TOLD BY HER YOUNGER SISTER, JESSICA MEZA

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On February 11, 2011, I woke up to an event that would change my life forever. An event that would force my family and I to face one of life’s most painful experiences and deal with a kind of pain that causes a profound change in a person. That cold February morning as my sister was on her way to work, she was ambushed and shot to death by her ex-boyfriend. The event left a deep wound within my family and myself. Kristine’s death at the hands of domestic violence completely captured the hearts of everyone who knew her and who could relate to her story. It was not easy to accept that my sister had been taken so brutally.

She was only 25 years old, with so many dreams and plans for her future. 

In just a matter of a few moments, this future we had seen for ourselves and our family was altered. As time went on, my family and close friends of Kristine quickly began to realize that the event could not just end with a tragedy and loss. Kristine was such a bright light of fun, happiness, and optimism. 

She was a beautiful person with a gift for listening to others without bias, and people gravitated toward that quality of hers. She had a very empathetic heart and wanted to inspire others with faith. A humanitarian, she aspired to travel to Africa and help the helpless.

 

The Kristine Meza Foundation was created by Kristine’s family and closest friends in response to the tragic event that took place on February 11, 2011. Our anger and search for answers fueled our movement to stand against domestic violence in our city, in a county that currently has the highest rate of domestic violence in the state.

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Her spirit of faith and courage inspired us to become a voice for others. A voice for those who are silenced by fear and abuse. Domestic violence was the indiscriminate monster that took my sister’s life and has claimed too many precious lives. 

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