Two Recent Cases: Spouse/Boyfriend Allegedly Couldn't or Didn't Want To Let Go

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In Houston, TX at the home of Robyn Hightower, a 22 year-old mother of 3, an apparent argument broke out over the phone between her and her abusive boyfriend, Ervin Jones, of several years. It’s said Robin wanted to end the relationship and move on with her life. Allegedly Ervin wasn't wanting to let go and later that same night stormed into the home. It’s said that another argument ensued and several shots were fired, one hit Robyn in the chest, causing her death. Ervin fled the scene.

Robyn's brother, standing outside the home with the children, heard the gunshots and ran into the home. Robyn was lying on her stomach in a pool of blood. He grabbed his sister up and rushed her to the hospital but she died a little later.

Ervin was later discovered at a gas station with a gunshot wound and was transported to the hospital. Whether or not he was accidentally shot during a struggle or deliberately is unknown. But one weapon was found inside the home. He was charged with murder in Robyn’s death. Ervin has a long history of violence, including assault of 2 female family members and murder of a man in 1989.

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A mother of 2 and school teacher, Irene Mickens, had apparently filed for divorce from her controlling husband in hopes of moving on with her life. But, ( the buts always show up) on Tuesday July 12, 2011, her estranged husband and father of her 7 and 5 year old children, called her. Allegedly he told Irene in that call their daughter was seriously ill. Irene drove to his apartment in Sandy Springs but her daughter wasn't there, Jamal Mickens was and he had a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.

Both their bodies were later found. Irene had been shot in the head.

Of note: I think Jamal and Irene's relationship was doomed from the beginning. He allegedly controlled her movements, who she was in contact with and who she couldn't see. She had filed for divorce and a restraining order in 2009 but had stopped it and tried to make a go of their marriage. Jamal had gone to anger management classes.

But back in November of 2010 she decided it was over and again filed for divorce. At that time she moved in with her sister in Charlotte and began putting the pieces of her life back together.

Both of these cases are tragic and examples of how bad relationships spin out of control. Had both read and utilized Time's Up: A guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships by Susan Murphy Milano just maybe their lives could've been saved. Why is it always too late? This book needs to be available to all victims and/or potential victims of domestic violence.