Strange that I've been writing so much about murder in Kansas City lately and now the subject hits a bit closer to home.
Leslie Camacho was recently found murdered in her Lenexa, Kansas home. She's my cousin.
Her husband Dominic Camacho was arrested in connection with the homicide. Dominic was my best friend growing up.
Family gossip tells me that they had an often tumultuous relationship but that's really not my business.
What I can contribute to this story is to provide a bit of background on Dominic and Leslie.
Obviously, Leslie was a dedicated mom, beloved daughter and granddaughter. I hadn't talked to Leslie very much in the past few years but I did run into her at a local convenience store not too long ago and a brief conversation revealed that her quick wit and dedication to her family had not waned over time.
She told me that she would give Dominic my regards.
About Dominic Camacho - He's probably one of the most dedicated family men that I've ever known. From an early age he helped raise his brothers and sisters and worked tirelessly to help his family at every turn. The Dominic that I knew was quiet, contemplative but also quick to laugh at my many stupid jokes. The last communication I had with Dominic is when he sent a brief e-mail to say that he read the blog and was glad that I found a medium for my writing.
The world is just a bit darker because of this tragedy and it reminds me that murder in Kansas City sometimes doesn't make any sense.
Among people who report and keep track of metro homicides, domestic tragedies are almost viewed through the same lens as natural disasters. Most people believe that there aren't any politicos or policies to blame when the stress of family life results in homicide.
In this tragic circumstance involving two people that I know . . . I'm not gonna speculate on what might have prevented this tragedy . . . Sorry if that makes me a hypocrite. I've been called worse.
What I do know for sure is that Dominic and Leslie both came from families who cared deeply for their well-being and it wasn't a lack of support or concern that led to this devastating event.
As is the case with all homicides in the Kansas City area, what's important to remember is that the numbers that keep adding up don't tell the whole story. THESE ARE PEOPLE AND NOT JUST STATISTICS THAT COMPRISE THE HOMICIDE COUNT IN THE KANSAS CITY AREA. This fact is often forgotten as the year goes on, murders continue to add up and mainstream media seems to report the deaths casually. As we continue to keep track of these horrific stats, this morning I'm reminded that the people who are dying in our town have friends and family who love and care for them dearly.
LINKS . . .
Man in custody in connection with Lenexa suspicious death
Lenexa police identified the woman found dead in a residence early Wednesday as Leslie Ann Camacho, 35.
Domestic Violence on the Rise? How You Can Find Help
I knew Dom too. This is horrible news.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss, Tony, and prayers for you and your family.
ReplyDeletehe looks like a bitch. a KILLER bitch.
ReplyDeleteWell written. So true. My deepest sympathy for your loss. Prayers for your family.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss, Prayers for your family and the children.
ReplyDeleteLESSON LEARNED - 'Spics will kill each other no matter where they live.
ReplyDeleteMy sympathies to you and your famil, and also the family of Dominic.
ReplyDeleteI had a brother who got abusive when he turned 40. He was severely mentally ill, and the illness did not reveal itself until about 20 years into his marriage.
Please take care of the children. Nobody deserves this, but especially not the kids.
My deepest condolences to the families of both Dominic and Leslie. And kudos to you, Tony, for a poignant, and well written article. Keep up the good work! You are the only member of the local media who is pushing our elected officials to do more about the horrible murder rate in this city.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your loss
ReplyDeleteA 'dedicated family man' does not kill his wife. Sorry it happened in your extended family, all the same.
ReplyDeleteCondolences to you, Tony.
ReplyDeleteYes, a well written and heartfelt article. Thanks for writing it. I read it fully because it was personal and most murder coverage ISN'T.
ReplyDeletePlease to learn one thing from this....it's probably not anymore possible for local KC Police to prevent most murder than it was for local police to prevent THEIRS. IT might be a lesson learned for you as you draw conclusions about other murders.
thanks for the post.
Tony, I am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteWell, considering the lies and slander and just pure hatred your blog features as its stock in trade, considering the way you twist things around to your uninformed, bigoted point of view, considering the way you treat people you don't know as fodder for your entertainment, considering your cavalier attitudes towards women, crime, violence, race and truth?
ReplyDeleteConsidering all that, I guess karma's a bitch and it's come home to roost. It couldn't happen to a more fitting individual.
I'm pretty sure @10:03 is not the Dali Lama and he sounds pretty angry himself.
ReplyDeleteAlso, he takes this blog way too seriously.
Nice post Tony. Sorry for your loss.
Rman makes a great point.
ReplyDeleteKarma's a bitch ain't it Tony?
ReplyDeleteWill Alonzo Washington blame you for not doing enough to prevent the murder?
Anonymous comments invoking Karma. Really?
ReplyDeleteA dedicated family man? C'mon, Tony. Nonetheless, sorry for your loss and as others have said, the kids come first and please ensure they are taken care of. No child should be made to endure this situation. But hopefully they will know - and be told - it wasn't because of them and they are loved.
