Day 10
It is impossible to drop by Denise Webber’s Marysville apartment without bumping into Rachel Burkheimer.
Framed photographs of her slain daughter greet visitors on a table by the door. A large, glass-doored cabinet dominates the living room. Inside are more photos of Rachel’s life. The images mirror those in Webber’s heart. For her, Rachel is forever 18, forever beautiful, blond and bursting with energy.
“Four-foot-11 giant,” reads the bookmark from Rachel’s memorial service, now carefully stored behind glass. “Athlete, brave, buff, caretaker, Christian.” The list continues. All the words matter to those who loved Webber’s girl.
It is behind closed doors, with the memories and photographs, that Webber truly gives in. On many days during the months of trials for the men charged with Rachel’s killing, she has come home, shut herself inside and wept.
That’s why Webber bristles when somebody calls her brave or strong or courageous. She doesn’t feel that way when she’s alone.
It’s different in court. Not easier. Different.
That’s because in Snohomish County, people work hard to bring compassion to the business of crime and punishment, Webber said.
Before her daughter’s murder, Webber had no idea there were people in the legal system who work and volunteer as victim advocates. She’s grateful for them.
“They will forever be an unforgettable part of my life,” she said.
Rachel’s family has worked with three advocates in the prosecutor’s victim and witness unit. All spent at least some time with her in court Tuesday.
Sandy Fitzpatrick, the senior advocate, is blessed with intuition and the ability to connect with others, Webber said. Jill Schick is consistent, focused and sensitive. Heidi Potter is new to the case, but like the rest, has been there with comforting words, small favors and parking vouchers.
The full-time advocates are supported by representatives from Everett-based Families and Friends of Violent Crime Victims.
Volunteer Barb Kusler used to work at the Snohomish County prosecutor’s office. Now retired, the Snohomish grandmother comes to court with “goody bags” of bath oils and other creature comforts to help Webber unwind after the hard days. Advocates Kim Rendon and Anita Schuerhoff have both been touched by murder. Rendon lost her brother, and Schuerhoff a son.
“It helps having somebody to talk to who understands what you are going through,” Webber said.
Support also has come from Calvary Chapel of Marysville, the congregation Webber has belonged to for six years. A church friend, Cindy Larson, came to nearly every pretrial hearing the first year. Shannon Woodward, another close friend who also is the pastor’s wife, has been at Webber’s side nearly every day of the trials.
Woodward said she’s seen the advocates’ kindness. She marvels at their ability to help, even when it seems the air has fled the room and been replaced with grief.
Others in the courthouse have been kind, too, Webber said. For example, the security officers who operate the metal detector brought flowers when a guilty verdict was announced in the last trial.
Some have touched Webber’s soul with just a glance. She remembers a moment during sentencing for the man who shot her daughter. Shawn Stich, sergeant in charge of sheriff’s homicide detectives, turned around and looked into Webber’s eyes.
Big and fierce with a shaved head and thick moustache, Stich held Webber’s gaze. Sorrow clouded his face.
Before long, he turned away. Webber is sure he dabbed at a tear.
Reporter Scott North: 425-339-3431 or north@heraldnet.com.
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