...In Peace

"Gary, it began as a tragedy. Dragged on for nearly 4 years as a mystery. And finally today, the family and friends of [murdered NMSU student] Katie Sepich faced her killer for the first time and asked that he live and die in prison."

* * *

I've covered stories of this nature before.
Sure, it's more high-profile than most. I've probably updated this saga more than any other. But I have a job to do. I'm human, sure. But a human with a notepad that better have accurate timecodes in it.

So what planted this incredibly rare... lump... in my throat?

It wasn't Katie's mother asking "Did she want me? Did she want her daddy? While you were squeezing the life out of her? Hurting her?"

It wasn't Katie's roommate telling us "the world is less better off not getting to know all the wonderful things she would have become."

It was before that. It was seeing what she could have become. It was seeing it in a dear friend of mine, a dearer friend of hers sitting across the gallery. A person who embodies all the drive, humor and deep compassion Katie is said to have had. I wasn't searching for this analogy or a way to better relate to this unspeakable grief. You just... struck me as I watched you for a few seconds, staring straight ahead as the District Attorney read the cold, hard statement of facts. The thought of her striving to be what I think you have become stuck with me as I listened to Katie's mother. Her roommate. Her brother. Her father. My notepad weakened by that image, I was left strangely vulnerable to their words, wondering what kind of recoil it must cause to say them.

* * *

This was no more inhumane than other attacks I've covered. This killer is no more a killer than the others. But the usual suspects don't lead me face to face with the victim. Not a photograph, not a grieving relative. I consider that a strength and a necessary asset, given my professional duty: to introduce you all to the victim as best I can, not myself. But today, I saw her when I saw you. I apologize if that makes you uncomfortable. But know that I'm grateful.

* * *

May she rest in peace. May her family and friends rest a bit easier now that there is, at least, one less question.

* * *

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