Catherine Mabe Van Zeeland, a 54-year-old woman from Yulee, FL, passed away on May 10, 2015. Known affectionately as the "Yard Sale Queen," Catherine owned and operated Yulee Pawn & Collectibles. She was a beloved member of her community, survived by her husband, Kurt Van Zeeland, and her children and grandchildren. Her death was a significant loss to her family and friends, who remembered her as a kind and loving individual.
The circumstances surrounding Catherine's death were tragic
and shocking. On the evening of May 10, 2015, Catherine was found slumped over a chair on the front porch of her home, having been shot in the head. Her husband, Kurt Henry Van Zeeland, was present at the scene and was immediately taken into custody by the Nassau County deputies. Kurt, who was 51 years old at the time, later confessed to the crime, stating that he had shot his wife during a domestic dispute. He was charged with second-degree murder and subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge.
The investigation revealed that there had been no prior reports of domestic violence or disturbances at the Van Zeeland residence. The couple had been married for six years, and there were no documented incidents of violence between them. Kurt Van Zeeland's confession and the evidence collected at the scene, including the handgun used in the shooting, led to his indictment on a count of first-degree murder. However, he ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and faced a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Catherine's death highlighted the often-hidden nature of domestic violence and its devastating impact on families and communities. The case also underscored the importance of addressing and preventing domestic violence through awareness, support, and intervention. The community of Yulee mourned the loss of Catherine Mabe Van Zeeland, remembering her as a cherished friend, mother, and grandmother.
