Domestic violence is often called the silent crime. But it was the cause of one particular murder this summer that still shocks one family.
Reporter: Leigh Mills
Email Address: lmills@nbc15.com
It's often called the silent crime. One-third of all arrests in Dane County are domestic violence-related. Just this summer, three high profile murders rocked the community.
This story shows one family's loss and why experts believe domestic violence continues to escalate.
"How dare anybody take her when she wasn't ready," said Letitia Jowosimi, as a tear streaked down her cheek. "I saw some guy with a gun firing a couple and the victim going to the ground."
On Saturday, May 16, 2009, Francie Weber was shot by her ex-husband, Steven, in front of her apartment complex. It was just one day after a restraining order against Steven was lifted.
A manhunt quickly ensued. Officers zeroed in on Madison's Hoyt Park area. Schools were locked down, roads were closed and the public was told to stay away.
Steven shot himself, leaving behind two orphaned teenagers and shocking an entire community.
"I miss [Francie] and it's such a waste that she's not here," said Jowosimi, Francie's niece. She holds on tightly to Francie's memory. They were only eight years apart.
"When I was young, Francie used to always say that I was the little sister she never had."
Francie's relationship with Steven started when they were teenagers. Letitia says Steven abused Francie for years, but she kept it a secret.
"It wasn't shared when it would come to any abuse emotionally, mentally, verbally, physically. It wasn't shared with us as a family," Jowosimi said. "We didn't realize the abuse to the degree."
After more than 30 years with Steven, Francie had had enough and filed for divorce.
"She was very, very nervous and worried," Jowosimi said.
Months later, Steven was charged with four felonies: strangulation, suffocation, physical abuse of a child and disarming a peace officer.
That case never moved forward, when Steven killed Francie and then himself.
"A lot of Francie Weber's case is typical for domestic violence homicides," said Shannon Barry, Executive Director of Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, or DAIS. "She had separated from the abuser, which is often a time when abusers will escalate. He had made death threats against her both to her and to other people."
The newly released domestic violence homicide report shows 46 people died in Wisconsin in 2008 and 2009 is expected to be even worse with 33 deaths in just the first seven months.
"It's very alarming," Barry said. "I think that across the social services here in Dane County we've all been feeling the pressure. "We're busier than we've ever been and we're getting to the point of wondering how much more we can do."
One thing the community can do is promise to never forget the victims of domestic violence. Every October, community members read the names of those killed in the past year, hoping to keep their memory alive.
"The pain doesn't go away, I just learn to cope," Jowosimi said.
It's been five and a half months and there's not a day that goes by that Letitia doesn't wonder why or what could have been.
"I miss her. I really miss her," Jowosimi said with a tear stained face as she shook her head. "There's not an hour in the day I don't think of her, not an hour."
Deciding to leave the abuser is one of the most dangerous times for domestic violence victims. If you find yourself in that position, DAIS can meet with you, let you know about the risks and help you improve your safety.
And it's important to point out that domestic violence doesn't just impact women, it happens to men, too.
As for the community, there is a lot that can be done to help. First, know what resources are available to help someone. DAIS staffs a crisis line for victims, family members and friends 24-7. That number is (608) 251-4445.
Also, talk about the issue -- and if you witness a death threat, take it seriously and report it. Who knows, that could have saved Francie's life.
There is an event on Saturday in Francie's name to benefit DAIS. The run/walk for Francie will take place on Saturday, October 31 at 10:00am as part of UFO Day in Belleville.
Proceeds will be donated to DAIS in Francie's name.
For more information, go to:
http://www.belleville-wi.com/subsites/ufoday/events.htm
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