My life was divided in two on the prophetic evening of July 13, 1985. 

That night in July a hail storm raged throughout Wayne County, Michigan. My quiet, predictable husband of 11 years failed to return.

Ten days later, I stood inside the old Wayne County Morgue in Detroit to identify him – or what had been found of him. Not only had he been murdered, but I learned he’d led a double life, given away all our money, been involved with at least one young sex worker and neglected his private practice and our bills. 

I did not speak of it for 30 years. But in 2018 I took pen to paper and wrote a memoir, A Life Divided.

That was followed by hosting “Domino Effect of Murder,” a podcast where I connect with other so-called “homicide survivors”.

My healing had begun. I gained momentum. I started speaking at conferences for homicide detectives and others, contributed articles to coroner magazines and was a guest on numerous podcasts.

In 2023, What Now? Navigating the Aftermath of Homicide and Suicide (a reference book for survivors and their supporters) was published. 

These books are my legacy.  I want to leave footprints for others in the hope it helps lead them out of the misery and confusion that is the reality of violent loss. 

If I made it.  So can others!