ELWOOD, Ind. —
Kristina Thompson lived to care for others. It was a trait she showed while helping residents at Parkview Care Center.
“She was such a loving person,” her sister, April Thompson, said. “One day, one of the nursing home residents told her they wanted sherbet but didn’t have the money. Kristina had $7 to her name but went out and bought him some.”
She was getting ready to start nursing school so she could do even more.
Kristina was killed March 2, 2008, by her estranged husband, Robert Lamberson, who shot himself after shooting Kristina in front of their then 4-year-old daughter. It all came down less than 24 hours after he’d been released from jail. He had been arrested for violating a protective order Kristina had filed.
The family never saw the violence coming.
“It is something you see in the news, not what happens to you,” April said. “With domestic violence you hear, ‘He only hit me one time.’ Well, that one time is enough. Robert had only hit Kristina one time. That was it.”
After that earlier attack, Kristina filed for divorce and a protective order.
“So many people think domestic violence isn’t a big deal or it’s common,” April said. ‘It’s not OK. Get out.”
Kristina, a 26-year-old mother of two, loved being a mom and was great at it, her sister said. She was friendly, outgoing, ambitious and creative — a sister figure to those in her life, April said.
April said Kristina was enjoyed the simple things, driving around and listening to music with friends or her sisters.
“She wasn’t the type to be stuck in the house all the time,” she said. “She loved having fun.”
Kristina was the middle of three girls, including April and Shannon, but treated a friend, Veronica, just like a sister. They were close.
Kristina’s tragic loss continues to affect that tight-knit group noticeably in the way they treat each other.
“We make sure we never leave on bad terms; make sure we always tell each other we love each other,” April said. “We realize now even more how much that means.”
Faces of Domestic Violence
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Kristina Thompson
Discussion
Kristina Thompson: 'Such a loving person'
Elwood woman killed soon after man's release from jail
- Faces of Domestic Violence
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Who can stop domestic violence? You
The elimination of abuse in relationships — with time, cooperation and commitment — is possible, said Colleen Yeakle, coordinator of the Indiana Coalition of Domestic Violence’s (ICADV) prevention initiative.
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Legislation comes a long way, but more change needed
Each year the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence sets its legislative priorities based on year-round discussions with its members and legislators to see what needs are out there and what is going on in the field.
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Children affected by abuse too
While some may think the atmosphere at Alternatives, the Anderson domestic violence shelter, would be a somber one, instead it is a building filled with laughter and joy.
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Kristy Gissendanner: 'Vivacious and sweet'
Six-day-old Gabrielle Gissendanner and her 18-month-old brother Michael weren’t far from their mom when Harry Gissendanner shot and killed Kristy in their Anderson home in 2004.
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John Davis: ‘Defined by your actions and inactions’
John Davis wants his pain to make a difference. He’s hopeful sharing what he experienced and witnessed growing up will empower someone else to leave a dangerous situation or avoid it altogether.
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‘It was life-altering’
Casey Huffman should have taken her son Camdon to his first day of kindergarten this year. She should be picking out a Halloween costume for him. She should be thinking about how to help him achieve his hopes and dreams. Instead, Casey mourns over his all-too-early death.
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Tina Tomlinson: 'She was a hoot'
Tina Tomlinson was just “plain fun,” her family recalled. The mother of two and dedicated grandmother was someone family could look to for a good time.
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Domestic violence prevention is possible, expert says
Gender stereotypes are just one thing that Todd Cawthorn and five other speakers, during a 90-minute panel discussion Tuesday night, talked about that create an environment where domestic violence is accepted.
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Teens can be victims of domestic violence, too
Dating violence has been seen locally in relationships as young as sixth grade, Alternatives Inc. prevention specialist Todd Cawthorn said.
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Justice for victims
While a protective order is an important piece of the legal puzzle that domestic violence victims have to solve, Judge Stephen Clase stresses to each that it is, after all, “just a piece of paper.” “They won’t stop a knife or a bullet,” he said. “I tell them they need to be on guard at all times.”
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