ReplyDeleteas ye sow so shall ye reap.
ReplyDeletehave fun at the funeral and good luck getting the blood off of your hands. it's there to stay.
No matter how hard one tries to understand the senseless taking of another’s life you never find an answer that will give you peace and fulfill the questions you will have.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences Tony
My prayers go out to you and everyone involved in this tragedy. Your superb writing really brought home the real sadness of it all.
ReplyDeleteKeeping our eyes and hearts open to see beneath the skin is important. Family violence isn't a personal matter. Far too many tragedies occur. Small children cowering in corners is one heart breaking scene, a spouse being abused is another. It is your business. You don't get a pass on inter-familial violence.
ReplyDeletePrayers to you and your extended family, hijo.
Wow, Leslie was my cousin as well, and it's hard to even swallow this as real. For everyone that has sent their condolences and prayers, thank you very much. As for everyone with hate filled messages, I will pray for you. I pray that the anger leaves your heart and instead of you adding to the violence and anger that fills our city you find a way to forgive all those who have trespassed against you.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day. Thanks for being sweet, Tony.
I am astounded by the hateful comments here people!
ReplyDeleteThat is what you get from all this!
A mother dies, and her children are left without a mother and now without a father! And we are talking about KARMA!!! Are you frigging kidding me!
I know this family, and this is heart wrenching!!! Come on people GROW up!!
Leslie may you rest in peace and be with GOD and as far as Dominic, he will be judged when his time comes!! As for the kids I pray for their strength and healing.
And lastly for Tony,
As I am also a writer, I have never read anything written by you, but the fact that you are faced with being in the middle of a tragedy and still being able to write... good for you.
The kids have lost a good mother here and that is has NOTHING to do with karma.The fact that Leslie will never see her kids get married,etc.and that her children won't have her there to witness they're life that is a crime in itself!! So the next person that speaks of karma in this matter "Will karma hunt you down and smack you in the face" Thanks!!!!
HB~
Pray in one hand and crap in the other and tell me which will bring a dead mother back.
ReplyDeleteMaybe she shoudn't have been butt fucking his brother.
ReplyDeleteShe got what she deserved.
This was my family. Tony, I won't say my name but you knew me well. I do not wish to leave my name for privacy but we are all mourning. This was completely out of character for Dominic. Leslie, she was a great woman and is truly missed. No one saw this coming. Please remember that they have children; for the folks that left negative comments: They have the internet and can read these. No one wants to believe this happened and I please implore you to remove those disrespectful comments out of respect for those beautiful children. Thanks Tony and I hope you are well.
ReplyDeleteTony, I'm really sorry to hear about this horrible tragedy and your family has my sympathy and condolences. Your childhood friend is presumed innocent until proven guilty
ReplyDeleteif he was such a good family man why did he prevent leslie from seeing her dad and grand parents? she didnt have anyone to talk to or go to and as far as family gossip goes i dont really believe where its comming from. hes got to answer for what he did .
ReplyDeleteTen years ago my daughter was killed (in very much the same way) by the man she was living with. Right now my most sincere compassion is for this lovely young woman's mother because she has had her heart ripped out. She is feeling a pain like no one can understand who hasn't lost a child. It takes a very long time for the pain to ease, but it does, eventually. I hope any of you who know Leslie's mother will move in and take over any chores or duties she has. Don't ask her to tell you if there's anything you can do. Do it so the practical side of her life can flow seamlessly. And don't just attend to her needs until after the funeral. This is an ongoing issue. Stay with her until you can see she doesn't need your close attention anymore. It will be months before she will be able to even begin to function. I do so wish I could carry some of her pain for her. Its just too much for someone to have to bear. God's grace and peace be with you all.
ReplyDeleteI'm also very sorry as well. Years ago, I also worked with Dominic, Leslie and Dominic's brother. All were very kind to me and had great senses of humor. It has been upsetting for all. When people say karma, I don't know what they are referring to. Only one being allows things to happen, nothing else. Many of the comments on here are horrible and I would love to see those haters be made known to all, so that we can who they are and expose them for the cowards they are.
ReplyDeleteSerously Nice Guy.
ReplyDeletehe couldn't stand to see her happy. To all of you that thinks he was a nice guy your crazy as a pet coon. LET ME TELL YOU THAT SHE WAS BLACK AND BLUE. AS for the idiot that said she was doing whatever to Dominicks brother. mmmm mmmmmm Thats one way to get back at that child abusing woman abusing murderer. So dont set at tell me how good he was. The good thing is he is in jail and the LORD will get the final decision. God doesnt like ugly so when they are face to face is when the real pain and suffering will take place for him.
I would leave a name because I have no fears of any you especially to condone what Dominick has done. Tony is a family member and I will respect his forum. God Bless LESLIE