We get the Seattle news up here in Vancouver, BC and I have recently been totally moved by the story of Teresa Butz, a lesbian who was murdered in her home trying to defend her and her girlfriend against a vicious intruder, who had broken into their home and raped them both. The details are becoming clearer and clearer about what happened that early morning and I won't print them here (because they're too upsetting). If you think you can handle it, go here.
Teresa and her partner had a commitment ceremony planned for September and were going to celebrate Teresa's 40th birthday in Spain in October.
I don't know if the story got national attention or not, but it got extensive regional coverage before and after they caught the suspect (may he burn in hell forever). Teresa's last words on the street to neighbors: "He [the intruder] told us
if we did what he asked us to do he wouldn't hurt us. He lied, he lied."
if we did what he asked us to do he wouldn't hurt us. He lied, he lied."
I didn't know Teresa or anyone in their circle of friends, but I wanted to pay tribute to her here because I'm so devastated by this story. Doesn't she look like a friend you'd have? Someone you'd see at Pride or play softball against?
It's just so heartbreaking and an important reminder amidst the summer heat that there are very bad people who are looking for open windows to climb through.
May Teresa rest in peace and may her partner find comfort and healing.
Photo below is from a vigil neighbors and community members organized in their South Park Seattle neighborhood. Of Teresa, they said she will be remembered for her piercing 
eyes, remarkable laugh and cheerful outlook on life, and, no doubt, for the way she sacrificed herself to save the love of her life.
eyes, remarkable laugh and cheerful outlook on life, and, no doubt, for the way she sacrificed herself to save the love of her life.
