The Artists

J (1976-1996) showed artistic talent from a very young age. In elementary school, teachers recognized his talents when at the age of 5, he was drawing silhouettes and shading. J was gregarious and well liked by both teachers and classmates whether they were athletes, intellectuals, or in the arts. Although an average student he excelled in the arts and was accepted to the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) for the academic years of 1994/95 and 1995/96. J enjoyed playing the guitar and piano, woodworking, sculpting, drawing and painting, organ building, waterskiing music of all types, and his GTI.

J was sexually abused from age 11 to 14 by a camp counselor who had befriended the family.

M (1974 – 1996), J’s big brother, had five loves. First was writing, including short stories, poetry, journaling and frequent correspondence. His second love was photography. He joined both the writing and photography clubs in high school and received an award his senior year for one of his written works. His third love was mountain biking, which he described as unsuccessful if you didn’t come back bruised and bloodied. His fourth love was music. His last love was for girls.

M was sexually abused by the same offender at age 13.