During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we take time to remember women who were murdered by an intimate partner, especially those in the state of Texas. Last year (2012) there were 114 women killed in the state of Texas. Three of those victims lived and died in the service area of Family Abuse Center. One in Hill County and two in McLennan. All the names can be accessed at the website of the Texas Council on Family Violence. Each confirmed fatality includes the date of the woman’s death and the city in which she was killed, followed by a short description of the circumstances relevant to the murder.
Hill County:
Judy Cryer Thomas, 57
Larry Thomas, 62, shot and killed his wife Judy in the bedroom of their home. Thomas then shot and killed himself. Their son discovered their bodies when he arrived for a visit. Judy is survived by her adult son.
McLennan County:
Carol Jean Wagner, 60
Jerry Borchardt, 61, suffocated and killed his ex-girlfriend Carol in the bedroom of her home. Carol’s son found her several days later. Authorities charged Borchardt with Carol’s murder after he confessed. Carol is survived by her son.
Kimberly Farr Petetan, 41
Carnell Petetan Jr., 36 shot and killed his wife Kimberly in her home. On the night of the murder, neighbors heard fighting and then gunshots, some of which entered neighboring homes. After killing Kimberly, Petetan kidnapped her 9 year old daughter. Law enforcement arrested Petetan during a traffic stop where they found Kimberly’s daughter physically unharmed. Neighbors report Petetan had a history of family violence. The murder occurred five months after Petetan completed a prison sentence for attempted murder. Prosecutors indicted Petetan for the murder of Kimberly. Kimberly is survived by her 9 year old daughter, two adult sons, and an adult daughter.
Join staff and community members at the Suspension Bridge on October 22 at 5:30 to take a few moments to remember the women killed in our area. Please remember all women who lost their lives due to domestic violence and the countless others who are not on this list, as well as those still suffering each day living with domestic violence.