Beyond the Abyss
Sharing a Journey of Hope After the Murder of Loved One
By: Brenda Dutton O’Quin
The mystery of human interactions is perplexing. We have no idea what our words may mean to someone. Encouraging words, the touch of a hand, the sincere, warm, caring smile, creates a healing place that can literally save lives. This book explores, in detail, the journey from the abyss to the light, through true stories and insights by those who traveled the road from despair to rebuilding hope and reclaiming joy again, and the people who support them.
Brenda Dutton O’Quin, author of Beyond the Abyss will share her story and her personal journey to find hope again after the murder of her 17-year-old son, Michael McEachern and his 16-year-old friend, Katy Nesbit. This information will be invaluable to other co-victims, families, and to all who have experienced the traumatic death of a loved one or friend. This book is about hope and is an excellent resource for those who may encounter co-victims of traumatic grief caused by violence. The story is beneficial to media, clergy, teachers, communities, and law enforcement who meet co-victims of crime. Contributing writers include Dr. Dana Austin, Forensic Anthropologist retired rom the Tarrant Medical Examiner’s Office, Paul K Harral, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, VP of the Editorial Section, Retired, Dr. Al Valdez, Professor at the University of California at Irvine, and Kelly Willis, Victim Services Coordinator, Tarrant County Juvenile Services, retired. Their contributions enable a better understanding of the journey from different perspectives.
Contributors
Dr. Dana Austin
Dr. Dana Austin, a Diplomate and Past President of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, retired as the forensic anthropologist for the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s District.
Read More...
She served in that capacity from 1996 to 2021. Dr. Austin received her double major B.S. in Biochemistry and Anthropology from the University of Maryland at College Park. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Physical Anthropology from the University of Florida. Since 1986, she has consulted on cases involving skeletal recovery and analysis with numerous medical examiners and law enforcement agencies.
Paul K. Harral
Paul K. Harral is a retired journalist with extensive experience in wire service, newspaper, magazine, broadcast and on-line news media.
Read More...
He is a graduate of Baylor University and served in multiple roles at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram where he was ultimately vice president and editor of the editorial page for the newspaper. While he was an ombudsman of the newspaper, he was involved with a newly formed chapter of Parents of Murdered Children in developing presentations and suggested procedures for the coverage of violent crime involving children.
Dr. Al Valdez
Dr. Valdez is currently the Director of the Public Policy Laboratory and a professor for the School of Social Sciences, at the University of California, Irvine.
Read More...
Al’s research and teaching focus has been on street gang formation and membership, both domestically and internationally, the effect of trauma on the developing brain, the neurochemistry of the trauma response, how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) during adolescent can affect adolescent and adult behaviors and the neuropharmacology of drugs on the brain. He retired after 28 years in criminal justice.
Kelly Willis
Kelly Willis is a founding member and supervisor of Tarrant County Juvenile Services’ Victim Assistance Unit, one of the first juvenile probation victim assistance programs in Texas.
Read More...
The Victim Assistance Unit was formed in 1996. In addition to direct and court services for crime victims; the Unit instituted Victim Impact Panels, a program where victims of violence shared their stories regarding the impact of crime and violence to juvenile offenders. The Unit also enhanced the department’s Victim-Offender Mediation Program.
This book is about the journey through the depths of the Abyss caused by the murder of my 17 year-old son Michael and his 16 year-old friend, Katy.
If you are ever faced with something similiar this will be a solace help heal encourage, and aid in the path and obstacles you may face.
This book is about hope. The book will give you information about navigating the maze of comples grief compounded by violence’