Earlier this week, a man from Winfield called authorities to say he had killed his four children and their mother. Before authorities could help, he killed himself.
SOS Crisis Services Director Mary Halleran says the situation involving the suspect, 53-year-old Ronald Williams Sr, as well as four children between 3 and 9 years old and their mother, 44-year-old Kelly George, folds in several factors — domestic violence, concerns about potential drug use and access to firearms — that led to what Halleran calls “a perfect storm.” Halleran referenced domestic violence situations handled by SOS, and she says domestic violence is almost always part of the picture, but it’s not the only part of the picture.
Halleran says crisis service workers have come to expect domestic violence as an underlying factor in situations like this. And usually, it’s longstanding.
Halleran says early education and prevention measures become critical to avoid more cases like what happened in Winfield.
Halleran says this also extends to parents and caregivers, although she admits it can be difficult to undo generational behaviors. Survivors face a lot of fear, shame and guilt when they leave a violence setting.
There are certain court programs available to help perpetrators — in certain circumstances.
The Winfield situation highlights how SOS can help in different crisis situations through crisis services, a shelter, the Child Advocacy Center and the Child Visitation and Exchange Center. It also pinpoints external collaborations that have formed the Lyon County High-Risk Team: SOS advocates, law enforcement, probation and parole officers, prosecutors and others working to figure out which domestic incidents carry a high risk of death.
For more information on SOS and its services, visit SOSKansas.com. If you need immediate help, regardless of day or time, call 800-825-1295 or text SOSKS to 847411.
