Overland Park murder-suicide shows domestic violence knows no geographic boundaries

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Overland Park police have determined that Friday’s double shooting that left a husband and wife dead was a domestic situation.  This follows an increase in area homicides in 2011 blamed on domestic abuse.

Debra Beaver, 56, was shot in the driveway of a home down the street from the home the couple shared in the Lion’s Gate neighborhood.  She later died.

Barry Beaver, 58, was found dead a few hours later from a self-inflicted gunshot.

Debra Beaver's murder follows a growing trend of domestic violence homicides in the Kansas City area.  The couple filed for divorce last fall and Debra obtained a restraining order against Barry in November.

“One of the things that a woman needs to be concerned about is when she does leave her abuser, the risk of her being killed exceeds greatly,” explains Rose Brooks Center CEO Susan Miller.

Advocates such as Rose Brooks also say there are no boundaries when it comes to domestic abuse.

“The situation that happened here in Johnson County happens anywhere in the metro area,” Miller said.  “I think that the most important thing is for them to recognize that they can get help, and they ask for help, that they trust their gut.”

In 2011, Kansas City Police investigated 114 homicides.  That marked the highest number in the past three years.  The department blames the higher number of cases on an increase in domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the Kansas City metro Crisis Line at 816-861-6100 or visit www.rosebrooks.org for more information.