- Victims Too -

Author © Jay Kantor

Cold-Case

-They Just Didn't Know-

Out of respect for families that are "Victims Too"

So many families have lifetime memories of not being able to say our GoodByes. This bond between survivors that such tragedies build - I'm so sorry for your loss - Please reach out and show them that you care. Oftentimes the lack of human empathy is the cruelest behavior, and it never goes unnoticed. The focus of this 'Tell-Tale' is how one may be treated by family and friends after a horror that only compounds the tragedy for all the subsequent years.

This was written with assistance and blessings from fellow Author Professor Doc Sherwood and following a discussion with our Vocal Pastor Randy. So many have asked over the years, I would like to tell it now, please delete if you may find this to be offensive.

SHE ~ was supposed to meet me at the wedding of a client since she was the Supervising RN at the Dialysis Unit and needed to complete her shift. I kept calling home and the phone was constantly busy. Out of frustration a friend came with and we left the huge wedding venue and sped home.

I hopped-up our 27 Zig-Zag Brick Steps to see what was happening and why she wasn't at the wedding venue. As I ran into the door I heard barking-whimpering from Lola & Libby, our two Corgis, coming from the closed guest bathroom door just off of the entry; I opened it and they came running into me. I called out for Rita Louise with no answer, then went into the bedroom and she was lying there, supine-naked and white-cold like a china doll - couldn't believe my eyes - even the dogs stood back frightened of my screams.

My friend was following me in - I then instinctively covered Rita Louise up with the Pink Bathrobe lying next to her that I gave her for x-mas; a reaction to protect her modesty? The Police had a field-day as to WHY I did this. It even came out heavily in Keith Green's trial, the co-worker charged with her murder. Everyone knew he was constantly bugging her, including her patients. She always told me, "I'm a big-girl and I can handle him myself." It took the Detectives years to DNA test him, simply saying, Quote: "We really did drop the ball on this one." Especially after the attention of viewing an America Most Wanted reenactment T.V. episode of this dwindled down.

My friend dialed 911 Immediately. I was in so much shock he literally carried me out of there. Detectives took me 'Handcuffed' in their squad car to headquarters. After stripping me of my Groomsmen's Tuxedo and putting me into an orange paper jumpsuit they began relentless interrogations. My Attorney kept saying "JB, the Cops are not your friend, they are trying to trip-you-up, it's always the boyfriend or husband being the person of interest." After Failing (inconclusive) two Polygraphs and enduring days of grueling questioning, along with carrying out bags of 'evidence' from our home they said, "one more 'Fail' and I'm going to Jail."

Adding to this overwhelming frustration. As a 'person of interest' nothing was ever disclosed to me about the investigation – nothing – The Therapist said that I was a "Victim Too" and I vehemently denied it at the time.

After (2) trials (2) years of 'No-Bond' lockup and DNA match with claims of consensual sex Green pled and got a lighter sentence of 17 Years. After his sentence our Nephew went to the 'Impact Statement' podium and mocked how 'Consensual Sex' could be 'pled-to' after 41 stab wounds.

So unimaginable his family was tossing footballs in the corridor and giggling in the courthouse; amused by all of it? The Judge asked them to leave if they couldn't control themselves. But, knowing Rita Louise, she would have just punched them in the nose for such blatant disrespect! You can't imagine how I'd go to sleep every night wanting to blow his face off; still do!

After this was all publicized many relatives-friends said to me, verbatim, statements that I will never forget. Quote: "JB, I'm so glad to hear that you're not a murderer." Surely, they thought this to be a 'compliment' never knowing what to say. But it will never stop resonating with me - it Killed my Spirit.

Dear Virtual Family: Of course we all have been accused of something in which you may have not done in our lives from the smallest of issues - it can be devastating.

Sometimes it defies explanation and every effort to explain yourself only makes things worse. These life's episodes are best just left behind, since they may never be accepted for whatever reasons, this might be why so many tragic stories are left untold. Admittedly the intensely varied reactions that I've received from people knowing this has silenced me for years. This is so personal yet so universal among 'victims-too' all over the world. There are so many versions of their personal tragedies - I stand up for them as well -

— I Stand with Respect —

Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California

'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Author Community -