Statement on Community After Shooting
By: WTAJ Staff
Updated: December 25, 2012
GEESEYTOWN, BLAIR COUNTY - Friends close to the deadly shooting release a statement. The statement appears below, as it was sent to WTAJ.
Despite what was reported several nights ago, this has not been an idyllic neighborhood. We have been dealing with mental illness in our neighborhood for the past three years. Then two years ago, we had an individual who reportedly suffered emotional trauma also move into our small community. What we have seen in the last several years is a roller coaster of commitments, releases, acting out, arrests, and now, with this man, murders. There is no doubt in our minds that this man gave clear and concise signs that he was desperate and was either ignored or not taken seriously. Now we have three murders-our friends are without their husbands, children are without their fathers and a mother, mothers are without their children. As responsible members of our community we need to understand what is going on around us, try to get help for those in need (whether they want help or not) and keep each other as neighbors informed to danger whether you like your neighbor or not. No one should ever have to see what we have seen.
Despite what was reported several nights ago, this has not been an idyllic neighborhood. We have been dealing with mental illness in our neighborhood for the past three years. Then two years ago, we had an individual who reportedly suffered emotional trauma also move into our small community. What we have seen in the last several years is a roller coaster of commitments, releases, acting out, arrests, and now, with this man, murders. There is no doubt in our minds that this man gave clear and concise signs that he was desperate and was either ignored or not taken seriously. Now we have three murders-our friends are without their husbands, children are without their fathers and a mother, mothers are without their children. As responsible members of our community we need to understand what is going on around us, try to get help for those in need (whether they want help or not) and keep each other as neighbors informed to danger whether you like your neighbor or not. No one should ever have to see what we have seen.
