Domestic tragedy stuns neighbors

By MIKE DUPRE'   Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008
ADVERTISEMENT
 

— Before Janesville police officially announced that a local couple had been killed in an apparent murder-suicide Saturday morning, neighbors of Rexhep and Shukrije Menxhiqi had an inkling how they died.

The neighbors were stunned.

The Menxhiqis had immigrated from Albania. They and their five children—ages 9 through 20—lived at 12 N. Washington St., Janesville, since 2000 or 1999.

Alice and David Shetler, now of Milton, were neighbors for more than a year, living next door at 16 N. Washington St.

“They were good neighbors, good friends,” Alice said. “They were very nice people, polite people with good kids.”

The Shetlers and Marty Johnson and Troy Thompson, both of whom now live at 16 N. Washington St., said they had never heard a disturbance or argument between Rexhep and Shukrije.

“They were the nicest people,” Thompson said. “The kids were mindful.”

David Shetler said: ‘They’d give you the shirt off their back. You want something in the garden, just pick it.”

Alice Shetler added: “We had sat at their picnic table and had tea with them. They drank tea.”

David Shetler said: “They were the politest, nicest kids …

Alice finished the sentence: “… you could ever run into.”

Rexhep apparently shot Shukrije several times, before turning the small-caliber handgun on himself, reported Lt. Tim Hiers, head of the Janesville Police Department’s detective bureau.

“This appears to be a domestic violence tragedy where the husband shot his wife and then took his own life using a handgun,” Hiers read from a prepared statement. “There had been no prior police contacts at this residence for issues of domestic violence.”

Police also had not been to the home or had contact with the family regarding mental health issues, Hiers said.

Police had not yet determined a motive for the shootings, he added.

The couple were found dead in the same room, Police Chief Neil Mahan said, but neither he nor Hiers would disclose which room it was or what caliber the pistol was.

Four of the couple’s five children—two boys, three girls—were home at the time. One of them called 911 from the home.

None of the children was injured, although the couple’s 18-year-old daughter tried to intervene and help her mother after she heard gunshots, Hiers said.

The four children who were home range in age from 9 to 18, Hiers said. A 20-year-old son was not home at the time of the shooting about 9 a.m.

Police were still sorting out whether any of the children had actually seen the shootings, Hiers said.

Two police chaplains were meeting with the children, and Rock County Child Protective Services was contacted “to ensure appropriate care and services are provided,” according to the statement.

But Hiers noted that the family’s primary responsibilities now fall on the two adult children.

Rock County Coroner Jenifer Keach took custody of the bodies, which were removed from the home about 2:55 p.m. Autopsies were to be conducted, but Hiers was not sure when, or when results would be available.

Neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be factors in the shooting, Hiers said.

Police tape ringed the two-story white house just north of West Court Street and the vehicles in front of it, the backyard and adjacent alley.

Neighbors and friends sat on their stoops or stood in the shade to watch as officers went in and out of the home. The investigators wore blue plastic booties and gloves so as not to contaminate the shooting scene.

Police had to wait for a judge to sign a search warrant before they could search the house beyond the room in which the bodies were found. The search warrant arrived at 12:22 p.m.

A couple of gawkers snuck into Johnson’s backyard to try to photograph the moving of the bodies, but he and two police officers shooed them away.

Johnson and Thompson were home at 9 a.m., but they said they didn’t hear anything until the police sirens screamed into their neighborhood.

Shukrije worked at Monterey Mills, and Rexhep would buy, repair and sell cars, Alice Shetler said, adding:

“You couldn’t ask for better neighbors.”

The Menxhiqis’ nearest extended relatives appear to live in the family’s native Albania, Hiers said.

But a group of five men huddled across the street, speaking softly in Albanian. They soon were joined by three other men.

One of them, John Islami, was asked if he knew of any trouble between the parents.

“Not so far as I know,” Islami said. “I played chess with him (Rexhep), and his wife was always smiling, always serving, bringing us something to drink and eat.

“It looked like everything was all right,” he said.

Islami said he drove by the Menxhiqi home about 8 a.m. Saturday on his way to play chess at Hedberg Public Library.

