Four years ago Jessika learned her fiance, Austin, had been stabbed to death in the leasing office of their Texas apartment complex. He was the most unlikely person to meet a violent end with his polite countenance and love of animals and people. To compound her misery, the investigation was compromised from the get-go and ultimately left unsolved. In time Jessika pivoted her intense grief and anger into something positive. Today she is all about advocacy and educating others about the reality of the aftermath of murder. Jessika knows of what she speaks.

For more information see my website at: https://www.jancantyphd.com

While the term "homicide survivor" is commonly used with the family of the deceased, it's equally appropriate to use with colleagues in civilian or military jobs. This interview spotlights U.S. Navy Commander Tina Erwin (Ret.) and her determination to understand the suspicious death of a young man under her command.

Commander Erwin noticed that the submariners used their "gut feelings" to know when something was "off." This intensified her lifelong interest into the deeper meaning of events. As she saw it, "The Navy was a tremendous schoolhouse in which to study all the facets of behavior and karma, from the worst to the finest levels of humanity."

Commander Erwin discusses the suspicious death of a sailor under her command. Her reaction showcases her compassion, competence and conviction in trying to right this wrong.

You are welcome to tour my website at: https:www.jancantyphd.com

Most homicide survivors vividly recall groping in the dark in the aftermath of murder. Who should they call? What is to be done with reporters? What about social media? What can be delegated to friends?

As time passes survivors collide with additional urgent questions. Is financial help available? What should be expected from the criminal justice and parole systems? When is an attorney needed?

Resources are painfully lacking for the loved ones of a murder victim. It soon becomes clear that help from others who have traveled the path is invaluable. And so, the need for a reference book to answer important questions becomes obvious.

This episode explains the abyss that survivors face, and how the guidebook What Now? Navigating the Aftermath of Homicide and Suicide steps in to help.

More information can be found on my website: https://www.jancantyphd.com

Temujn Kensu (aka Fred Freeman) was wrongfully convicted of a 1987 murder he didn't do and is serving a sentence of life without parole. It's an open secret he's innocent. Even a former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice, FBI investigator and detective with the Michigan State Police agree. He was railroaded.

Two questions immediately come to mind. How did this travesty of justice even happen?
Why should I care?

Answer:
Money, power and incompetent legal representation became the toxic mix that locked this innocent man up. It's an all-to-common backdrop for botched legal cases.
We should all care because if it could happen to him, it could happen to you or someone you love.

Listen in. Know what's at stake. Know how to lend support to Temujn and others in his shoes. Know who to make accountable.

For more information on wrongful convictions see my book: What Now? Navigating the Aftermath of Homicide and Suicide.
Feel free to tour my website: https://www.jancantyphd.com

Murder is complex and inherently infused with strong emotions. This episode reviews the five common motives for murder, the profile of the person who most frequently kills and who is most likely to become a victim. Following that we will hear from recently released Marcel McDaniel who served 17 years for homicide and what he is doing to make a difference with other inmates now that he has regained his freedom.

Feel free to tour my website: https://www.jancantyphd.com/

Forensic psychology is a specialty where psychology meets law. Our guest, Dr. Johnston, has an extensive resume in this field and will shed light on what her job entails. In addition, we discuss relevant current events such as prison reform, the ethics of true crime shows and much, much more.

Feel free to tour my website: https://www.jancantyphd.com/

As a preschooler Ryan Kopyar's mom left for work before Christmas and never returned. Even worse, she was eight months pregnant with his little sister. It was a watershed moment in Ryan's young life and that of his father.

The immediate aftermath of her murder transformed Ryan's once-happy home into a quiet, dark place as he and his father awkwardly struggled to adjust to her absence while in the spotlight of their small town. Listen as Mr. Kopyar explains the circuitous route his life took in the years following her death and why the murderer made it impossible to forget him even after incarceration.

Feel free to tour my website: https://www.jancantyphd.com/

Jessica Norman has the unwanted distinction of knowing incarceration for murder from two vantage points. She is a corrections officer in an institution where her job brings her in regular contact with murderers. And, a few years into her job, she learned her sister had been murdered. It changed the trajectory of her life in multiple ways - as is so often the case.

Listen as she recounts her loss, her adjustments and how she is doing today.

Feel free to tour my website: https://www.jancantyphd.com/

At the tender age of six Charles Smith experienced his first loss. It was the death of his mother. In rapid succession, he lost his father, grandfather and uncle. More would follow. Listen to Charles describe being in freefall for the first half of his life but then rallying and defying the odds. Like the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, he explains the art of being broken. Charles believes we can be repaired by realizing that our brokenness can be the foundation for a more durable, meaningful, purpose-driven life. Someone going through an ordeal can remember they have survived all of their worst experiences up until now … and are still standing.

Feel free to tour my website: https://www.jancantyphd.com/

What are the parallels between violent death in the military and in civilian life? And, more importantly, what can we learn from this? Join me as I sit with Army Veteran and host of Drive On Podcast Scott DeLuzio to discuss intentional death on and off the battlefield.

Feel free to tour my website: https://www.jancantyphd.com/