Except for the OJ trial many years ago, I am not one to watch live trials of murderers. I do keep informed through news. I temper the brutality of real life with calming books or loving movies.
That is why I am having a hard time finishing Frozen River a contempory novel with a historical setting. As I noted in an earlier post, the author must have used current, front page headlines for motivation. Nothing is calming in this "who dun it" with #MeToo side bars. No comedy, just dramatic, difficult reading.
Front page headlines on TV, radio, YT or print media catch our attention. It is impossible to scroll without seeing bad news. Some bad news becomes real life Law and Order episodes.
So since November of 2025, I have watched a few live trials that are related to school violence. The bad guys are kids who pulled a trigger with the addition of truly dysfunctional parents. The victims are kids, adults and entire communities.
I will post more on the most recent trial of a boy who diabotically planned a school shooting. Dysfunction and the dark web of the True Crime Community of Discord helped lead this boy to perdition. But first:
Cher!
Since I was very young in the early 1960's, I knew of Cher. My sister had her early albums. Cher was kind of folksy when she started. As an adult, I have not only listened to Cher but watched her on the little and big screens. I was never interested in reading her words.
But...
Our book club selection this month was Cher, The Memoir Part One, not my choice. I read it this week at the same time two sentencing trials were televised about the Appalachia High School school shooting on September 4, 2024. Yesterday's news in headlines this week.
Connecting dots:
Cher had a dysfuncyional upbringing. Her mother had more men in and out of her house and bed than "Carter's had liver pills". Cher's father(s) were multiple yet she called only one man "daddy". Cher hated school, was very independent, and at a young, "jail bait age" became involved with a much older, very controlling man. His name was Sonny Bono. She was exposed to darkness as a child and as an adult.
Cher may have bizarre life to most of us, but she is living a productive life and a loving one. She was not always paid in kind. She made us laugh while she was crying. Comics often do that since they are actors at heart.
Why did Cher grow up to be a success and another child, years later, at about the same age of Cher when she struck out on her own, plan and execute a massacre?
These are questions to ask, ponder and answer for prevention of violence.
The book was telling of Cher and the trials were telling of the school shooter from Georgia.
Cher talked about faith and forgiveness in her book. And, she was imperfectly loved. Cher loves too. How was that heart fostered to grow into a successful, loving person and mother? Some may call her quirky!
Why did a troubled child, identified in his early school years, as having problems, grow into a hate filled person obsessed with carrying out murder and who will now spend a lifetime in jail without parole?
Why?
If you work with humans, the Why? is a connection because that means you are aware and asking. Asking saves kids.
I conducted a workshop with youth in a detention center. I titled it "Making Lemonade." I would include her book in that workshop if I led it today.
If you remember "Laverne", you may like to read about Cher and her resilent nature. Be prepared for name dropping but also for a lesson.
Resiliency is often identified as a trait in people who have overcome trauma at any age, but especially in those who have experienced trauma at a young age.
More dots:
School violence prevention is not a mystery. The school shooters tell us before and after they are successful bringing death and destruction. Thank goodness their victims respond with wanting justice, and not revenge.
Through her life with many potholes, Cher did not drink much or do drugs. Why not, she had every opportunity? She took care of her family.
Most people who have working knowledge and access to guns do not commit murder. Why do a small percentage plan evil and get to execute the plan while most who own guns, even youthful ones, succeed in productive lives?
Look for the resilent people to help prevent school violence.
Pay attention. Ask questions.
The handwriting is on the wall and sometimes you may find an interesting piece of the prevention puzzle in a surprising book that you did not really want to read. Cher writes from experience.
Have you read my book? It may surprise you. Asking saves kids. Come to think of it, why haven't you learned about a piece of the puzzle I used? I write from experience and legal documentation.
Connecting dots saves lives too.
Next up, trial testimony. Stay tuned.
Marian R. Carlino
July 31, 2026