The death of 31-year-old Elizabeth Gomez, who was strangled and
stabbed to death in her Hollister apartment earlier this week, was
a horrific tragedy.
The death of 31-year-old Elizabeth Gomez, who was strangled and stabbed to death in her Hollister apartment earlier this week, was a horrific tragedy.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Gomez’s family and friends. This was a life that ended far too soon.
Police are still trying to piece together what led to the killing, and so far they aren’t saying much about what they have learned. We do know that Gomez’s boyfriend, Samuel Turner, has been arrested and is being held in the San Benito County Jail on murder charges. His culpability is a matter for the legal system to determine.
Elizabeth’s family and her neighbors described her as quiet and shy. They also said there were signs of trouble before she was killed.
Her brother said Elizabeth had told her family a year ago that her boyfriend had asked her to join him in a suicide pact so the two of them could “get to God faster.” Elizabeth’s family believed she had ended her relationship with Turner and was shocked to learn that the two were seeing each other again. A neighbor said the two had a “stormy relationship.”
If any bit of good can come out of something so terrible as this woman’s death, perhaps it will be an increased community awareness of the danger that many women are in because of their relationships.
“Domestic violence is a major problem. It can lead to homicide,” said Dale Yarmuth, executive director of the Emmaus House battered women’s shelter. “We need to concentrate more on how to prevent violence like this.”
There is a local safety net. There are people to whom anyone who feels threatened can turn. There are programs and places in Hollister that can help keep vulnerable people safe.
Emmaus House is one such place. It offers not only refuge, but also counseling and support for those facing danger in their own homes. If you feel threatened in any way by a spouse or significant other, call 636-7224. They are ready to help you. So is the San Benito County Victim Witness Center (634-1397) and an organization called Community Solutions (408-683-4118). If you know someone who you suspect might be in danger, don’t hesitate to call any of these numbers. The people you will reach can help.
