Charles Conrad, Reporter, Virginia

"Recently, I attended a domestic violence conference at which Kelsey McKay was the speaker. The topic of strangulation was of primary interest to me personally because my mother, who lived in an abusive marriage, died of strangulation in the 1970's when I was a young child. The jury found my father, who was charged with first degree murder, guilty of involuntary manslaughter after the defense presented a theory which cast doubt on his intent in the crime. All these years, I have wondered what the true story was in regard to my mother's death. Kelsey's explanation of strangulation, through her many years of experience as a prosecutor, has helped me to view the circumstances of my mother's death with a more clear understanding of what may have been involved. Although I was not present at the crime scene, this information on strangulation crimes helps me to connect the dots a little more. I am thankful for Kelsey's efforts in bringing the dangerous crime of strangulation to the forefront."