Sniper Skittishness

So our deadly neighborhood sniper has struck again. We’re not talking about it at work. We talk about it constantly at home. I was up until 1:30 last night watching CNN after the latest one last night at a Home Depot about 30 minutes from my house. All of the attacks except the ones in Fredericksburg have been within about 20 – 30 minutes from my house. I went to get gas yesterday afternoon because I thought he would take Monday off. He almost did, until he had to go and shoot some poor lady going to her car after getting (I’m assuming) home improvement supplies. Her husband was right there when she was shot. There was an older woman at the gas station yesterday who was visibily shaking as she help the pump. I’ve noticed parking lots are a little emptier today than they were yesterday. People are scared even if they don’t say it.

The randomness and locations of the shootings leave everyone feeling vulnerable and naked in public. I’ve noticed myself walking faster when I’m outside and looking at treelines more carefully. I’ve noticed every white van and box truck on the road. Now that we have a better description, I’ve stopped trying to memorize all their license plates, but I still notice them.

This is my first experience with a serial killer in my area. It’s gripping to the point of insomnia. I haven’t been sleeping well, and last night I dreamed about chasing a cream colored Astro van with a silver roof rack around Sterling trying to run him off the road. I woke up before I did.

The weird part is that even though this lunatic is creating terror, I don’t think he’s a typical terrorist. I think it’s some crazed Redneck who’s gone off the religious deepend that’s swallowed those whacked out right-to-lifers who are so for life rights that they kill people. It’s someone who’s morals are so goofy that he’ll kill, but won’t steal a new truck.

Honestly, I don’t care who it is. I want them stopped and soon.

By Kevin Lawver

Web developer, Software Engineer @ Gusto, Co-founder @ TechSAV, husband, father, aspiring social capitalist and troublemaker.