They Were Home

A little over two years ago, in a nice, quiet neighborhood in Springfield, Missouri, an older couple, Helen and Don Willingham, former Baptist missionaries, were stabbed to death in their home.  It was early in the day, and they were preparing breakfast when someone came in and killed Mr. Willingham.  His wife was alerted by his cries for help to call 911.  While she was on the phone, she was interrupted, saying, "Oh, no."  She also was found stabbed to death when the police arrived minutes later.

There were no suspects.  Nothing had been stolen.  It certainly wasn't gang or drug-related.  The Willinghams were retired but continued to serve as needed at Ridgecrest Baptist Church.  They had been givers all of their lives -- living only to serve the Lord and share the gospel with other people.  It was impossible to imagine them having enemies. 

Well, now we know who committed this crime:  Jose Huckleberry.  If this were a less tragic situation, I'd try to make a joke about the murderer's name.  Based on Huckleberry's confession to authorities, his motive was burglary. 

The officers said they were looking for a nice home to rob.  At the Willinghams' house just west of Springfield, they saw no lights and thought no one was at home, but, just to be sure, they made some noise.  When nobody seemed to stir inside, they broke in.

Inside, the pair encountered Don Willingham, and Huckleberry stabbed him.  When Willingham wouldn't stay still, he continued to stab him until he stopped moving.   Huckleberry then found Helen Willingham and killed her while she was on the phone calling 9-1-1.

Then Huckleberry and his accomplice fled the scene.

If the murderer had come to the door asking for something to eat or help, my guess is that he would have received whatever assistance the couple could give.  That's the way we are around here, and that is certainly the kind of people the Willinghams appeared to be. 

Huckleberry was, by the way, at the time of the murders, awaiting trial on a prior burglary.   He is, in other words, a two-bit career criminal.

There are a couple of things to note on this.  First, of course, anyone willing to break into a house, whether or not they believe it to be occupied, should be considered dangerous and a serious threat. 

Second, knives are deadly weapons and when wielded by a determined and reasonably active person can be used to kill someone very quickly.  This all took place within a matter of not more than fifteen minutes.  One minute you are scrambling eggs; the next minute you are bleeding out on the floor.  Strong, youthful criminals do not need firearms to commit murder, especially when the potential victims are older and less active. 

Third, odd events, strange noises, anything out of the ordinary should be cause for raising the alert level.  Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, it will be nothing.  The one time it is not nothing is all it takes. 

Fourth, if it had been me, I might not have fared any better than Mr. Willingham, but the cops could have followed the blood trail and picked the punk up at the ER.  There would have been, as Dad used to say, sign on him.  Make up your mind to resist -- I think it likely that Don Willingham put up a valiant struggle, for his wife's sake at the very least.  If she had understood a little better the situation in the kitchen, she might have had time to flee the house or act in some other way to save herself. 

As I get older and slower, I know I can't fight my way out of many situations empty-handed.  I make it a habit to have some kind of edged tool or something that can serve as an improvised weapon at a minimum.  Pop the Leatherman open and use it as a flail.  Think about what you have and practice with it, and have something.  All the time.  Even in the bathroom.  Neckknife.  Be prepared. 

Finally, I hope Huckleberry never sees the light of day again.  Somehow I doubt that the prosecution will seek the death penalty.  The perpetrator looks like a punk and is probably working on a swift plea bargain.  His victims will be at peace regardless of what is done to him.  I'm sure it would be their prayer that Huckleberry repent and give his life to Christ so he will be ready whenever and however the end comes, just as they were.