This story is about Chrystal Crandall.

When the news broke that a murder had occurred in our hometown, I was at the airport — returning from a family trip — I saw the story begin to circulate. And then came an alarming email from my kids' elementary school. The words: domestic violence. A Mother’s been killed. 3 children are being assessed and treated at the hospital. Her name came out fast. So did the details.

That’s when it really clicked: her child and my child are in the same 3rd grade class

There’s a specific kind of weight that comes when a tragedy lands this close. It’s not a headline anymore. It’s the name from the phone tree list. It’s one of those milestone moments when your child is asking questions you don’t really know how to answer.

This isn’t just a story I heard, it’s a tragedy I will never forget.

https://troopers.ny.gov/news/update-new-york-state-police-investigate-fatal-domestic-incident-apalachin 

https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/top-stories/family-mourns-apalachin-murder-victim/ 

https://www.wbng.com/2024/02/24/tioga-county-man-charged-with-murder-fatal-domestic-dispute/ 

https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2023/10/dinapoli-number-domestic-violence-victims-rises-2022

https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-amid-covid-there-is-a-very-troubling-33-surge-of-domestic-violence-cases-in-ny-requiring-action-senator-demands-senate-immediately-reauthorize-violence-against-women-act-that-already-passed-house-law-funds-upstate-ny-shelters-counseling-and-critical-efforts-that-save-lives_gives-survivors-a-second-chance

https://wnbf.com/husband-charged-with-murder-in-death-of-apalachin-woman/

https://www.ness-sibley.com/obituaries/chrystal-yawcrandall