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