Mr. & Mrs. Hawkins – D.U.I. Victims

“Hello, my name is Angela Richardson Hawkins, and my husband’s name is John Hawkins.  John and I were childhood sweethearts since we were 9 and 10 years old.  We were married for 29 years.  My husband and I were on our 30th anniversary motorcycle ride, and  we were hit by a drunk driver in Florida on March 17, 2018.  I was seriously injured, and my husband was killed instantly.  I was referred to the Crime Victims Advocacy Council (“CVAC”) through Mr. Whatley from Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Georgia.

Though I have a very good victim’s advocate in Florida where the crime happened, I was lacking a support system in Georgia where I live.  Before I found CVAC, I going to counseling for complicated grief.  CVAC has provided me with great emotional support through both groups and individual support.  CVAC has a special yearly memorial service for survivors of homicide that I can attend to honor my husband.  With the support of CVAC staff, I have always had someone to talk to whenever I had the need, and I feel confident that CVAC will always be there for me as I rebuild my life.”

Jacqueline Miller – Lost Son to Homicide

There is a saying, “when cardinals are near, angels are near.” Since discovering CVAC, mine is, “When CVAC is near, my angels are near.” CVAC volunteers make me feel like a newborn cradled in a mother’s arms. I’m Jacqueline Miller. On July 6, 2020, my 19-year-old son, Andrew Stephen Miller, was murdered in DeKalb County by three men who wanted his possessions. I never thought I could talk about my baby, born on a cold February morning alongside his twin Aaron, without breaking down in tears.

The phone call that night shattered me and stole my ability to function. When I realized Andrew would never come home or be by his twin, I struggled to face this new reality. Amid the chaos, someone slipped me a card and mentioned help for murder victims’ families. I believe the DeKalb County Coroner said someone from the Victims Advocate’s office would call me. I was desperate and reached out myself.

I spoke to the kindest, most empathetic person—Ms. Patel—who told me about CVAC, a group that could help. I was lucky to get contacts for Brooks Hunnicutt and Candace Sims, and I reached out immediately, starting my CVAC journey. Since then, CVAC has supported me mentally, emotionally, and socially. They helped me navigate the justice system and write a victim impact statement for court.

When I first joined CVAC, I was a complete mess. I cried during Zoom meetings, overwhelmed by my grief and anger over Andrew’s brutal death. I felt a huge hole in my heart and wanted to disappear into sleep to see him in dreams. I couldn’t believe others could live on after such loss. After endless court appearances for the three men charged, attending CVAC’s warm Zoom meetings with Ms. Brooks and Ms. Candace was a relief. Their voices reassured me I wasn’t losing my mind, and they offered to attend hearings with me, which gave me strength to keep fighting for justice. I realized I could do this.

After a few meetings, hearing the kindness and support, I knew this was where I belonged. I started engaging more, asking for help. When a court advocate said my victim impact letter was too long and needed shortening, Ms. Brooks offered to help without hesitation. I was amazed and grateful. CVAC became like family. Now, I plan my Tuesdays around meeting with the CVAC team—it’s essential for my healing. They are the fresh breath I needed after Andrew’s murder and still need today. CVAC not only gives me tools to survive but helps my whole family. CVAC members truly are my angels.