Victim Profile Portfolio: Analyzing the Valerie Girouard Homicide

This project presents a victim profile portfolio focusing on the homicide of Valerie Ann Girouard, who was murdered protecting her daughter. The portfolio, created from the perspective of a victim advocacy organization, includes details about the victim, the murderer, and the crime itself. It explores the theory of victim precipitation, the consequences of crime on victims and their families, and the role of social media in promoting public safety. The project also covers compensation and restitution for victims, including a sample victim impact statement and sentencing recommendations. References to news articles and academic sources are provided to support the analysis.

VICTIM PROFILE PORTFOLIO

Homicide
Willful killing of a person by another
Murder is a criminal homicide.

Valerie Ann Girouard Homicide Case
Valerie Ann Girouard was a resident of Hampden was killed on
30th of July 2010 when her daughter’s ex-boyfriend broke into
the house with rancorous motives. She sacrificed her own life for
her daughter who was the prime target of the intruder named
Jesus Gilberto Garcia from Springfield. He is also convicted of
stabbing Valerie’s live in boyfriend Kurt Haarman the same
night. Garcia has been convicted of murder and intrusion with
the intent to rape and assault based on the witness of the teen
daughter Mariah Girouard.

Victim Information
Name: Valerie Anna Girouard
Date of Birth: 22.05.1963
Day of Death: 30.07.2010
Age: 47yrs
Murder Weapon: Kitchen Knife
Reason of death: Repeated stabbing and slitting of the throat.

Murderer Information
Name: Jesus Gilberto Garcia
Age: 27 Years
Reason for murder: revenge
Convicted for: murder and intrusion.
Lives in Springfield.

Other relevant information
Valerie is survived by two daughters Mariah and Madison. She was
living with Kurt Haarman who was aged 57 then. Her ex boyfriend and
father of Valerie’s children Mark Granger did not comment anything on
the case but was moved by the incident.
The murderer family information was not found.

Theory of Victimization
This murder case of Valerie Girouard is a clear case of victim
precipitation. According to the theory of victim precipitation the victim
is affected because they might actively or passively initiate the attack. In
this case Valerie in order to safeguard her daughter engaged with the
murderer Garcia. Around 17% crimes are committed in the US due to
victim precipitation.

Consequences of Crime
Guilt, anger, fear
Physical injury
Mental trouble
Nausea, headaches, sleep problems
Sadness, confusion, helplessness
Loss of control
Perpetual depression
Death
Low confidence

Use of Social Media in People Safety
Speech

Social Media Speech on People Safety
Hello all
It is the responsibility of the Government as well as the Victim
Advocacy organisation to ensure the safety and security of people.
We have tried by out best to bring in a legislation that would help
to ensure reduction in homicides. The legislation named The
Homicide act 2018 will not only prosecute the person committing
the murder but it will also affect the families who will be
completely ostracised from the society due to the criminal act
performed by their close ones. The implementation of this
legislation is likely to help Government to improve the situation.

Compensation and Restitution to Victims
Recompensing the damage against homicide casualty has been one of the
first programs that was implemented officially in the United States. The
Victims and their families are eligible to apply for financial help. About 10%
of the overall benefits go to homicide victim’s family. The compensation paid
normally range up to $25,000.
Restitution for a victim or his or her family being subjected to homicide is
taken critically. It is important to note that restitution could be charged
completely from the defendant to the victim’s estate for which the
information of death of the victim with other information will be required.
Once all the information is given the funds available starts moving to the
address/

VICTIM Impact Statement
Your Name ________________________________________________
Your Loved One’s Name _____________________________________
Defendant’s Name __________________________________________
1. How has the death of your loved one affected you and your family and
friends’? Please feel free to discuss your feelings about what has happened
to your loved one and how it has affected your general well-being. You may
also write about what kind of person your loved one was and what he or
she meant to you. You may wish to tell the judge some of your loved one’s
interest, hopes, dreams or your special memories you have of your loved
one. Please use any additional paper as necessary

VICTIM Impact Statement (Contd)
2. How has the death of your loved one affected your ability to
work or do any of the things you normally do, such as running a
household, or any other activities you normally perform or enjoy.
3. How has the death of your loved one affected other family
members such as children, siblings or family friends?
SENTENCING RECOMMENDATIONS
What are your thoughts regarding the sentence the Court should
impose on the defendant?

References
http://www.westernmassnews.com/story/15725933/only-
on-3-family-reacts-to-killers-verdict
http://www.16jda.com/hom_victim0001.pdf
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/08/sister_
of_murder_victim_valeri.html
Davies, P., Francis, P. and Greer, C. eds., 2017. Victims,
Crime and Society: An Introduction. Sage.

THANK YOU