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OREM — One week after Sue Ann Sands was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend in a Wal-Mart parking lot, her loved ones gathered to bring awareness to the very problem that took her life.
Sands' family says the 39-year-old mother was a victim of domestic homicide — an issue they want to bring to light.
As family and friends gathered in Orem City Park for a vigil in Sands' honor, Misty Wheeler shared the one thing she wants most following her sister-in-law's death.
"I just really want people to remember Sue for who she is and not how she died," Wheeler said.
Still, she says remembering how Sands died is part of her way of healing. It's sparked an urge inside her: a need to help other victims of domestic violence.
"I want people to know they're not alone," Wheeler said. "There's always someone out there to help them."
Sands was shot to death on Dec. 4 in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart at 949 W. Grasslands Drive in American Fork. Police say he ex-boyfriend James Smith, who died moments later in a gun fight with police officers, was the the one behind the trigger.
The homicide happened not long after Sands had taken a restraining order out against Smith.
"Having a protection order didn't do any good," Wheeler said.
Although Sands' family is mourning a deep loss, Wheeler said her new mission is to raise awareness about a violent crime that happens far too often.
"That's my goal now, is how I can help people get through this," she said.
She believes that's what her sister-in-law would have wanted.
"I would do anything to help save one more life. I couldn't save Sue, and I would love to help somebody else," Wheeler said.
Sands' death marks the 22nd domestic violence-related death in Utah this year alone. And her protective order was one of more than 12,600 restraining orders that are filed in our state each year.
Sands leaves behind an 11-month-old daughter.
Contributing: Jordan Ormond
