THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 29, 1995 TAG: 9507280003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Another View
SOURCE: By IRVIN B. WELLS III
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
Jennifer Lea Evans, a 21-year-old college senior, was murdered on June 19 while vacationing at Virginia Beach. Two Navy trainee SEALS have been charged.
For 10 days her parents, Delores and Al Evans, moved through emotions of hope, horror, resignation and, finally, profound and abiding loss, a rawness of the spirit. I remain astounded by their strength of character and dignity in the face of unspeakable evil.
Delores Evans put her head on my chest, cried quietly and asked, ``Why?'' That question has been posed ever since man acquired memory and reasoning. I do not know why the crown jewel of her marriage to Al Evans and the absolute joy of their lives was taken by a senseless and violent act of overpowering aggression, control and violence.
We can turn to free will which holds that God does not intervene to prevent evil; hopefully, he does move through goodness. M. Scott Peck, author of People of the Lie, writes regarding the Holocaust, ``How could God allow such a thing to happen? . . . Having forsaken force, God is impotent to prevent the atrocities that we commit upon one another. He can only continue to grieve with us. . . .''
Some ask not why there is evil in the world but why, with our human nature, is there so much good? I offer a partial litany of goodness during the case: A home and professional cleaning were provided; thousands of flyers were printed free; ministers and a crisis counselor came forward; a cellular phone and pagers were furnished; the mayor of Virginia Beach came quietly one evening, not as a city official, but simply as one mother to another; food was provided; and a corporate jet returned the Evanses to Atlanta. A memorial scholarship fund was established by the two Virginia Beach Police officers. Al Evans said, ``I don't want this area to feel guilt. This is a wonderful place. I want people everywhere to know there can be danger.''
The performance of the Virginia Beach Police Department and other agencies was exceptional. Recommendations offered below are not an indication of failures but a validation of important procedures.
Law-enforcement officials should provide all information possible to the family of a victim. Survivors can accept the truth easier than they can deal with their imaginations. They should never learn facts through the media.
Law-enforcement agencies should review their policies regarding missing persons. Each report should be examined by an experienced officer to properly evaluate the initial information. Each case must be weighed on its singular merits rather than relying on one policy for all missing-person complaints, which could cause an inordinate delay in the initiation of appropriate response.
When the initial facts warrant, the FBI should enter the investigation in a support capacity, which should be welcomed to maximize resources and expertise.
The Navy should ensure that competent background investigations are conducted on SEAL applicants. Without addressing guilt or innocence in the Evans case, one of the accused has a background of spousal abuse and violence against law enforcement. A routine record check, however, would not reveal that juvenile record. Investigations must determine the suitability of those whom the Navy would make select warriors who interact within the civilian community.
We must remember that predators do not necessarily look and act like Charles Manson; some look and behave like Ted Bundy.
Upon leaving, the Evanses expressed gratitude to the community. Members of the media wept openly. Then it was Al and Delores Evans who gave us the strength to carry on. We were reminded that honor, faith, strength and concern for others in the face of enormous personal adversity are not limited to national heroes. People like you and me, ordinary people leading ordinary lives, can rise to extraordinary courage, dignity and grace.
The Evanses are heroes for me. Could it be that the positive wind of God blows through them to us? MEMO: Mr. Wells is a former special agent in charge of the Norfolk Field
Division of the FBI.
by CNB