With the beginning of a new year, we often feel we have a fresh start, a new beginning.
We, the victim families celebrate that feeling but have a shadow over us. We are hopeful for good tidings in 2021 but we wait for the murderer’s trial. This Spring will mark five years since his killing spree started (as far as we know) in Dallas and Collin Counties.
It is stunning that a serial killer stalked four independent living establishments for two years and there is such little awareness of the story.
Families looking at options for senior living are not any better aware of the importance of security than we were when our loved ones made their choice of residence.
These profit-making businesses continue to advertise in exactly the same manner. The focus remains on luxury, and beauty. Googling one of the four targeted businesses you find under “Safety/Security: Weekly housekeeping, spa services, beauty salon/barbershop.” Emphasizing elegant dining room serving meals from an extensive menu.
Until security is discussed openly and accurately in senior living communities, we must continue to tell our stories and increase awareness of vulnerabilities. Crimes against seniors increase at age 65 according to data from 2018 FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System.
It’s time to “Raise the Roof” and bring attention to this continued avoidance of security issues.
