Parents of Murdered Daughter Speak Out Against the Death Penalty


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As a family, we have always been opposed to the Death Penalty. That belief, however, was theoretical; we never dreamed that our family would be touched by violent crime.

On January 10, 2001, our only daughter, Laura, was murdered while home on winter break from college. Laura was filling in as a receptionist at the Nevada County Behavioral Health clinic when a mentally ill client opened fire with a semiautomatic handgun and shot Laura four times, killing her instantly. When the rampage at the clinic and at a nearby restaurant ended, three people lay dead, three were severely injured, a community was shaken, and the world was diminished by the loss of an incredible young woman.

Laura had extraordinary capabilities, kindness, and spirit. She was an outstanding student, graduating as high school valedictorian and was at the time of her death a college sophomore, and in the midst of her campaign for the student body presidency. Laura was extremely organized, disciplined and motivated. Couple these traits with her positive energy and she was a natural leader. At age nineteen, Laura was already living a life full of service; she wanted to make a positive difference in the world…she had unlimited possibilities and the brightest of prospects. Laura was preparing to dedicate herself to a life of social service, social justice, and world peace through the practice of respect, non-violence and social equality. Her life was witness to her beliefs, as she touched and inspired the lives of those around her.

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