I am responding to the July 23 article regarding the dire straits that Families and Friends of Violent Crime Victims and Missing Persons is in financially (“Victims’ group struggling”).
On May 8, 1976, my daughter, Kimberly Kuntz, was viciously murdered by James Stephens Jr. At that time there were not any support groups available. Families and Friends had recently organized and they reached out to our family. I can honestly say if they hadn’t, I think the pain would have been too much to bear.
You see, our case was not a “slam dunk.” There were so many circumstances preventing the case from being tried, which gave Stephens his freedom. However, all of our family knew he did it and living with the fact that he was out running loose was beyond stressful.
During the time from May 1976 until the year 2000, Families and Friends were always there for us. We not only received cards on the anniversary of her death and her birthday, but personal phone calls were made by different staff members to check up on us. That was 24 years of consoling help – offered by them.
In 1999 the Lynnwood Police Department re-opened our case. They had wisely held on to evidence and with the use of DNA, proved that Stephens was the murderer. On April 25, 2000, Stephens was sentenced.
Families and Friends was there for us through all the court procedures – arraignment, bail hearings and the sentencing. They knew that the old wounds would be opened again, and they were.
To me, they are the most viable victims organization in existence. The need they fill is priceless. This is largely due to the fact that they know how you are feeling because they themselves have “walked the walk.” I would like to encourage everyone, businesses and private citizens, to help keep this organization alive by making any donation that you possibly can.
Lynnwood
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