All appeared normal then, Islami said, but when he returned a short time later, police had blocked the street.

Told of the observations of friends and neighbors, Hiers said:

“It’s like a lot of things with people: People have a public life and private life.”

Angelique Langlois, 16, and Tina Gibbs, 37, were among the friends outside the Menxhiqi home, watching police go in and out.

“He (Rexhep) always tickled the kids and played with them,” Gibbs said. “They were happy.

“They were always sharing everything. They were always giving their kids everything.

“They were outgoing, more outgoing than most people around here,” Gibb said.

“If you just met them, you’d never know there were any problems at all,” Langlois said. “You’d never know. They’re Albanians. They keep it all in the family.”







reader COMMENTS (48)
warm
Sep 9, 2008 at 9:39 p.m.
Suggest removal

AlboGurl:
Don't take too much of what Mymaro or optimism have to say to heart. They LIVE on this forum and have mainly only negative things to say. After a while, their words become a blur.
.
Can you imagine what their families go through?

prevention
Sep 9, 2008 at 9:22 p.m.
Suggest removal

AlboGurl: I am not sure what's going on in Albania at this time. I don't know what it is like to be somewhere other than your native country. I don't know what it's like to live in a war-torn land.

So, with that said, I appreciate you trying to teach us what it is really like in your homeland. Some people are not as open to differences. They seem to be more comfortable surrounded by people that are like them.

I am not like that. So, it is unfortunate that these children lost their parents. I appreciate you educating us. I pray there are more people out there who try to educate others about there culture and heritage.

THANK YOU!!

AlboGurl
Sep 3, 2008 at 11:41 a.m.
Suggest removal

Thank you cgkm... for ur comment u are exactly right. Reading about Albanian cultures & living in it are 2 different things. U can read about it all u want, some are factual & some are fiction. Like in any culture, there are some ppl out there still practicing primitive behavior. There are Albanians all over the world and the culture has evolved quite a bit since the 15th century as most cultures have but u can't educate ppl who think they know everything about a culture by reading something. There was another murder-suicide in Edgerton not too long ago & not such a big deal was made about that incident. My point was just because they have foreign names, some ppl here were so quick to judge why this unfortunate incident happened based purely on what they have read about their culture. Don't ASSUME!!!! This is another tragedy in America. So sad. God Bless those that have set up the fund to help the children.

danias
Sep 3, 2008 at 8:47 a.m.
Suggest removal

I'm glad someone is setting up a fund for the kids. But I was wondering do they need any other donations like cloths and other items like that for school? aren't the older kids only 18 and 19 that is a big responsibility I hope friends do help these kids and the system and I'll be praying for you.

ckgm11506
Sep 3, 2008 at 8:03 a.m.
Suggest removal

How about all you people with "opinions" and remarks keep it to yourself. I am very close with this family and to see all these remarks are very disturbing. Keep things to yourself if you are not albanian you know nothing on how their culture is and what is right and wrong. Read all you want but you see the same things happen here. It is never right for somebody to be killed. Anyway, anybody who wants to help the children I am setting up a fund at Associated Bank today. THese kids need all the help they can get. There will be an update article with this information in it probably on Thursday.

optimism
Sep 2, 2008 at 9:17 p.m.
Suggest removal

Anyway, to get back on topic, I hope these children find emotional strength and healing. My prayers go out to you and your family.

optimism
Sep 2, 2008 at 9:16 p.m.
Suggest removal

And just to CLARIFY, (and if you reread my posts you will see) I never once said "over there" as a factual statement, I was stating that they may not react to these types of tragedies as WE in America do, being they have different cultural practices. I never claimed I KNOW FOR SURE how they behave in ALBANIA.....please read things in their entirety and if you have questions regarding the meaning, don't fill in your own blanks, please ask for clarification. NO ONE can deny, that other countries can have very uncivilized practices. Yes, to them, they would feel very much in the norm, but to us, it isn't, so it is all in the way things are perceived.

optimism
Sep 2, 2008 at 9:12 p.m.
Suggest removal

MYMARO.......T*H*A*N*K Y*O*U!!!!!

mymaro
Sep 2, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
Suggest removal

a little defensive arent we albogurl? i wasnt picking on anyone. did you read my entire post or just the part about where you were trying to mislead us about albanian culture? NEVER did I say it was an "honor" killing either now did I?

