Created by:
Bedford Domestic Violence Services
July 2008
A Visual Memorial of People
Who Lost Their Lives Due to
Domestic Violence in Virginia
`
Leah Moore Ferguson
Appomattox, VA
Murdered: January 21, 1955
Age: 32
After years of abuse, my mother was shot in the back and died 20
minutes later. She was trying to get out of the marriage. He turned
the gun on himself, but lived. She left three small children. She was
a good, loving person.
Karen Sue Johnson
Lynchburg, VA
Murdered: April 15, 1983
Age: 25
I am a victim of domestic violence homicide along with my friend. We
were shot repeatedly by my ex-boyfriend. My last breath was used
to say the words, “Help me!” Please do not let our deaths be in
vain. Please help put a stop to the violence.
Aurelia Farr, “Puddin”
Orange County, VA
Murdered: October 27, 1984
Age: 45
I was a victim of violent murder, along with one of my two sisters. Since
our parents died in a car accident 37 years ago, my surviving sister
had only our seven children left of our family. My sister, son, and
niece had to fight to keep my killer in jail. Remember me, but pray
for the ones I left behind.
Wilma Bowman, “PeeWee”
Madison, VA
Murdered: October 27, 1984
Age: 35
I was a victim of murder, along with my older sister. She was gunned
down as she came to my aid. I can no longer speak for myself. My
sister, niece, and nephew had to fight to keep my killer in jail.
Remember me and remember the loved ones who fought for justice
so that I didn’t die in vain.
Debra Annette Baker
Fairfax County, VA
Murdered: July 21, 1989
Age: 25
Debra was stabbed multiple times. Her husband of five months was
charged with first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the
possibility of parole. This caring, gentle, and devoted spirit should be
remembered as a rainbow of love and compassion – the opposite of the
evil that took her life away.
Vickie Wright
Bedford, VA
Murdered: April 25, 1990
Age: 23
Vickie’s former boyfriend had chased her around her home
before brutally slashing her and nearly cutting her head off.
Her body was found in her bedroom near her unharmed, but
bloody, infant.
Jayne Marie Leebrick
Alexandria, VA
Murdered: September 15, 1991
Age: 33
Jayne was murdered while starting her car to get away from her
abusive husband. Using a 9mm handgun, he shot her seven times on
the driver’s side and walked around to the passenger side and shot her
again before a witness took the gun from him. PLEASE REMEMBER
MY NAME.
Christopher Montgomery Sanders
Amherst, VA
Murdered: November 4, 1991
Age: 8
I was 8 years old when my life was ended. I should be in college
now, but instead I am in my grave. I was murdered in my bed by
my mother, the person who should have been protecting me. She
stabbed me many times with an ax and then set me on fire. Please
remember me and make sure that she is never released from
prison to harm anyone else.
Marybeth Ann Sahnow
Emporia, VA
Murdered: April 1, 1994
Age: 23
Marybeth’s ex-boyfriend carried a rifle into the store where she worked.
He shot her twice after she ran from the store to protect her
customers’ safety. Marybeth always put others ahead of herself.
She died alone in an alley. Four children now go through every
day without their mother.
Loria Sluder
Bedford, VA
Murdered: June 4, 1995
Age: 31
Her estranged husband shot her in the head at close range
while she was sitting on the floor.
Elizabeth Claire Strother, “Beth”
Ashland, VA
Murdered: March 14, 1995
Age: 22
Beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend.
I am a victim of domestic violence homicide. I can no longer speak for
myself. Please do not let my death be in vain. If you are angry or sad,
stand up and speak for those of us who are screaming from our graves.
Help put a stop to the violence and please, REMEMBER MY NAME.
Sylvia Gregory
Richmond, VA
Murdered: June 9, 1997
Age: 21
Hollow words: I love you, I’m sorry, I will never hurt you. Yet he
destroyed you with verbal and physical abuse. You kept silent,
thinking no one could help you. It was not love. It was control. If it
was love, he would not have killed you.
Beverly Wells
Bedford, VA
Murdered: May 15, 1998
Age: 36
Earlier on this month, Beverly had a protective order
served against her estranged husband.
On this date her estranged husband entered her home and told
her five children to leave the residence and then shot her with a
rifle which resulted in her death.
Sadie Trent
Farmville, VA
Murdered: June 25, 1998
Age: 64
Sadie was shot several times by her husband. She died in her
bedroom on the floor. Her husband was charged with first
degree murder.
Cynthia Brinn
Bedford, VA
Murdered: August 1, 1999
Age: 32
Cynthia was shot twice with a 12 gauge shot gun by her
estranged husband. She left behind a 6 year old son.
Gwen Lee Beyer Kaull
Chesterfield, VA
Murdered: January 10, 1999
Age: 42
I am a victim of domestic violence homicide. I was not ready to die
and leave my young son to grieve for me. The night a gun was placed
to my head, my murderer did not care about the pain he inflicted on
my son, mother, and family as he proceeded to take my life. Please
remember me.
Andrea Faith Carter
Goochland, VA
Murdered: July 8, 1999
Age: 33
Beloved mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend. Andrea
was shot several times in the chest while sitting in her car at
work. She died at the scene.
