As a homicide survivor of 44 years, I am sickened by the course of events with murderer Luigi Mangione in New York, and victim, former CEO of  UnitedHealthCare, Brian Thompson.

It seems so mysterious that a person so intelligent, of vast wealth would perpetuate such an act. This calculated killer was not even a subscriber to this insurance company in any manner!

Motivations have been speculated on with multiple theories including: hate of Corporate America (Similar to Ted Kazczyski), using Brian Thompson as a symbol of that hate, and most likely experiencing chronic pain even after 'successful spine surgery' which curtailed his lifestyle. Did you know, he caused more back pain by intentionally surfing in Hawaii? So, why take out your irresponsible behavior upon others?  He had an axe to grind but his ‘solution’ was totally reprehensible! In the end, such people really just crave the attention that they percieve they cannot get any other way. What a waste of potential as well as human life!

Mangione appeared to want to make an everlasting point by killing as his claim to fame!

This is all to make the point again that violence is always at our doorstep with the likes of people like LM.

Even if you personally are not victimized, I’m sure you know someone who is… It is always better to be somewhat prepared with knowledge from those who have truly lived it,  in the event that something happens.

How can we get a handle on it, or go on to a 'new normal' after our own experiences with violence?

I suggest two important ways which happen to be in book form-

1) My previously written Grief Diaries Anthology book entitled, “Surviving Loss by Homicide” contains an informative forward written by me, in addition to well honed aspects of surviving homicide with my personal story and some examples written by others. They demonstrate the pain, but also the resilience in so many different ways! 

2) After writing hundreds of blogs on crime, and the creation of a one of a kind victim impact writing service, my first two victim impact writing experiences- sentencing at trial and then the first of three parole hearings several years apart, both were documented in Grief Diaries-

 “Victim Impact Statements, True Stories and 25 Real Impact Statements by Loved Ones Searching for Justice.” All of the stories within this book are immensely valuable and provide hope and inspiration. 

As an addendum, I feel my crowning achievement (not within this book) was the THIRD Pardons and Parole Board experience in 2023, in which I again,single handedly, prevented a two time murderer freedom for the third time after much effort, research, consultation …and ultimately writing skill… which was more effective than letters by the perpetrator’s family.

Not all people are capable emotionally or  psychologically to compose a well written victim impact statement when they are traumatized. 

Many other people don’t possess effective writing skills and are unfamiliar with the most important elements to stress in order to create the greatest impact at sentencing… and sometimes truly change the length of sentencing based upon your words! 

It is my fervent hope that the family of Brian Thompson has someone like me to assist them in creating powerful, meaningful, heartfelt and impactful victim impact statements that focus on the victim, whom judges rarely know much about versus the perpetrator. 

I ask you to also purchase these books, currently on sale as a reference, as a means of healing, as a signal of hope and inspiration that we, continued within the pages of these two books, made it through to the other side of darkness into a new normal!  

For Victim Impact Writing Services customizedto your needs,   using the advocacy tab, please scroll down to the section on Victim impact Statements to Schedule a call-

https://donnagore.com/advocacy

Thank you for your interest… and willingness to learn.
Knowledge is one form of power. May we all be protected from evil!