After man slain in home, families call for domestic abuse awareness


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SALT LAKE CITY — Days after police arrested a Lindon man, accused of killing his ex-wife’s new husband, families affected by domestic violence are calling for more awareness of the issue.

“We have to get some kind of education, some kind of protection so these events don’t keep repeating,” Janet Wagner said.

Wagner hopes that by sharing her daughter’s story, lives will be saved.

“It’s the most unbelievable pain when you lose a child,” Wagner said.

Heidy Truman was only 25 years old when she was shot and killed in her Orem home in 2012.

Police arrested the woman’s husband, Conrad Truman, for the crime. His two-week trial is scheduled for Sept. 30.

“It’s like somebody putting their hand in your chest and just ripping your heart out,” Wagner said.

Since her daughter’s death, Wagner has found strength in helping others. She’s made it her mission to raise awareness about domestic violence.

According to Safe Harbor Crisis Center, one out of three adult murders in Utah is related to domestic violence.

“It’s just hard to believe that our society has evolved into such a violent one,” Wagner said.

The latest high-profile case has her even more determined to get the word out.

Second Annual Hike for Heidy
Walk/5K Run for Domestic Violence Awareness
  • Date: Saturday, September 13, 2014
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: 10900 South Riverfront Pkwy (appx 1100 west, between 10600 S & 11400 S)
  • So. Jordan East Pavilion (near Jordan River)
  • Follow purple ribbons and signs
  • All donations to benefit YWCA Women in Jeopardy program. Donations also accepted at YWCA.com
  • For additional information, e-mail HikeforHeidy@aol.com

On Thursday night, Lindon police arrested 59-year old Fred Lee, who they say went on a violent rampage looking for his ex-wife, Joy Sidwell.

Police say Lee shot and killed Sidewell’s new husband, Mike Sidwell, in front of Lee’s granddaughter.

“And now we have a child who’s been wounded by domestic violence,” said Wagner, choking back tears.

Wagner spent Saturday at a Salt Lake City hotel, supporting a fundraiser for the YWCA.

The event was organized by a woman who says, she too, was once a victim of domestic violence.

Lisa Lynch says more than 20 years ago, she spent 28 days at a YWCA shelter.

“I’m aware of how much more of a need we have. It seems to be growing,” Lynch said.

Lynch says the YWCA is a life-saving resource for victims.

Wagner thinks about her daughter every day.

“She was so full of life and so happy and we think about those things,” she said.

She says she doesn’t want anyone else to be a statistic.

“We keep Heidy in our prayers and thoughts all the time and she motivates us,” Wagner said.

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Sandra Yi

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