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OP-ED: SEEKING CLOSURE

Seeking closure for an untimely violent death of your child is a path no parent should be forced to travel upon.

A young woman died of fatal injuries sustained May 30, 2016. It was alleged she jumped out from a moving vehicle driven by her spouse. Apparently alcohol was involved. Pending investigations, the victim was finally laid to rest two weeks later.

As time passed the victims parents in their 70s, are drowning in a living nightmare of grief and unanswered questions. A void full of; How? Why? Was enough done for their child? How long did she lay on the road surrounded by people and police officers before anyone helped her? Did she suffer much pain? Did she jump or was she pushed? All they had to go on was the officer saying, “No foul play indicated.” As time passed, more questions and suspicions developed, flooding their minds and straining their hearts.

Finally, the elderly couple decides to visit the Commissioner for any assistance or reassurance. Since the incident, no one has approached them for any information pertaining to their daughter.

7 July 2016, the grieving parents showed up and spoke with the Deputy Commish. They were reassured that all files are complete and have been forwarded to the AG office. When the parents requested for a copy, the Deputy referred them to the Commissioner’s Office. The Commissioner’s Office staff denied receiving any documents but was instructed by the Deputy to give them a few days to compile the documents and to wait for the Commissioner’s return from off island.

According to the parents, two pieces of information were shared by the Deputy Dir. #1, Yes he is disappointed with his officers not administrating the breathalyzer, Field Sobriety test or Blood alcohol test. #2, the initial investigation was allegedly halted.

With the understanding the Attorney General's office hands are tied without the investigation packet, the couple decided to visit the Governor’s office to see if he could shake loose the investigation packet. They strongly felt this situation should have never reached this high, knowing how busy the Governor is.

The couple received lip service reassurance and returned home more agitated then comforted. One concern is no formal charges have been rendered yet.

6/17/2016 SN issue; The Governor sends Strong memo Regarding Acting Directors. It is sad that contrary to the Governor’s public statement on absent Directors and their Acting Director, the direction was not followed. In my opinion, this is a perfect example of noncompliance or ignoring the Governor’s mandates. Perfect examples of hindering and compromising cases. A case that has the potential to backlash against the government rather than the offender. A case preventing a victim and their families from receiving justice.

When a family is forced to seek alternative means to be heard rather than smeared and buried in a failure to perform bureaucracy, our society is in danger. I can imagine many similar circumstances.

Mr & Mrs. Shuster, thank you for sharing your painful frustrations and experiences. Your driving force is JUSTICE for victims and victimized families of violence. It takes courage to willingly bare your soul for your daughter, to prevent and spare our people from this type of unconscionable treatment. Courage to break the silence and the yoke of uncertainty. 

As an advocate for victims of family violence and human trafficking, I and many others will stand with you for the sake of JUSTICE. God Bless and comfort you and your family. - See more at: http://www.samoanews.com/content/en/op-ed-seeking-closure#sthash.nvVd4LQ6.dpuf

 

OP-ED: SEEKING CLOSURE

 

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(7/17/16)

Seeking closure for an untimely violent death of your child is a path no parent should be forced to travel upon.
 
A young woman died of fatal injuries sustained May 30, 2016. It was alleged she jumped out from a moving vehicle driven by her spouse. Apparently alcohol was involved. Pending investigations, the victim was finally laid to rest two weeks later.
 
As time passed the victims parents in their 70s, are drowning in a living nightmare of grief and unanswered questions. A void full of; How? Why? Was enough done for their child? How long did she lay on the road surrounded by people and police officers before anyone helped her? Did she suffer much pain? Did she jump or was she pushed? All they had to go on was the officer saying, “No foul play indicated.” As time passed, more questions and suspicions developed, flooding their minds and straining their hearts.
 
Finally, the elderly couple decides to visit the Commissioner for any assistance or reassurance. Since the incident, no one has approached them for any information pertaining to their daughter.
 
7 July 2016, the grieving parents showed up and spoke with the Deputy Commish. They were reassured that all files are complete and have been forwarded to the AG office. When the parents requested for a copy, the Deputy referred them to the Commissioner’s Office. The Commissioner’s Office staff denied receiving any documents but was instructed by the Deputy to give them a few days to compile the documents and to wait for the Commissioner’s return from off island.
 
According to the parents, two pieces of information were shared by the Deputy Dir. #1, Yes he is disappointed with his officers not administrating the breathalyzer, Field Sobriety test or Blood alcohol test. #2, the initial investigation was allegedly halted.
 
