The Trauma Beat - #7 - Arlene Stuckless

Toronto homicide victim John Wheeler was technically an uncle to Arlene Stuckless, but given their close birthdays, they were always more like siblings.

In this conversation with host Tamara Cherry, Arlene discusses her experience with the media in the immediate aftermath of John’s inexplicable homicide, from watching the investigator release John’s name on live television, to an interview with someone on scene, and another with someone who was purporting to be closer to John than he actually was.

Arlene discusses the harm that came from conflicting details being reported about the homicide — from the number of shots that were fired, to the part of the body John had been shot in — before her family received official information from investigators. She also discusses the positive experience she had with the media, thanks to the support she received from the lead investigator.

Further, Arlene speaks about the impact of consuming media coverage of other shootings.  “It takes you right back to that initial moment when you heard your loved one was murdered,” she says. Arlene discusses the impact of various elements reporters commonly use to illustrate their stories — be it a video of paramedics working on a homicide victim, or a picture of a traffic fatality victim covered with a blanket.

In addition to speaking about what worked (and didn’t) with the media, Arlene speaks more broadly about the experience of becoming a homicide survivor. “I think what would have probably been helpful is if someone who had already been through it could have been there to say, ‘Hey, you know, I’ve been there. I know what you’re going through.’”

As per trauma-informed practice, each guest in The Trauma Beat podcast is afforded the opportunity to review and veto a list of anticipated questions before the recorded conversation. Ongoing, informed consent is sought throughout the production process.

This conversation was recorded in March 2022.