Mary M. Mushinsky

 

HARTFORD CT - Losing a loved one is never easy. Losing a loved one to homicide is an entirely different level. You never know when "goodbye" or "I love you" will be the last.

On Monday, State Rep. Mary Mushinsky (D-Wallingford) welcomed family members of homicide victims and victim advocates to the Legislative Office Building to recognize "Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month."

In 2023, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation (Public Act 23-2) to designate various days, weeks, and months and make technical revisions to existing designations, including Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month, which is meant to support the family members of victims of homicide by educating and influencing the public about the impact of homicide on families and communities.

"The loss of a loved one through homicide is terrible and heartbreaking and the ripple effect is often not talked about," said Rep. Mushinsky. "There are unanswered questions, unsaid goodbyes, and a gaping wound left in the hearts of loved ones left behind. The world may eventually move on, but moving on for the families is not possible. The hurt remains. With this new commemorative month, centered around the holiday season, we recognize family members and ask, 'How can we help you, and how can we prevent other homicides?'"

"When an individual is lost to homicide, that is not the only life stolen. For every one homicide victim, there is an average of 10 surviving family members who suffer their loss in the aftermath of homicide," said Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. "Losing a loved one is never easy, but for survivors of homicide victims grieving and coping with your trauma is a lifelong process. To those of you who joined us here today, thank you for your advocacy and for sharing the stories of your loved ones." 

Andrew Reynolds of Wallingford, whose niece, 9-year-old Jessica Short, was murdered in 1989 at a street festival in Middletown by a patient on a day pass from CT Valley Hospital, welcomed the new designation.

"We always remember and think of our Jessica. She would be 44 years old now," said Reynolds. "No matter how long, it doesn't go away. My sister is traumatized, and it doesn't go away. This month is devoted to all groups and individuals impacted by homicide. It helps us remember our loved ones and educate the public on the impact that homicide has on families and communities. All of us together can bring awareness. I would like to sincerely thank Rep. Mary Mushinsky for all her support in getting this bill passed. I also thank Rep. Mitch Bolinsky for attending today and serving as a silent supporter of the families of Sandy Hook."

"Secondary survivors experience a unique trauma," said Jessica Pizzano, Director of Victim Services with Survivors of Homicide, Inc., noting that survivors experience triggers throughout their own lives. She added that with every homicide, there is the loss of that human potential and the direct impact on the lives of approximately 10 immediate family members. She added that there have been approximately 4,600 homicides between 1990-2022, impacting 46,000 immediate family members.  

Meghan Scanlon, President and CEO of the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV), noted that Connecticut averages 14 homicides a year due to intimate partner violence. Currently, the state has 11 such homicides in 2023.  

Nancy Gordon, whose 23-year-old grandson George was shot while driving home from work in New Haven in 2022, said she is part of a club that no one ever wants to be part of.

"I spoke with him that morning," Gordon said. "I had no idea that would be the last time I talked to him."

Gordon, 75, added that she hopes she sees the person or persons responsible for the death of her grandson brought to justice in her lifetime.

Laquvia Jones lost both of her sons – one in 2020 and one earlier this year. Both were shot in New Haven.

"Every day, some mother is getting on this rollercoaster," said Jones. "We all know we all leave here one day, but it's different when someone plays God and takes someone away. I couldn't save my boys, but I hope I can save someone else's child."

Audrey Carlson, whose daughter Elizabeth was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2002, noted that her daughter's ex told people he was going to kill her.

"This kind of stuff you think happens to someone else," said Carlson. "When it comes time to change policies, etc., say something. Raise awareness. Use your voice."

 

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