“We Knew Her . . .” Murder in a Small Town: A Hybrid Work in Three Voices

Abstract

This hybrid work blends three voices: a mother and daughter who were deeply impacted by the murder of the daughter’s best friend; my methodological notes from a research study examining the influence of violent trauma on communities; and my emotional memory gathered as I listened and relistened to the digital interview. Drawing on the forms of creative nonfiction and poetic transcription, this piece attempts to communicate the depth of grief, loss, and disconnection that the murder of this young girl created for individuals and the community and the challenge of conducting trauma research.