I dont profess to know all about albanian culture but I sure can read. and it sure seems you are wrong. here is another piece from a website called "International campaign against honor killings"_______-------------------

According to the Centre for Albanian Women in Tirana, the amount of crimes committed at the heart of the family due to intra-generational conflict has been increasing over the years. And generational conflict often means conflict between father and daughter. Sons are allowed to enjoy their new freedoms, but this is forbidden to daughters, says the sociologist Eglantina Gjermeni, who is also director of the Centre. “Young Albanian men also show a new behaviours and a new outlook on life, but they have the right, because they are men. This comes from our mentality: we say, it’s good for a man to do what he wants.”

A girl is like a glass, say the old Albanians; once broken, there is no way to make repairs. Zamira is 25 years old, and lives in one of the few refuges for women in Albania. In a few weeks, she will deliver a baby. She is pregnant and unmarried. This is her ‘shame’, and the reason her family are hunting her.

really it is neither here nor there because I truly believe the tragedy that happened here in janesville was not anything even remotely related to this topic. however, if youre trying to educate someone on what you say is your culture you shouldnt do it so misleadingly. I believe that they may be trying to change this but what i see all over the net is that it is still occuring rather frequently.

AlboGurl
Sep 2, 2008 at 6:09 p.m.
Suggest removal

Bravo mymaro! U did ur homework. The "Kanun" of Leke Dukagjini is a code of principles set forth in the 15th century by Prince Leke of Albania. At that time, many cultures had different codes they followed such as honor killings, blood feuds,etc. These rules have evolved over time as have other cultural behaviors. There are some cultures that still practice honor killings as I'm sure u have seen in the media, but as an Albanian, I do not know of any Albanians that do. It is a dead topic & highly frowned upon when heard of happening in any culture. But that's not the issue here, and to clarify, optimism didn't call it an honor killing, rather what he said was that "this type of stuff happens all the time over there" - is just absurd! This type of stuff? Murder-Suicide? How many of those do u hear about being comitted by other US residents? Just because you can pronounce THEIR names it's ok to call it murder-suicide? But if it's a foriegn name it has to be associated w/honor killings or other cultural behaviors you read or hear about? How do u know it happens over there all the time? Have u ever been there? or lived there? U are just ASSUMING. Don't ASSUME & don't pick on ppl that are not here to defend themselves. This was a domestic dispute gone bad in America, one of the nations with the highest crime rates. U don't know what was going on within that family. All I can say is it's very sad that this had to happen & the husband didn't seek help prior. There are 5 children out there who need our support and prayers, not to read about us arguing about codes that were set in 15th Century Albania. If u want to know more about Albanian cultures ask an Albanian person and get ur facts straight.

mymaro
Sep 2, 2008 at 4:09 p.m.
Suggest removal

i didnt really want to get in this argument but i feel i must. I first want to say that i dont care where these people are from or what is accepted in their country. they were in america and seemed to be living a law abiding productive life here. It is terribly tragic that this happened and i wish the best for those poor children. it seems they ahve alot of friends that are more than willing to help.
Not sure why this happened but the war trauma aspect that some folks brought up could be dead on. The things this man went through can cause anguish for the rest of a persons life.

with that said i would like to ask albogurl why she is not very up on her own culture. she says that "honor killings" are not a part of albanian society. well if you do some research you will find out she is totally wrong. the following quote came from a news website.---"Honour killings are deeply rooted in Albanian society and were given formal recognition in the collection of medieval tribal laws known as the “Canon of Lekë Dukagjini”.

