This article contains depictions of domestic violence and death. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or the YWCA Crisis Line at 307-352-1030.

GREEN RIVER — There was never any physical abuse, until six weeks before she was murdered.

Crista Bernal said her sister, Leysa Bernal, was never physically abused by her ex-boyfriend until six weeks before she was killed in a domestic violence homicide on May 29, 1999. 

Crista said Leysa was shot twice in the face by her ex-boyfriend, Lawrence Howard. Crista, Leysa, their mother and Leysa’s son, Michael, had just come home from a wedding when the murder occurred. Crista said Howard had been hiding in the home when they arrived, shot Leysa and fled, evading capture for 84 hours.

Crista said the abuse began as emotional and mental. Howard blamed Leysa for every problem and destroyed gifts he had given her, including stuffed animals and clothing. She said Howard was never physically violent until six weeks before the murder, when he attacked Leysa and dragged her across concrete by the hair. During the attack, Michael’s leg was broken. He was taken to the hospital and Howard was arrested. Crista said Howard lied to a friend about why he was in jail, and the friend bailed him out.

Leysa and Michael then moved in with the family and Leysa obtained a protective order against Howard. Crista said Howard tried to enter Leysa’s workplace more than once and the police were aware. At the same time, Leysa was also working with the YWCA to get a spot in a safe house. 

Looking back, Crista said the main warning sign was that Leysa withdrew from the family.

“She was closed off more towards the family and she would mostly stay at home,” Crista said. “She wouldn’t come out and do a whole bunch of stuff with us.”

After the killing, Crista went to counseling. She and her mother later spoke to a Western Wyoming College class about the family’s experience, at the invitation of a YWCA representative. Crista said they described the guilt survivors feel and wanted people to understand that it can happen to someone close to them.

Crista offered advice to the survivors and victims of domestic violence.

Get as much help as you can and be there with your family, help them out, it’s the worst thing you can go through. Get out as quickly as you can

Crista Bernal

The Silent Witness event honoring victims of domestic violence is scheduled for tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bunning Park.