Treatment for Families of Homicide Debbie, a 19-year-old college freshman, did not show up for classes or for her job one day. When she did not answer her cell phone or come home that night, her...

Treatment for Families of Homicide

Debbie, a 19-year-old college freshman, did not show up for classes or for her job one day. When she did not answer her cell phone or come home that night, her roommate was worried and contacted Debbie’s family, who decided to report her as a missing person. After 3 weeks of searching and televised pleas for her return, Debbie’s decomposing body was found in a wooded area 30 miles from her apartment. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled. DNA found on her body was a match with DNA from a man out on parole from a previous rape conviction. He was accused in Debbie’s murder. The killer claimed that he had consensual sex with Debbie in his car and that she was fine when he dropped her off at campus. Debbie’s parents were appalled when the killer’s defense team attempted to portray Debbie as a wild, out-of-control college student who partied too much, had multiple sex partners, and put herself at risk. The trial ended with a hung jury, and there is uncertainty about when there will be a new trial. Debbie’s parents have come to you for grief counseling.

Discussion Questions

1. What factors have contributed to the parents’ complicated bereavement?

2. What emotions and reactions might you expect from the parents in this case?

3. What treatment goals and interventions are called for in this case?