With the understanding the Attorney General's office hands are tied without the investigation packet, the couple decided to visit the Governor’s office to see if he could shake loose the investigation packet. They strongly felt this situation should have never reached this high, knowing how busy the Governor is.
 
The couple received lip service reassurance and returned home more agitated then comforted. One concern is no formal charges have been rendered yet.
 
6/17/2016 SN issue; The Governor sends Strong memo Regarding Acting Directors. It is sad that contrary to the Governor’s public statement on absent Directors and their Acting Director, the direction was not followed. In my opinion, this is a perfect example of noncompliance or ignoring the Governor’s mandates. Perfect examples of hindering and compromising cases. A case that has the potential to backlash against the government rather than the offender. A case preventing a victim and their families from receiving justice.
 
When a family is forced to seek alternative means to be heard rather than smeared and buried in a failure to perform bureaucracy, our society is in danger. I can imagine many similar circumstances.
 
Mr & Mrs. Shuster, thank you for sharing your painful frustrations and experiences. Your driving force is JUSTICE for victims and victimized families of violence. It takes courage to willingly bare your soul for your daughter, to prevent and spare our people from this type of unconscionable treatment. Courage to break the silence and the yoke of uncertainty. 
 
As an advocate for victims of family violence and human trafficking, I and many others will stand with you for the sake of JUSTICE. God Bless and comfort you and your family.

- See more at: http://www.samoanews.com/content/en/op-ed-seeking-closure#sthash.nvVd4LQ...

OP-ED: SEEKING CLOSURE

 

ShareThis LinkedIn Pinterest

(7/17/16)

Seeking closure for an untimely violent death of your child is a path no parent should be forced to travel upon.
 
A young woman died of fatal injuries sustained May 30, 2016. It was alleged she jumped out from a moving vehicle driven by her spouse. Apparently alcohol was involved. Pending investigations, the victim was finally laid to rest two weeks later.
 
As time passed the victims parents in their 70s, are drowning in a living nightmare of grief and unanswered questions. A void full of; How? Why? Was enough done for their child? How long did she lay on the road surrounded by people and police officers before anyone helped her? Did she suffer much pain? Did she jump or was she pushed? All they had to go on was the officer saying, “No foul play indicated.” As time passed, more questions and suspicions developed, flooding their minds and straining their hearts.
 
Finally, the elderly couple decides to visit the Commissioner for any assistance or reassurance. Since the incident, no one has approached them for any information pertaining to their daughter.
 
7 July 2016, the grieving parents showed up and spoke with the Deputy Commish. They were reassured that all files are complete and have been forwarded to the AG office. When the parents requested for a copy, the Deputy referred them to the Commissioner’s Office. The Commissioner’s Office staff denied receiving any documents but was instructed by the Deputy to give them a few days to compile the documents and to wait for the Commissioner’s return from off island.
 
According to the parents, two pieces of information were shared by the Deputy Dir. #1, Yes he is disappointed with his officers not administrating the breathalyzer, Field Sobriety test or Blood alcohol test. #2, the initial investigation was allegedly halted.
 
With the understanding the Attorney General's office hands are tied without the investigation packet, the couple decided to visit the Governor’s office to see if he could shake loose the investigation packet. They strongly felt this situation should have never reached this high, knowing how busy the Governor is.
 
The couple received lip service reassurance and returned home more agitated then comforted. One concern is no formal charges have been rendered yet.
 
6/17/2016 SN issue; The Governor sends Strong memo Regarding Acting Directors. It is sad that contrary to the Governor’s public statement on absent Directors and their Acting Director, the direction was not followed. In my opinion, this is a perfect example of noncompliance or ignoring the Governor’s mandates. Perfect examples of hindering and compromising cases. A case that has the potential to backlash against the government rather than the offender. A case preventing a victim and their families from receiving justice.
 
When a family is forced to seek alternative means to be heard rather than smeared and buried in a failure to perform bureaucracy, our society is in danger. I can imagine many similar circumstances.
 
Mr & Mrs. Shuster, thank you for sharing your painful frustrations and experiences. Your driving force is JUSTICE for victims and victimized families of violence. It takes courage to willingly bare your soul for your daughter, to prevent and spare our people from this type of unconscionable treatment. Courage to break the silence and the yoke of uncertainty. 
 
As an advocate for victims of family violence and human trafficking, I and many others will stand with you for the sake of JUSTICE. God Bless and comfort you and your family.

