The evening of November 20, Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier will join Marymount's "Victims of Interpersonal Violence" class, part of the University's Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program, in recognizing Jackie Winborne, a DC resident, for her efforts to keep her missing daughter's case alive. The class is taught by Karen Bune, a victim specialist in the Domestic Violence Unit of the Office of the State's Attorney in Prince George's County, Maryland.
Ms. Winborne's daughter Shaquita Bell disappeared in 1996. While there are no leads to her whereabouts, police believe that she was murdered by the father of Shaquita's youngest child, and that her body was buried somewhere in Prince George's County. Her family remains steadfast in the search for answers, although the disappearance is now considered a "cold case."
The DC Metropolitan Police Department continues to review Bell's case and, upon the induction of new MPD Chief Cathy Lanier, a fresh sweep of Prince George's County was conducted in 2007. A team of officers, cadaver dogs, helicopters, family members and a forensic anthropologist searched the site of interest in Ft. Washington for three days, but found nothing.
Students in Karen Bune's class have been studying the effects of crime on victims, as well as surviving family members. Bell's case, in particular, demonstrates how important it is for family to have answers and closure. Students will present a scrapbook of meaningful and inspirational items, as well as a plaque, to Ms. Winborne on November 20, in recognition of her "courage and determination in dealing with the unknown fate of her missing daughter." She has not been told the specifics of the evening's program (so if you speak with her before the event, please don't tell her!).
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, November 20 • 7:45 p.m.
LOCATION: Marymount University's Ballston Center, Room 203
1000 North Glebe Road, Arlington
NOTE TO MEDIA: Contact Denise Alexander at 703-526-6847 or 703-615-7614 (cell) if you are interested in covering this event. If you would like to talk with Karen Bune in advance, she can be reached at 703-472-5811 (cell).
Karen Bune is a regular contributor to Officer.com, writing on Victim Specialist issues.
