Prosecutor speaks as victim of violence

An assistant U.S. Attorney, who’s devoted his life to fighting crime, is speaking out about being a victim of violence himself.

As part of National Crime Victims Rights Week, Joe Marquez talked publicly for the first time about being on the other end of the criminal justice system. Marquez says he’s developed a greater appreciation for victims’ rights.

“I’m just a normal guy who lost his wife and now I have to face all of these things,” Marquez said. “All these trials and tribulations like everyone else.”

In July 2008, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Marquez was attacked in his Grain Valley, Mo., home, his wife murdered by a friend of his stepson. Police captured Taylor Marquez, 16, and a friend, Eddie George, in Colorado. The two were convicted of stabbing to death 39-year-old Pamela Marquez.

Although the seasoned prosecutor recovered from his physical injuries in the crime, he says being a victim has made him more sensitive to the needs of crime survivors.

“No one understands,” Marquez said. “Why does stuff like this happen? Why Taylor? Why his friend Eddie? What was going on in these kids’ minds? You don’t really know and it’s hard to understand. So, our victim advocate was very helpful in explaining things to me.”

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