- See more at: http://www.samoanews.com/content/en/op-ed-seeking-closure#sthash.nvVd4LQ...

(7/17/16)

Seeking closure for an untimely violent death of your child is a path no parent should be forced to travel upon.
 
A young woman died of fatal injuries sustained May 30, 2016. It was alleged she jumped out from a moving vehicle driven by her spouse. Apparently alcohol was involved. Pending investigations, the victim was finally laid to rest two weeks later.
 
As time passed the victims parents in their 70s, are drowning in a living nightmare of grief and unanswered questions. A void full of; How? Why? Was enough done for their child? How long did she lay on the road surrounded by people and police officers before anyone helped her? Did she suffer much pain? Did she jump or was she pushed? All they had to go on was the officer saying, “No foul play indicated.” As time passed, more questions and suspicions developed, flooding their minds and straining their hearts.
 
Finally, the elderly couple decides to visit the Commissioner for any assistance or reassurance. Since the incident, no one has approached them for any information pertaining to their daughter.
 
7 July 2016, the grieving parents showed up and spoke with the Deputy Commish. They were reassured that all files are complete and have been forwarded to the AG office. When the parents requested for a copy, the Deputy referred them to the Commissioner’s Office. The Commissioner’s Office staff denied receiving any documents but was instructed by the Deputy to give them a few days to compile the documents and to wait for the Commissioner’s return from off island.
 
According to the parents, two pieces of information were shared by the Deputy Dir. #1, Yes he is disappointed with his officers not administrating the breathalyzer, Field Sobriety test or Blood alcohol test. #2, the initial investigation was allegedly halted.
 
With the understanding the Attorney General's office hands are tied without the investigation packet, the couple decided to visit the Governor’s office to see if he could shake loose the investigation packet. They strongly felt this situation should have never reached this high, knowing how busy the Governor is.
 
The couple received lip service reassurance and returned home more agitated then comforted. One concern is no formal charges have been rendered yet.
 
6/17/2016 SN issue; The Governor sends Strong memo Regarding Acting Directors. It is sad that contrary to the Governor’s public statement on absent Directors and their Acting Director, the direction was not followed. In my opinion, this is a perfect example of noncompliance or ignoring the Governor’s mandates. Perfect examples of hindering and compromising cases. A case that has the potential to backlash against the government rather than the offender. A case preventing a victim and their families from receiving justice.
 
When a family is forced to seek alternative means to be heard rather than smeared and buried in a failure to perform bureaucracy, our society is in danger. I can imagine many similar circumstances.
 
Mr & Mrs. Shuster, thank you for sharing your painful frustrations and experiences. Your driving force is JUSTICE for victims and victimized families of violence. It takes courage to willingly bare your soul for your daughter, to prevent and spare our people from this type of unconscionable treatment. Courage to break the silence and the yoke of uncertainty. 
 
As an advocate for victims of family violence and human trafficking, I and many others will stand with you for the sake of JUSTICE. God Bless and comfort you and your family.

- See more at: http://www.samoanews.com/content/en/op-ed-seeking-closure#sthash.nvVd4LQ...

(7/17/16)

Seeking closure for an untimely violent death of your child is a path no parent should be forced to travel upon.
 
A young woman died of fatal injuries sustained May 30, 2016. It was alleged she jumped out from a moving vehicle driven by her spouse. Apparently alcohol was involved. Pending investigations, the victim was finally laid to rest two weeks later.
 
As time passed the victims parents in their 70s, are drowning in a living nightmare of grief and unanswered questions. A void full of; How? Why? Was enough done for their child? How long did she lay on the road surrounded by people and police officers before anyone helped her? Did she suffer much pain? Did she jump or was she pushed? All they had to go on was the officer saying, “No foul play indicated.” As time passed, more questions and suspicions developed, flooding their minds and straining their hearts.
 
Finally, the elderly couple decides to visit the Commissioner for any assistance or reassurance. Since the incident, no one has approached them for any information pertaining to their daughter.
 
7 July 2016, the grieving parents showed up and spoke with the Deputy Commish. They were reassured that all files are complete and have been forwarded to the AG office. When the parents requested for a copy, the Deputy referred them to the Commissioner’s Office. The Commissioner’s Office staff denied receiving any documents but was instructed by the Deputy to give them a few days to compile the documents and to wait for the Commissioner’s return from off island.
 
According to the parents, two pieces of information were shared by the Deputy Dir. #1, Yes he is disappointed with his officers not administrating the breathalyzer, Field Sobriety test or Blood alcohol test. #2, the initial investigation was allegedly halted.
 