I do not for one second believe this is a honor killing but to attack optimism as albogurl did and telling him to do some learning is absurd. she doesnt even know the history of her own culture. if she does her research she will see that theres a 1000 websites with info on "honor" killings in albania.

directory
Sep 2, 2008 at 2:30 p.m.
Suggest removal

Albogurl, your comments were moving. Shukrije's spinach pies were delicious. We would buy them from the family at Whitewater.
Remember the family with good memories and let's all take care of the children.

optimism
Sep 2, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
Suggest removal

AND I would really like to know where some came up with the term "honor killing"? I never ONCE said that. Never.

optimism
Sep 2, 2008 at 1:29 p.m.
Suggest removal

Just because some people are always on the defense, doesn't mean all comments are accusations.

optimism
Sep 2, 2008 at 1:28 p.m.
Suggest removal

If you all would read my posts in their entirety, you would come to the realization that I don't assume anything. I am merely stating facts. Facts that state not all countries are made up of the same humanity. PERIOD. So, us American's can always ASSUME that all deal with tragedies the same way as our country does. I am just asking you to all be logical in YOUR assumptions.

AlboGurl
Sep 2, 2008 at 1 p.m.
Suggest removal

Optimism, plz get ur facts straight before u post next time. I'm afraid ur confusing "Albanian" with "Arabian", this is not an honor killing. This was unfortunately a murder-suicide as a result of a domestic dispute gone awry, which happens quite a bit in the US if you paid attention to the media as JohnDoe suggested. I am Albanian & murder-suicide is not something that is "accepted" or happens often in the Albanian society. Where do u get ur info? Regardless, educate urself before u go around accusing ppl. I know this family, they came here sponsored by the US during the Kosovo-Serbian war approx 10 yrs ago, so they ARE here legally & may very well have become US citizens because u only have to be here 5 yrs to do so. This family went through a lot in that war & this man was very traumatized, too bad he did not get the help he needed to move past that. Kudos to Janesvillean for doing their homework & being familiar w/war trauma, etc. So don't be so quick to judge ppl & cultures because the US is full of all sorts of crimes being committed daily. So which country or culture do u wanna blame ppl killing their innocent little children or child molestation/abductions on???? My point is don't "assume" things because as the old saying goes . . . u make an a.. out of u & me. Every country has crimes. My heart goes out to the "victims" of this tragedgy, the children. May time heal their sorrow & give them strength to move on.

optimism
Sep 2, 2008 at 12:14 p.m.
Suggest removal

I was finished commenting on this being people are so quick to judge...which is NOT WHAT I AM DOING....but I had to comment to SOUIX....you say to mind my own business...well, when the gazette printed this as public news, it became my business as well as yours. :)

sarac53545
Sep 2, 2008 at 10:37 a.m.
Suggest removal

The Associated Bank at 2720 N. Lexington Drive plans to set up an account today for the family. People can donate by bringing money to that location. More details weren’t immediately available.

siouxsie
Sep 2, 2008 at 6 a.m.
Suggest removal

I cannot comprehend where some of you think that this was an "Honor Killing". Optimism, you truly do not understand the Albainian culture. As for "this happens all the time over there", are you sure? You have lived in the Albainian community? It's no wonder they try to keep their culture to themselves. Just because you don't understand gives you no reason to judge. It is irrelevant if they are American or not. You fail to see that first and foremost they are HUMAN BEINGS, and on that reason alone they deserve respect. Maybe instead of assuming what happened you should mind your own business and wait for the facts. I honestly don't believe it really concerns you, unless of course, you are their family or the police.

gymnast9180
Sep 1, 2008 at 7:37 p.m.
Suggest removal

i know one of the menxhiqui girls and she is my age and one of my very best friends and i feel for her 150%!

prevention
Sep 1, 2008 at 7:36 p.m.
Suggest removal

AMEN, JENDOOD! I'm not sure I could have stated it better. And, I admit, I may have interpreted optimism original post incorrectly.

My apologies, optimism!

jendood
Sep 1, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Suggest removal

Right, so it may be more common or even "accepted" in other cultures - but why should they NOT be helped out, whether they are "legal citizens" or not?? Seems to me, those kids don't have a say in whether they are here in the US, legal or not, and no matter what country OR culture they are from, they just lost their parents - possibly even witnessed! And yes, there are a lot of people everywhere that need help, but I personally don't see a single reason to deny these children of help (which is what it sounded like Optimism's point was), regardless of the position their parents put them in.

