This section contains relevant stories from those who have experienced the loss of relatives or friends as a result of homicide-suicide. These articles are provided to give insight into the personal nature of this loss and how it affects family members.

If you have a personal story as a family survivor, please contact us regarding the possibility of contributing to the section.

Losing Mom and Dad
by Charlie Woods

In 1988 during his last semester of seminary, Charlie Woods lost his parents in a homicide-suicide. In his testimony Charlie shares the events surrounding this loss, and he tells how his faith in God has enabled him to use this tragedy to reshape his life and heart for the better.

Studley Family Story
by Linda Sullivan

Saturday, April 4, 1998 seemed like an ordinary day until Linda Sullivan's father went into the bedroom, shot her mother twice in the chest, then put the gun in his mouth and ended his own life. In her story, Linda gropes with the questions that many survivors of a homicide-suicide have to deal with.

A Senseless Loss
by Linda Studley

This is another account of the tragic events that took place on April 4, 1998 by the perpetrator's sister. In her story, Linda Studley expounds on the impact a homicide-suicide can have on the surviving family.

The Courage of Caring
by Gladys González-Ramos, Ph.D., M.S.W.

An insightful account written by a professional social worker who delves into not only the personal experiences of this tragedy, but also from the perspective of a member of the health care system.

Excerpted from: Always on Call: When Illness Turns Families into Caregivers, Carol Levine, editor (New York: United Hospital Fund, 2000). Reprinted with permission. For more information, visit the United Hospital Fund website at http://www.uhfnyc.org/