The Atlantic County Board of Commissioners honors the Atlantic County Prosecutor Office's work for crime victims. From left: Victim-Witness Advocate Kristie Gardener, Deputy Chief of County Detectives Matt Paley, prosecutor's Chief Counsel John Flammer and Victim-Witness Director Patricia Hayek.
An Atlantic County prosecutor recently recalled the horror two victims suffered more than a decade ago.
An Egg Harbor City mother and son were murdered by a man those around them had trusted.
"That one person brutally killed Michelle Heist-Pabst and her 7-year-old son, Gavin, in the most horrific manner imaginable," said John Flammer, now chief counsel to Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds. "The senselessness cruelty and brutality they suffered at his hands was devastating. ... This was one of those cases that stays with you forever."
Flammer did not name the convicted murderer who still has 41 years left on his 55-year sentence.
Instead he spoke to the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners about the "profound" impact cases like that have "for the first responders, law enforcement assigned to investigate, victim witness advocates providing comfort and myself assigned to prosecute the case"
The board had just voted unanimously on a resolution recognizing this week as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Atlantic County.
With him were Victim-Witness Director Patricia Hayek and Victim-Witness Advocate Kristie Gardener, who are the liaisons for the victim survivors and the families left behind by homicide.
They relay information, explain procedures and mostly are the ones who offer comfort and support during what is often a long and frustrating process.
Also on hand was Deputy Chief of Atlantic County Detectives Matt Paley, who helps lead those investigators building cases to ready for charges and eventual prosecution.
“On behalf of Prosecutor Reynolds, we truly thank you for this resolution recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights week,” Flammer said, addressing Chairman Rich Dase and the board on his office's behalf.
“A majority of my 20-plus year career as a prosecutor has been devoted to special victim cases," he said. "Throughout that time, I can assure you and the residents of Atlantic County, that everyone in our office is wholly dedicated to the pursuit of justice for all crime victims.”
The Heist-Pabst families will be formally recognized Friday, as the office closes out the week.
“It goes without saying that no family ever wants such recognition, but it is equally true that no family has displayed such remarkable strength and resiliency when faced with such an unimaginable situation,” he said.
He then thanked the board again.
“It is support such as this that helps us pursue justice and healing for victim survivors, their families and all those impacted by crime," he said. "It is support such as this that provides comfort for all victim survivors to know they are never alone, and they are always remembered. And that victims such as Michelle and Gavin will never be forgotten.”