Valerie Anne Baker, “Bubbe”
Wise County, VA
Murdered: November 6, 1999
Age: 20
Beloved daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend.
I was murdered on my 20th birthday by someone I only knew for 75
days and dated briefly. He was very possessive. Don’t think this
cannot happen to you. Please don’t let my death be in vain. Speak
up because we cannot and please, REMEMBER MY NAME.
Ruby Farley
Bedford, VA
Murdered: May 19, 2000
Age:80
A few weeks before her murder, she obtained a protective order
against her husband. She was beaten to death in her chest by
her husband with his cane.
Ernestine Green Puryear, “Tina”
Richmond, VA
Murdered: March 11, 2000
Age: 42
Tina was shot once in the head while she crouched down hiding in a
closet in her home. She died in the closet where she was
discovered by the police. Tina’s boyfriend was charged with her
murder. We love you Tina.
Suzanne McCoy Arena
Rice, VA
Murdered: July 5, 2000
Age: 78
Owner of the vintage clothing store “Suzi’s Antiques” and loved by
all who knew her. Devoted Wife, Mother, and Grandmother. A
great lady whose life came to a tragic end when she was
murdered along with her daughter by her daughter’s ex-husband.
Susan Brockert Varner, “Suzi”
Farmville, VA
Murdered: July 5, 2000
Age: 50
This amazing woman who was so full of life and smiles and love for
those around her was brutally murdered in her home by her exhusband. The man then drove to the home of Suzi’s mother and
murdered her as well. These were senseless killings that could have
been prevented.
Hope Allen Johnson
New Kent County, VA
Murdered: September 21, 2000
Age: 22
In an act of bravery, I decided to no longer be a victim of domestic
violence. I wanted to be happy and enjoy life with my two children.
My husband hired his friends and together they ended my life and
stole my children’s joy. For me and my children – help put a stop to
this violence.
Brenda Fay Moore
Lee County, VA
Murdered: September 22, 2000
Age: 33
Beloved daughter, sister, mother, niece, sister-in-law, cousin, and friend. I am a
victim of domestic violence homicide. After ten years of abuse, I was shot
to death just as I prepared to start a new life. I can no longer warn those of you
who are in an abusive situation, but if I could I would tell you to fear for your life.
Do not let your life be destroyed as mine was. Always remember what happened
that day and remember my name.
Thomas Ezell, “Edwin”
Mecklenburg County, VA
Murdered: October 28, 2000
Age: 56
Our loss was great and tragic. Edwin was a dear brother, loved and
respected. He was killed by a gunshot. With prayers for peace his
brothers and sisters, children of the late Vela and Dewey Ezell, will
remember him always.
Carolyn Miller
Chesterfield, VA
Murdered: December 5, 2000
Age: 57
I was the mother of two daughters, grandmother of five. Many called
me a loving, gentle soul. I was brutally beaten and left to die. Please
do not let my death be in vain. I WAS important. I WAS worthy.
Please remember my name.
Tonya Marie Brown
Tazewell County, VA
Murdered: January 5, 2001
Age: 36
Tonya was shot in the back while trying to run away from her
husband’s violence. She was a loving mother who lived
for her children. Now she will never see them grow up.
Michelle Yvette Woods
Bassett, VA
Murdered: January 20, 2001
Age: 33
Michelle died from multiple gunshot wounds to her chest. She was shot
by an ex-boyfriend (her children’s father) who had only been
released about a year before on a malicious wounding charge
against her. We need stricter laws for perpetrators. Let us
remember the victims.
Amanda Christine Addair Franklin
Boydton, VA
Murdered: February 18, 2001
Age: 22
I was murdered by my husband. Please let this shield stand as a
memorial to the love I have for my daughters, so they will know
the truth and remember why I’m gone but never forgotten.
Nancy Lee Bland
Cartersville, VA
Murdered: March 3, 2001
Age: 41
Nancy loved life and would always lend a hand to those less fortunate
than herself. She was shot by a “close” friend who said he loved her.
He committed this horrible act in front of his young teenage daughter.
He was a convicted felon who said he had “turned his life around,” yet
he possessed a handgun, another felony in the City of Richmond.
Help put a stop to this violence.
Gracie Yvette Dillard
Lynchburg, VA
Murdered: March 6, 2001
Age: 28
Our very much loved daughter, sister, mother, granddaughter, niece,
cousin, and friend was shot to death in front of her children, just
eleven days before her 29th birthday. She died on an apartment floor
after fleeing for help. Her former boyfriend was charged with firstdegree murder, but was sentenced to only 21 years.
Tameka M. Bond
Richmond, VA
Murdered: March 26, 2001
Age: 23
Beloved daughter, mother, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend. Killed
by her boyfriend, father of her two children. “You were called away so
suddenly without a last goodbye only God, in His loving mercy
knows the reason why. The flowers we lay upon your grave may wither
and decay. But the love we have for you will never fade away.”
