That night, when they got back to the hotel and turned on the TV, Mitch saw himself standing next to Sheriff Dandridge, with Carolyn and Maryann in the background.

Dandridge stepped up to the group of microphones arrayed in front of him. “Okay, now, the family has decided to make a brief statement, and has asked a family friend, Mitch Bianci, to read it. We will not be taking any questions after that.”

Mitch and Carolyn sat on the edge of the bed, and watched the television, feeling a bit like they were in a movie watching a movie of themselves. How did they go from obscurity just hours before to being on national television? Mitch watched as he nervously tugged at his collar and then stepped forward. He cleared his throat, but as he began to read, he felt a thwack of emotion rain down on him, and his voice began to tremble.

“Rachel and Evan Turner were two of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Rachel was a hard-working and loving mother and a supportive wife, and Evan was a ten-year-old who was known for his remarkable good nature, love of sports, and the love of his family.

“This is a tragedy beyond our comprehension, and it is of course compounded by the fact that the person who committed the crime was their husband and father.

“We have no idea why this happened, and can offer no explanation, and know nothing more than what has already been reported in the media. So we ask that you please respect the privacy of the family, and that everyone pray for Rachel and Evan and for all their remaining family members.

“We have no further comments at this time. Thank you.”

The assembled reporters collectively began to shout questions, and then the picture cut back to the anchorman, who recounted the details of the crime and showed the photos of Danny, Rachel, and Evan that were being bandied about in the media. The broadcast then cut to a few special reports at various locations. Mitch and Carolyn sat watching numbly until the report regarding Danny’s suicide came on, and then they were physically taken aback.

An attractive blonde woman, bundled in a winter coat, was speaking into the camera, while a hubbub of police activity took place in the distance behind her.

“Hello,” she said, “this is Jennifer Wilson reporting for Channel Five Nightly News. I am standing at the edge of Nicholson’s Quarry, which is the location where the final act of the Turner family tragedy took place Wednesday morning at approximately 7:30 a.m. It was here that Danny Turner, the husband and father of the murder victims, took his life in a very spectacular and gruesome manner. This next segment may not be suitable for young viewers, so we suggest that you take that into consideration.”