remains respectful and has tremendous admiration for the remaining survivors of thePetit family.

However, if a local person who occasionally crosses paths with this man, can offer a perspective as a fellow homicide survivor, and perhaps lead others to donate to his Foundation, why not?

A wise woman named Susan Murphy Milano recently told this blogger that no crime victim would ever view such efforts as exploitation, because, as survivors of crime, we are a family. Our biological families have been torn from us, helping each other and helping future victims keeps us going on the path of justice for others. So, in that spirit, Ladyjustice will carry on….

Connecticut experienced a “wakeup call” of the greatest proportion when this horrific crime occurred on July 23, 2007. All assumptions about where “crimes like that” occur (and certainly not Cheshire) were shaken to the core. This crime was the impetus for landmark judicial legislation, rallied people as never before to implement change in attitudes, to be vigilant about personal safety, to buy and install home alarm systems; to reconfigure our Parole & Pardons board, to create a system of sharing vital prisoner histories at all levels of the criminal justice system; to revamp the process for halfway house placements, to “get to know your neighbors” in the form of kindness and neighborhood watches; to initiate numerous scholarships and charitable organizations in the aftermath for the benefit of others who have aspirations “just like the Petit women”; attempts to keep (and eliminate) the death penalty in Connecticut; to create and carry out a legacy for their passions and… for Bill Petit to have as many reasons as possible to carry on without them. (As of today, due to the current economic times, some of these milestones are still a work in progress but alive none the less).

And now, nearly four years later, the legacy of this family lives on through the constant efforts of Bill Petit his parents, siblings, his 95 year old grandmother and extended family and friends.

It is a strange kind of purgatory awaiting a trial… as if the trial itself was supposed to take away the past sins of the defendant(s).

(Ladyjustice’s purgatory, awaiting trial for her father’s homicide spanned six years.) It is this “suspended animation” that wears you down so that by the time the trial is about to commence, you are in a state of mind that perpetuates the wounds and adds further insult to injury.

This is yet another trying time for the Petit family, currently awaiting the second trial to begin in September for the second defendant, whose name doesn’t deserve the ink, and raises the hairs on everyone’s neck in Connecticut and beyond…

In 2009, this blogger was in “full court press mode” as the Chairperson assigned to coordinate a huge state agency event held at our State Capitol known as “the BESB Awards and National Observation of White Can Safety Day.” This event brings together a selected groups of visually impaired or legally blind students and blind adults whose accomplishments over time has served to go above and beyond” in their fields of endeavor or talents in ten categories.

It is the “Emmy Awards” for the blind community in Connecticut, if you will. AND, make no mistake…. This is not a demonstration that they can merely perform with their peers while experiencing blindness (and other disabilities). RATHER, particularly with students, they not only keep up, but often far exceed their sighted peer and are multi-talented in academic and the arts or sports, community affairs, despite their blindness. No Pity Party Here – Never, Unacceptable! Most sighted people have no idea what blind individuals and today’s technology can do….

This event involves coordination of a roster of candidates, nominating committee, contact and invitations with nominees, families, State legislators, municipal officials, the Governor’s office, catering, facilities management, press releases, TV coverage, official proclamations, the crafting of a programming script, correspondence, individual bios for nominees, organizing the flow, seating arrangements, entertainment, etc.; etc., AND selection of an appropriate Master of Ceremonies.

How to get a speaker pro bono, who understands the issues of diabetes and blindness, is committed to the cause and can present in a way that engages the participants??

Ladyjustice wrote a personal letter to Dr. Petit explaining her journey with the medical world, personal disability, personal homicide and our agency’s mission and request for a Master of Ceremonies. ‘A long shot at best, she thought. (Although this blogger’s previous efforts had nearly gotten Mary Tyler Moore twice for this event!) However, this blogger had more in common with Dr. P. versus MTM.

Enter Dr. William Petit, Jr…. He could not have been more gracious and apologized for the letter getting lost in the sea of mail. Long story short, he came to our agency, toured, met with staff, including staff that happens to have MS, and was available for consultations prior to the event.

Following Ladyjustice’s immense pleasure of introduction, Dr. Petit gave a thorough and thoughtful introduction “prior to his duties”, discussing his work with diabetes research and treatment, his hopes for the future and even read an inspirational narrative in French!

His MC style was classy, engaging and funny! He was everything Ladyjustice had hoped for! He indeed was the man for the job! And…“the cherry on top of the sundae” was to have Ladyjustice’s mother in attendance, beaming proudly and asking to meet the esteemed Master of Ceremonies! How perfect! He was now part of the BESB Family.

(Post script- Soon to be part of the “New Bureau of Rehabilitation Services” as of July 1st. So long BESB, a stand alone agency since 1893!)

Fast forward to June 2011…. The public can read an unusual expose’ of the Petit family story in the June/July edition of Esquire Magazine. You can’t miss the magazine, which, for some unknown reason chose to include “The Survivor” article with a cover page GQ like male with a woman’s hand suggestively inserted under the man’s belt. Yikes! Ladyjustice is no prude!

However, this is not the showcase for a man of his caliber. A little class please! I guess, we do what we have to, to serve others for the greater good and let the chips fall where they may, by other tasteless individuals who “just want to sell magazines at any cost.”

The article begins with a typical event held to raise funds for his Foundation by the many friends and supporters of what was the Petit family foursome, then to a snapshot of his life currently in Plainville, followed by a the sentencing day of the first monster defendant on December 2, 2010.

It is an account that reminds this writer of a work of fiction, describing glimpses, breathing, gestures, detailed descriptions of clothing, a visceral attempt to “get into his skin.” Ladyjustice is not amused. This is no fairytale. Other passages paint a picture of the humanity of what were his former family- stories of his children.


The torture of being physically bound, seriously wounded and “not knowing, only guessing” what’s going on in the house is portrayed though Dr. Petit’s internal thoughts, back to courtroom testimony, the morning of the Memorial service (Something greater than a private service but less than a full blown extravaganza trying to accommodate the grieving public as well) with a man just out of the hospital trying to hold on.

The story traverses to the events of the day prior to the murders-the family kind of activities followed by the meeting and courtship days with his wife and lessons he tried to teach his children. The final pages treat the reader to an insightful account growing up in a working class neighborhood as seen through William Petit, Sr. in a family with several siblings, and Bill described as naturally being a self-starter, a survivor by nature (well worth the read!)

Could such a normal boyhood existence have prepared this man for his future? Not a chance…. To be fair, Ladyjustice should ask could anyone write an account that sufficiently covers the landscape of this story?

It’s doubtful… Perhaps one or two authors, like Diane Fanning, but very few for sure!

“What’s if’s” are in the account, those tapes that play over and over in our heads, “had we or others only done things differently”,we might have our family member back in the world of the living. Ladyjustice advise, don’t do the “what ifs,” as we have enough self-torture in our lives…. Do the positive things that our family members would have done if they were here now.

***And please donate to the Petit Family Foundation. You will find no better reasons to give your time and dollars!

Link: http://www.petitfamilyfoundation.org/

To learn more about Donna R. Gore, aka "LadyJustice" and her advocacy, please visit her site:  www.donnagore.com