Aarons1992RS
Sep 1, 2008 at 6:49 p.m.
Suggest removal

I know two of the Menxhiqui girls, they are close friends, and great people. Always a riot to be around. I didn't know their parents, but I am sure they were also very nice, and from what I have heard from the girls, they were very loving, caring parents. I can't believe that people on here are making their citizenship sound more inportant than their death. What a cold hearted thought, and should it even matter? Two people are dead! I am deeply sorry for the loss this family has suffered, the Menxhiqui girls that I have become friends with are amazing people, and the best friends that someone could ask for. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. I would be very happy to donate to any fund for this family.

mymaro
Sep 1, 2008 at 5:59 p.m.
Suggest removal

i also agree with optimism on his/her points about what is accepted in other cultures but in ours would be unthinkable. The fact is that in some cultures "honor killing" is still quite prevelant. among other forms of unthinkable violence. Wasnt to long ago they had a story about a family from the middle east living in canada and the father killed his daughter because she wouldnt go for the "arranged marriage" and chose to date someone from another religion.

optimism
Sep 1, 2008 at 4:18 p.m.
Suggest removal

JANESVILLEAN....also, if I am so ignorant of my beliefs of the world, you can honestly tell me that it is "the American way" to kill babies as it is in China if you have too many or the wrong "desired" sex? See what I am saying, although it is ok there, and those people except that behavior, if they were to come to our country and commit the same act, we would all be shocked, while they would feel it was ok.....do you get what I mean?

optimism
Sep 1, 2008 at 4:10 p.m.
Suggest removal

JANESVILLEAN....Better yet, join the Peace Corp.

optimism
Sep 1, 2008 at 4:09 p.m.
Suggest removal

Thank you MOMof5. It saddens me that people can be so quick to call names. We all have our own principles and beliefs, and one shouldn't resort to elementary behavior and be the playground bully and call names. That is just as wrong as they believe I am. And as far as psychological "problems" as someone put it, each and EVERYONE of us has some sort of PSYCHOLOGICAL problem...whether it be as simple as a spider phobia or 'xenophobia'. I don't display any out of the ordinary characteristics by wanting to be sure we protect our citizens and country. And as I always say.....THERE ARE NEVER ABSOLUTES OR UNIVERSAL TRUTHS, but there are general descriptions and knowledge, and that is what I am referring to. You JANESVILLEAN....go ahead and promote to the world that you believe we all live equally, that is your perogative, but mine is to believe that we don't, and some countries are a bit more callous to these types of situations than others. AND NO, I will not stop posting just because you disagree with me on this particular issue. If that is what you intend to do, is tell people how to think, then you need to open your own blog site, and monitor it as you see fit.

momof5
Sep 1, 2008 at 2:43 p.m.
Suggest removal

I think optimism could have worded their original post better. And, I highly doubt they were intimating that the 9 year old child should suffer any more or less than another 9 year old with citizenship rights in the same tragic situation. And, while it is how it "reads," I doubt "optimism" meant that Americans are the only civilized bunch out there and the rest of the world is a bunch or cave-dwelling chest beating neandrathals.
.
Nonetheless, I do agree with the basic premise of the original post....especially that part of wanting to help children in a time of tragedy. There are 1000s who need help EVERYDAY in any given community.

janesvillean
Sep 1, 2008 at 2 p.m.
Suggest removal

Study: Balkan war wounds run deep
After wars, people of former Yugoslavia still traumatized
http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_art...
.
Study Shows PTSD, Depression Common in Survivors of War in Former Yugoslavia
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/...
.
PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and depression in survivors of the Kosovo War: Experiential avoidance as a contributor
http://www.contextualpsychology.org/Kash...
.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder 10 Times Higher In New Orleans Than In The General Public
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/200...
.
High Rates Of PTSD And Depression Found Among Adults Displaced By War In Uganda
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/200...

