Here is a report that illustrates exactly why many of us here on this board choose to exercise our right to protect ourselves, family and homes with firearms. The courts, the police and all of the laws on the books did nothing to stop this guy from murdering these two. Can’t help but wonder if either of these two had chose to take the training and get their protection, that they may be alive today.
I know we are all on the same page here. But if you ever have anyone say to you: “You don’t need guns, the police will protect you……” just send them here.
St Paul, Minnesota. My home town…..
http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_267200050.html
Murder Victims Knew Ex-Boyfriend Would Return
Family Of Alleged Gunman Extends Sympathies To Victims’ Families
Sue Turner
Reporting
(WCCO) St. Paul The family of a murder victim is remembering Tim Hawkinson as a giving man.
At the same time, the family of the ex-boyfriend who, police say, killed Hawkinson and his girlfriend, Teri Lee, broke its silence Sunday evening, offering its prayers and sympathy to the victims’ families.
“We are devastated, our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Teri Lee. Because of this incomprehensible act, two lives have been taken and innocent children are left without a parent. We knew Teri as a wonderful person and great mother. Although we did not know Tim personally, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Three is nothing we can do to east the pain of this inconceivable loss,” the statement said.
Earlier on Sunday, Tim Hawkinson’s brother, Steve, read a statement from his family.
“The world became a less giving place on Friday, September 22, 2006 when an act of senseless violence took the life of a man who only knew how to give,” he said, seated among Tim Hawkinson’s three grown sons during a brief media availability at a St. Paul law office. They took no questions from reporters who were present.
Hawkinson, 47, was gunned-down at around 4:30 Friday morning along with Teri Lee, 38. Police say Lee’s ex-boyfriend, Steven Van Keuren, broke through the back door of Lee’s West Lakeland Township, Minn., home and shot them both. Lee’s two daughters ran across the street for help, while her two sons hid in their rooms.
“Timothy Jon Hawkinson, Sr. will no longer be around to lend that helping hand to all the people who needed and loved him, his family and friends,” said Steve Hawkinson.
Tim Hawkinson had known Teri Lee for 20 years and had recently begun dating her. He knew about her ex-boyfriend and the threats he made toward her, so he helped Lee put in a security system and created an evacuation plan for her family.
“It was this role as an experienced father and husband that would ultimately end his life. And knowing Tim, he would not have had it any other way,” said Steve Hawkinson.
Lee asked Tim Hawkinson to stay with her to help protect her. Her sister, Vicki Seliger Swenson, said she pushed to get Van Keuren locked up.
“She did everything she could. Everything. Most women, and I can’t give you statistics right now, but once charges are filed, either drop the charges or they don’t show up in court,” said Swenson.
Tim Hawkinson had three sons of his own, 21-year-old twins Tom and Andrew, and 24-year-old Tim Jr. Tim Hawkinson was also close with his mother and three brothers. His family said he would have done anything to keep his loved ones safe.
“He had the uncanny ability to brighten even the darkest of days just with his presence,” said Steve Hawkinson.
Tim Hawkinson and Lee met through their jobs at 3M. Tim Hawkinson followed in his father’s footsteps working for that company. He spent more than 25 years there.
The couple had gone through the emergency plan with her four young children, giving them instructions on what to do if they saw Van Keuren and what to do if he came in the house.
Van Keuren, who was shot by police in the take-down after the murders, is undergoing treatment at Regions Hospital in St. Paul while he awaits arraignment.
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