Brenda G. Skiles Crum, a 64-year-old woman from Virginia, Illinois, tragically lost her life on January 10, 2021. She was born on June 24, 1956, and was well-known in her community for her work in the medical field, including her role as an EMT and her service at Passavant Area Hospital. Brenda was especially loved by her patients and found great joy in watching her grandchildren participate in their activities.
The circumstances surrounding Brenda's death were part of a tragic
double-homicide incident. On January 10, 2021, deputies were called to a residence on East Street in Virginia, where they found Brenda and Kathleen G. Wzientek, 68, both deceased at the scene. David Miller, 47, who was shot in the head during the incident, survived and later testified during the trial. Robert D. Harris, 72, was arrested later that day and was later found guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of both women.
The investigation revealed that Harris had a prior relationship with Kathleen Wzientek, which had ended the day before the shootings. Harris attempted to shoot David Miller, Kathleen's son, before proceeding to Wzientek's bedroom and shooting her three times in the back of the head. Brenda Crum was shot six times during the incident. Harris was convicted on six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder and is facing life in prison.
The case brought a sense of closure to the families of the victims, although the loss of Brenda and Kathleen left a significant void in their community. The trial and subsequent conviction of Harris highlighted the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues to prevent future tragedies.
I hope this information helps.