janesvillean
Sep 1, 2008 at 11:39 a.m.
Suggest removal

optimism, you should probably stop posting now, as you are only revealing your own incredible ignorance of the world. This idea that other societies tolerate more violence than Americans is not only wrong but despicable. Your idea that people YOU PERSONALLY define as "American", excluding the victims of this tragedy due to your own personal prejudices, are to be looked after first is an affront to the deepest American values. I'm really not sure how to respond to your xenophobia, but you are projecting your own psychological issues onto this story, which has nothing to do with you.

optimism
Sep 1, 2008 at 11:02 a.m.
Suggest removal

JOHNDOE...my request of you is, please logically think about the way our societies/cultures are compared to let's say, IRAQ, IRAN, MEXICO, CHINA.... What we find acceptable and what they do are completely different. Violence is tolerated in much higher amounts in other countries. OUR TROOPS go to prison while committing an act of violence while on duty, theirs get rewarded. That is what I meant about us being civilized. GENERALLY SPEAKING...What hits the news is a fraction of what AMERICANS as a whole are.

optimism
Sep 1, 2008 at 10:56 a.m.
Suggest removal

P.S. IHAVEALIFE...please explain what you meant when you brought my brother into this? If you don't think I tried helping him.....you are sadly mistaken, I have and that is how I came to the conclusion that a person in trouble can not be helped if they don't want to....and they can only lie to you so long after you catch on. I spent MANY YEARS trying to save the world and HIM from himself...doesn't work. That is why I am very careful of how I perceive things. The heart can be a very disruptive interpretator.

optimism
Sep 1, 2008 at 10:53 a.m.
Suggest removal

IHAVEALIFE....no need for bitterness. I was just making a valid point, we need to make sure they are not illegal. I do believe I was taken out of context. I have great respect for the human life, we just need to remember that all cultures are not all the same, and this may not be perceived in this families eyes as it is in ours being that type of violence isn't tolerated in our country, but is in theirs and many others, including mexico. I was just trying to be brief in my comment, but I guess I should have been more detailed at the time. Anyway, it is sad that you made an assumption about me just by a little blurb I made. I have admitted many times that I have had a troubled youth etc...and am the first to admit people deserve compassion etc....I don't have a problem looking in my mirror, as a matter of fact my mirror is very rewarding. I love who I am, and I am a factual thinker when it need be. I don't let my emotions get in the way of what is right and wrong, that is when things get interpreted the wrong way. Sorry to have offended anyone if you thought I don't care about these children, that is the furthest from the truth, but we do need to remember we have many AMERICAN citizens that go through tragedies EVERYDAY, and we need to make sure that the immagrants that need assistance are here legally before we jump on the help wagon. That is all I am saying. If they are true citizens, then by all means, I would also be willing to help them. I hope that I have explained myself well enough....this time.

ihavealife
Sep 1, 2008 at 8:18 a.m.
Suggest removal

optimism...What is wrong with you?? Are you saying if this family aren't American citizens,too bad so sad ?? First and fore most they are human !! I just don't understand were you are coming from.Could you say that to the 9 year old what you just said here ? After reading your post on the way you talk and feel about your brother it does make a little more sense.It's people that think they need no help that need it the most !!(i'm talking about you) Go look in a mirror and hope it doesn't crack !

truecitizen
Sep 1, 2008 at 4:06 a.m.
Suggest removal

This is not the first time Albanian nationals have been brought up in the news, both local and national. Is there a pattern with these immigrants going on here? Remember some cultures do not share the same 'equal' views as American born people, and their households could be much different, thus leading to potential conflict. In Albania, the man is the sole leader of the family, no questions asked, and violence can come out if there are any. I am getting this from people who have had the experience. I personally feel that there is at least a question worthy here, and there is no excuse for this violence. I feel horrible for their kids.

prevention
Sep 1, 2008 at 12:03 a.m.
Suggest removal

optimism: it's not about where you are from. it's the next generation that will carry on this world. you don't have to support someone that is different than you, but pray that they are there for you when you need help. if you want to know if they are american citizens, go talk with whatever government agency you want. it's just about the youth and future of the world!

JohnDoe
Aug 31, 2008 at 11:59 p.m.
Suggest removal

Turn on the news or pick up a paper... and you say Americans are civilized? Give me a break.

