A Personal Letter to Matt in "Killings"

Dear Matt,
You might not know me, but I wanted to take the time to send you a quick note. I read an account of your story and I guess I just wanted to let you know the feelings I have after learning of your many struggles.

Firstly, I want to express my deepest condolences for the loss of your son Frank. I cannot imagine the grief you must have gone through after losing someone so close to you at such a young age. No father should have to live through the loss of a child, and I can only imagine how shocking and horrifying the circumstances were. I’m sure that, though I never knew Frank, he was a great person and a son worthy of your pride. You have a lot of courage to continue your daily life after an earth-shattering loss like this one. I sincerely hope that you, your wife, and your family continue to recover from this catastrophe. You have been in my prayers.

In the days after your son’s death, you handled your life with such grace. The daze you were in is understandable, but I’m sure that those around you who were grieving appreciated the composed front you had which at least temporarily eased their pain. I was disappointed to read that you lost control of your anger and emotions when you murdered young Mr. Strout. Don’t worry, I don’t plan on telling anyone about your crimes, because I feel that it is not my place. All I ask is that you take the time to consider what I have to say and reflect on the results of your rash actions.

I can in no way legitimize what Strout did to your son. Murder is, in my opinion, an unforgivable crime, especially considering your obviously close connection with the victim and the public nature of his death. Strout has undoubtedly not only shattered Frank’s life, but he has also forever changed you, your family, Mary Ann, and those poor children. I’m not sure how I would handle the unavoidable desire for revenge that would come with losing a loved one in such a way. But I still question your decision to kill Strout. Firstly, he was openly guilty for his crime and he acknowledged that he was deserving of whatever punishment the law chose. Strout could have been punished within the parameters of the legal system, and you never had to interfere. Also, in ending Strout’s life, you in a way put him out of his misery. It seems apparent to me that he was struggling with the consequences of his actions and that with time he might develop remorse and regret for his huge error in judgment. Living with his regret would have been punishment enough, in my opinion. I’m worried that you might realize that you’ve also made a mistake that you cannot take back. Finally, is this really what Frank would have wanted for you to do? Frank was not a violent man, and he refrained from any sort of conflict with Strout because he wanted what was best for others around him. He would have been proud to see you resist the urge to use violence as well. Have you accidentally stooped to Strout’s level? Perhaps a good way to live in Frank’s memory would be to help Mary Ann and the kids cope and maybe to give them money to support their living. We can find the joy in someone we’ve lost by helping others rather than by causing loss for even more people. Strout had family too; people who you’ve never even met loved him and are now just as confused as you are. I thought that you would not wish the loss of a young man like Frank on anyone.

You can’t take back what you’ve done, Matt, but you can come back from it. I’m not telling you to confess, though it probably is the right thing to do. Just consider what I have said and try to direct your life down a path of love, not hate. Don’t forget who you are, and most importantly, don’t forget the wonderful son who lit up your life while he was here on earth.

God bless you,
Angela GInocchio