Karen Williams East
Lynchburg, VA
Murdered: April 28, 2001
Age: 45
Karen was brutally murdered by her ex-husband as she lay sleeping in
her home with her two youngest daughters. Her memory will remain
in the hearts of all the friends and family she left behind. Don’t let
her death be in vain. Help stop domestic violence.
Jack Tunstal Gowen
Nelson County, VA
Murdered: August 17, 2001
Age: 63
Jack was shot and left to bleed to death on the floor of his family
room. His second wife of only 3 years was charged with firstdegree murder in his death.
Candace Renee Gibson, “Ramey”
Wise County, VA
Murdered: October 15, 2001
Age: 26
Shot four times by her husband.
“Your trials are over, You made the crossing,
Rest my sweet child, Spread your wings and fly.
Your pain is over, Your earthly light was snuffed out,
Your heavenly light will shine forever.”
We love you.
Sigrid Carmen Salinas
Chesterfield, VA
Murdered: November 2, 2001
Age: 32
I was the mother of two and I was a dental student. I left behind my
parents, my sister, and many wonderful, true friends. Please take
action so my being murdered along with my two innocent children
will not be in vain.
Stefan Gabriel Salinas
Chesterfield, VA
Murdered: November 2, 2001
Age: 13
I was a rascal of a boy who wanted to go to Duke University. I left
behind my grandparents, an aunt and uncle, and all my buddies.
Please create programs on all levels to prevent this from happening
to another family.
Erika Blair Salinas
Chesterfield, VA
Murdered: November 2, 2001
Age: 11
I was in the gifted program at school. My ambition was to be a
Harvard attorney because I wanted to defend innocent people. I
left behind my grandparents, my aunt and uncle, and many good
friends. Please allow the law to protect innocent victims, rather
than allowing sociopaths to prey on the innocent.
Jean
Gloucester, VA
Murdered: December 3, 2001
Age: 67
Loving mother of four, grandmother of nine, and great-grandmother of
two. We were married seven years. He gradually changed. First
the verbal abuse began, then the physical abuse. I suffered in
silence with fear and love for my family. He strangled me when I
said I wanted a divorce. I didn’t ask for help. Please don’t let
anyone suffer in silence. Tell them “Jeannie said to ask for help.”
Stop the violence! Enjoy life and your family.
Brensia Elizabeth Champ
Richmond, VA
Murdered: December 20, 2001
Age: 38
Brensia, also known as “Tuss,” was a good and loving mother with a
million dollar smile and a heart of gold. The oldest of five sisters, she
was known for helping everyone she met. Brensia was shot to death in
her sleep by her boyfriend of nine years, just days after she told him of
her plans to end the relationship. He said that if he couldn’t have her, no
one would. Brensia’s teenage daughter was also shot, but she
miraculously survived.
Maya LaJuan Davidson-Cooper
Arlington, VA
Murdered: January 20, 2002
Age: 21
Beloved mother, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend.
I was shot to death by my estranged husband. I cannot speak for
myself anymore. Don’t be afraid to talk to the ones that love you
and want to help you! I wish I would have!!
Marguerite Diggs Harcum
Mathews County, VA
Murdered: February 21, 2002
Age: 60
Marguerite was shot by her husband on January 29,
2002 and died 23 days later. Beloved Daughter,
Sister, and Sister-in-Law. Special Aunt, Cousin, and
Friend.
Latoria L. Smith
Roanoke, VA
Murdered: January 7, 2005
Age: 21
Latoria was murdered by her boyfriend who then committed
suicide.
Desiree Jennings
Roanoke, VA
Murdered: February 4, 2005
Age: 20
Desiree was murdered by her boyfriend.
Wendy Mills
Roanoke, VA
Murdered: March 6, 2005
Age: 29
Wendy was murdered by her husband who later committed
suicide.
Diana Lynn Blaney
Roanoke, VA
Murdered: April 9, 2005
Age: 43
Diana was murdered by her son’s ex-girlfriend.
Ashley Black
Roanoke, VA
Murdered: April 23, 2005
Age: 28
Ashley was murdered by her husband who then committed
suicide.
Sabrina Reed
Roanoke, VA
Murdered: September 2, 2005
Age:34
Sabrina was shot and killed by her estranged husband while
exchanging their daughter for visitation.
Donald Moon
Campbell County, VA
Murdered: April 17, 2006
Age: 35
Donald was stabbed to death by his wife. He was a good son,
brother, a great father, husband and a role model for other
young men. He was always looking for bigger and better
things in life.
Sherri Conner
Bedford, VA
Murdered: September 14, 2007
Age: 43
Sherri was shot multiple times in the chest by a former
boyfriend while her 11 year old son was in the home.
Jocelyn Earnest
Bedford, VA
Murdered: December 19, 2007
Age: 38
Jocelyn was shot to death in her home with a .357 caliber Smith
and Wesson revolver and her husband has been indicted for
her murder.
Every 3 to 4 days in 2005, a Virginian was killed by an
intimate partner
(Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, July 2008).
Each year an estimated 3 to 10 million children are
exposed to domestic violence
(American Psychology Association, May 2008)
This power point was created by
Bedford Domestic Violence Services
to pay tribute to those who paid the
ultimate price with their lives and
so that their memory will
continue to live on.