JohnDoe
Aug 31, 2008 at 11:55 p.m.
Suggest removal

"Not all are as civilized as Americans."
.
Earth to optimism...get your head out of your....

optimism
Aug 31, 2008 at 10:58 p.m.
Suggest removal

One more thing. They always say....neighbors stunned etc.... OF COURSE they are stunned, if not, don't you think that things would have been reported previously?? DUH.

optimism
Aug 31, 2008 at 10:57 p.m.
Suggest removal

Something like this shouldn't make us want to help children in a tragedy, every day there are children in a tragedy that need our help. If you are truly wanting to help children in a tragedy, you need not find out about it in the CRIME section of the paper. Go to your local YMCA. Or ECHO.

optimism
Aug 31, 2008 at 10:52 p.m.
Suggest removal

Not to offend anyone, but PLEASE....let's find out if they are AMERICAN citizens first. If not, I think this type of stuff happens all the time over there, and they know how to deal with it. We can't expect EVERYONE in the world to deal with things the same as we do. Not all are as civilized as Americans.

sarah07
Aug 31, 2008 at 10:20 p.m.
Suggest removal

hey sarac let me know about that fund i would love to help out in anyway for them kids. them kids are in my prays i know my sister knows the 18 year old went to school with her. and for those people that are the sick that think then need to go take pics like that you have got to have something better in life to do but that think of it this way if it was your love ones you wouldnt want people doing that too you so i am sure this love ones dont want your guys doing that.

sarac53545
Aug 31, 2008 at 6:28 p.m.
Suggest removal

we are going to set up a fund and do some kind of benefit for the family.

tibetrin
Aug 31, 2008 at 12:32 p.m.
Suggest removal

Hopefully there will be a fund set up either with United Way or the families bank. I agree with Prevention....if we contact RCSS, or CPS, perhaps they will have some information on how we can help as a concerned and compassionate community.

prevention
Aug 31, 2008 at 11:35 a.m.
Suggest removal

Sarah,
I know mere16 stated in another comment section that she knew two of the kids. I can't remember which article it was, but I just asked that mere16 keep us posted. That's all I can say, maybe call Rock County Social Services?

garyprimer
Aug 31, 2008 at 10:21 a.m.
Suggest removal

Sounds like there were quite a few gawkers.

SarahB
Aug 31, 2008 at 9:44 a.m.
Suggest removal

Tibetrin: I agree with you 100 percent! To take advantage of a tragic event to get one's own thrill is extremely selfish. On another note, does anyone know if there is a way for the community to help the couple's children? I cannot even imagine the pain and shock they are experiencing. They have been and will continue to be in my prayers.

tibetrin
Aug 31, 2008 at 9:27 a.m.
Suggest removal

"A couple of gawkers snuck into Johnson’s backyard to try to photograph the moving of the bodies, but he and two police officers shooed them away"
come on folks, get a real life! Is your life so boring and pathetic that you have to sneak into someones backyard and try to take pictures of dead bodies coming out of a house???? Oh wait, future paparazzi?? That's just sick!

Before you post a comment, consider this:

Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy Agreement
  • Keep it clean. Comments that are obscene, vulgar or sexually oriented will be removed. Creative spelling of such terms or implied use of such language is banned, also.
  • Don't threaten to hurt or kill anyone.
  • Be nice. No racism, sexism or any other sort of -ism that degrades another person.
  • Harassing comments. If you are the subject of a harassing comment or personal attack by another user, do not respond in-kind.  Hit the "Suggest Removal" button on offensive comments.
  • Share what you know. Give us your eyewitness accounts, background, observations and history.
  • Do not libel anyone. Libel is writing something false about someone that damages that person's reputation.
  • Ask questions. What more do you want to know about the story?
  • Stay focused. Keep on the story's topic.
  • Help us get it right. If you spot a factual error or misspelling, email newsroom@gazettextra.com or call 1-800-362-6712.
  • Remember, this is our site. We set the rules, and we reserve the right to remove any comments that we deem inappropriate.

Post Comment

Commenting requires registration.

Username:
Password: (Forgotten your password?)

Comment:

ADVERTISEMENT