With the understanding the Attorney General's office hands are tied without the investigation packet, the couple decided to visit the Governor’s office to see if he could shake loose the investigation packet. They strongly felt this situation should have never reached this high, knowing how busy the Governor is.
 
The couple received lip service reassurance and returned home more agitated then comforted. One concern is no formal charges have been rendered yet.
 
6/17/2016 SN issue; The Governor sends Strong memo Regarding Acting Directors. It is sad that contrary to the Governor’s public statement on absent Directors and their Acting Director, the direction was not followed. In my opinion, this is a perfect example of noncompliance or ignoring the Governor’s mandates. Perfect examples of hindering and compromising cases. A case that has the potential to backlash against the government rather than the offender. A case preventing a victim and their families from receiving justice.
 
When a family is forced to seek alternative means to be heard rather than smeared and buried in a failure to perform bureaucracy, our society is in danger. I can imagine many similar circumstances.
 
Mr & Mrs. Shuster, thank you for sharing your painful frustrations and experiences. Your driving force is JUSTICE for victims and victimized families of violence. It takes courage to willingly bare your soul for your daughter, to prevent and spare our people from this type of unconscionable treatment. Courage to break the silence and the yoke of uncertainty. 
 
As an advocate for victims of family violence and human trafficking, I and many others will stand with you for the sake of JUSTICE. God Bless and comfort you and your family.

- See more at: http://www.samoanews.com/content/en/op-ed-seeking-closure#sthash.nvVd4LQ...

Seeking closure for an untimely violent death of your child is a path no parent should be forced to travel upon.
 
A young woman died of fatal injuries sustained May 30, 2016. It was alleged she jumped out from a moving vehicle driven by her spouse. Apparently alcohol was involved. Pending investigations, the victim was finally laid to rest two weeks later.
 
As time passed the victims parents in their 70s, are drowning in a living nightmare of grief and unanswered questions. A void full of; How? Why? Was enough done for their child? How long did she lay on the road surrounded by people and police officers before anyone helped her? Did she suffer much pain? Did she jump or was she pushed? All they had to go on was the officer saying, “No foul play indicated.” As time passed, more questions and suspicions developed, flooding their minds and straining their hearts.
 
Finally, the elderly couple decides to visit the Commissioner for any assistance or reassurance. Since the incident, no one has approached them for any information pertaining to their daughter.
 
7 July 2016, the grieving parents showed up and spoke with the Deputy Commish. They were reassured that all files are complete and have been forwarded to the AG office. When the parents requested for a copy, the Deputy referred them to the Commissioner’s Office. The Commissioner’s Office staff denied receiving any documents but was instructed by the Deputy to give them a few days to compile the documents and to wait for the Commissioner’s return from off island.
 
According to the parents, two pieces of information were shared by the Deputy Dir. #1, Yes he is disappointed with his officers not administrating the breathalyzer, Field Sobriety test or Blood alcohol test. #2, the initial investigation was allegedly halted.
 
With the understanding the Attorney General's office hands are tied without the investigation packet, the couple decided to visit the Governor’s office to see if he could shake loose the investigation packet. They strongly felt this situation should have never reached this high, knowing how busy the Governor is.
 
The couple received lip service reassurance and returned home more agitated then comforted. One concern is no formal charges have been rendered yet.
 
6/17/2016 SN issue; The Governor sends Strong memo Regarding Acting Directors. It is sad that contrary to the Governor’s public statement on absent Directors and their Acting Director, the direction was not followed. In my opinion, this is a perfect example of noncompliance or ignoring the Governor’s mandates. Perfect examples of hindering and compromising cases. A case that has the potential to backlash against the government rather than the offender. A case preventing a victim and their families from receiving justice.
 
When a family is forced to seek alternative means to be heard rather than smeared and buried in a failure to perform bureaucracy, our society is in danger. I can imagine many similar circumstances.
 
Mr & Mrs. Shuster, thank you for sharing your painful frustrations and experiences. Your driving force is JUSTICE for victims and victimized families of violence. It takes courage to willingly bare your soul for your daughter, to prevent and spare our people from this type of unconscionable treatment. Courage to break the silence and the yoke of uncertainty. 
 
As an advocate for victims of family violence and human trafficking, I and many others will stand with you for the sake of JUSTICE. God Bless and comfort you and your family. - See more at: http://www.samoanews.com/content/en/op-ed-seeking-closure#sthash.nvVd4LQ...