A message on the reader board outside a Wenatchee, WA business last week simply said, “Pray for Mackenzie.” I had heard on the radio that a 17-year-old girl named Mackenzie Cowell had gone missing in the Wenatchee area earlier in the week. By the time I saw the sign, Mackenzie had been missing for several days. I prayed for her, hoping against hope that she was safe.
Over the weekend, news reports indicated that a young woman’s body had been found. Later, a family and community’s worst fears were confirmed. Mackenzie had been murdered.
This is the stuff of TV shows, the likes of Criminal Minds and CSI. On some level, I want to coddle myself into believing this is fiction. Murder is a rare crime in the rural area where we live. Mackenzie Cowell’s death has sent shockwaves throughout central Washington. So far, no persons of interest have been named.
I can barely comprehend the anguish for Mackenzie’s family and friends. I am certain their road toward healing will be long and difficult. And yes, we will continue praying.
Today at 11:00 a.m. CST, Margaret McSweeney will interview Marc Klaas, father of Polly Klaas who was kidnapped and murdered in 1993. I apologize for the short notice on this, but if you aren’t able to tune in for the interview on Kitchen Chat with Margaret McSweeney, the program may be archived for future listening.
This should be an interesting and insightful discussion on an important topic. As a legacy to his daughter, Marc Klaas founded KlaasKidsFoundation to help prevent crimes against children.
