Post by briandennis on Jan 27, 2005 16:43:23 GMT -5
I just returned from Phoenix where the local PD held a press conference on the first anniversary date of my fathers murder. The sole purpose of this was to generate publicity w/r the crime and hopefully new leads.
My opening statement paid tribute to my friends on this board.
" I am here today not only for myself and family but also for all other victims of unsolved homiceds who have not been afforded the forum I have today. My voice is only ONE voice of pain."
It was a horrific ordeal having to sit in front of 7 TV cameras and 11 microphones. I read my prepared statement and just managed to get through it with the aid of a box of tissue.
I then faced a barrage of questions, most I have answered many times over this past year, except for those relating to the death penalty. At the advise of the police I offered a no comment.
The emotional toll involved with prepairing for this and actually doing it has been heavy. I take comfort in the fact that I am doing all that I can do. It is not very much but years from now I can look in the mirror and say I did all I could .
It seems that I exploited this first anniversary date for my own means. The police said I will never have the chance to have this impact agian. So I hope I did it for the right reasons. Catching the killer is starting to become a compulsion....but these are other issues for another time.
For those who have this opportunity you must first ask yourself if you can handle it emotionally. My pain was put on display front and center.
It is also important to provide the media with an insight about the life lost.
Be prepared have a written statement and even prepare your answers.
Sadly, you must add an element of sensationalism. I used several points but the media picked up on the increased reward and my fathers charitable work.
Time will tell if any good has come from this.
My opening statement paid tribute to my friends on this board.
" I am here today not only for myself and family but also for all other victims of unsolved homiceds who have not been afforded the forum I have today. My voice is only ONE voice of pain."
It was a horrific ordeal having to sit in front of 7 TV cameras and 11 microphones. I read my prepared statement and just managed to get through it with the aid of a box of tissue.
I then faced a barrage of questions, most I have answered many times over this past year, except for those relating to the death penalty. At the advise of the police I offered a no comment.
The emotional toll involved with prepairing for this and actually doing it has been heavy. I take comfort in the fact that I am doing all that I can do. It is not very much but years from now I can look in the mirror and say I did all I could .
It seems that I exploited this first anniversary date for my own means. The police said I will never have the chance to have this impact agian. So I hope I did it for the right reasons. Catching the killer is starting to become a compulsion....but these are other issues for another time.
For those who have this opportunity you must first ask yourself if you can handle it emotionally. My pain was put on display front and center.
It is also important to provide the media with an insight about the life lost.
Be prepared have a written statement and even prepare your answers.
Sadly, you must add an element of sensationalism. I used several points but the media picked up on the increased reward and my fathers charitable work.
Time will tell if any good has come from this.