Something horrible happened in my family this week. My uncle was shot and killed in his own bed on tuesday morning. And it was his SIL that did it. Oh how horrible this week has been.

Apparently, my cousin had left her husband and was living with my uncle. Her husband has been a jerk their entire marriage, and we have all suspected abuse, but couldn't confirm it. Well, she FINALLY decided to leave him. She had a restraining order against him, and he wasn't allowed near her or my uncle's house.

One day while she was gone, he came and stole her 2 dogs. A few days later, he called her and said he couldn't take care of them, and he wanted to bring them back to her. She agreed to let him come over and return her dogs.
When she opened the door, he pushed her aside, ran into my uncle's bedroom and shot him 3 times and killed him.

We don't know why he shot him, and I'm sure we will never understand. Of course my cousin is overcome with grief and sadness (she also lost her mom 2 years ago) as well as a pretty good amount of grief. And some people on my uncle's side of the family think she may have had something to do with it.

I just got home from the funeral and I still can't believe this happened. And no one called to tell us, we saw it on the news. I never thought one of the gruesome stories you see every night on the news would involve someone that I knew and loved.

I just hope and pray that my aunt and uncle are now together somewhere, happy that they are reunited.

By Emily7 on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 01:17 pm:

(((Jennifer))) I am so sorry for the loss of your Uncle. I will keep your family, especially you cousin in my prayers. I can't even begin to understand the guilt she must feel for her dads death. I am sure you & your family will give her the support she is going to need.

By Bea on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 01:21 pm:

I'm so sorry. Is he in custody? I pray she's safe and that all of you will heal after this senseless tragedy. You'll all be in my prayers.

By Eve on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 01:30 pm:

Senseless is right! I'm so, so sorry for your loss. ((HUG))

By Palmbchprincess on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 01:32 pm:

(((Jennifer))) That is so horrible, I'll certainly keep your family in my thoughts and prayers!

By Jelygu on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 01:34 pm:

Yes Bea, they caught him. He had taken my cousin with him (by force), so when they found them they were both put in jail. Thankfully she was released quickly.
And since he committed 2 felonies (kidnapping and murder) he is up for capital murder. Hopefully he will be put away for a long long time.
Thanks for all your support and caring.

By Rayanne on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 01:36 pm:

{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}} I am so sorry to hear that sweetie. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

By Tink on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 01:41 pm:

{{{Jennifer}}} That is awful. I'm so sorry that your family is going through this. You will be in my prayers.

By Ilovetom on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 01:54 pm:

Wow Jennifer I am sorry. I will pray for you family.

You are in Alabama btw- me too. I am in Camden.

By Melanie on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 02:07 pm:

(((((HUGS))))))
How horrible. I am so sorry. Your family is in my prayers.

By Mrsheidi on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 02:11 pm:

So sorry Jennifer...he was so undeserving...we will say a prayer tonight for comfort for you and yours...

By Trina~moderator on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 02:30 pm:

What a terrible tragedy! Many {{{HUGS}}} and prayers for your family.

By Sue3 on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 02:31 pm:

That is just awful.Your family will be in my prayers.

By My2cuties on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 02:37 pm:

That's aweful, Sorry for your loss so close to the holidays. ((((hugs))))

By Trisa on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 02:38 pm:

I am so sorry. When I was 17 my uncle
was shot and killed. He was having an affair
and the ladies husband hunted him down and killed
him, then himself. An affair is never right but
also no reason to kill someone or yourself.
Your family is in my prayers.

By Cocoabutter on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 02:48 pm:

I really hope you can get thru this and be strong for your cousin.

I am confused. At the beginning of your post, you said that it was his SIL that did it, but then as your story unfolded, it was really your cousin's husband. You must be having a terrible time keeping your head on straight. Hope you are okay!

By Tink on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 03:02 pm:

I think SIL stood for son-in-law this time, not sister-in-law.

By Fraggle on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 03:20 pm:

I am so sorry. Your family is in my prayers.

By Vicki on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 03:22 pm:

I am so sorry for your families loss. What a sad story.

By Breann on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 03:33 pm:

I'm sorry this happened to your family. It is such a tragedy.

By Gammiejoan on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 03:35 pm:

Your cousin and the rest of the family will definitely be in my prayers.

By Bellajoe on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 03:59 pm:

That's a horrible story. I'm so sorry this happened to your family. You will all be in my thoughts.

By Amecmom on Friday, December 10, 2004 - 06:18 pm:

I am so sorry. It's terrible to lose someone to violence, especially around the holidays. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

By Jelygu on Saturday, December 11, 2004 - 07:44 pm:

Thank you all for your warm thoughts. It is very appreciated.

By Cat on Saturday, December 11, 2004 - 08:58 pm:

I'm so sorry, Jennifer.

By Karen~moderator on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 09:35 am:

I'm so sorry to read this. This is the sort of thing that always happens to *other* people, you never imagine it would happen to your family. Hugs and prayers for your entire family.

By Tunnia on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 09:45 am:

I am so sorry for you and your family. What a terrible tragedy!

By Insaneusmcwife on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 12:32 pm:

I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you and your family.