Fundraising site set up for woman who killed potential serial killer

[EL34x4]

From the Charleston Gazette-Mail

A group of people have established a fundraising website for the woman who earlier this month killed an attacker who might have been a serial killer.

Supporters thought the woman — who has been publicly identified only by her first name, Heather — might need funds for public relations and legal assistance if any companies want to buy the rights to her story, to stop placing ads on Backpage and to get away from the location of the attack and find a new apartment, according to one of the organizers of the fundraiser, Charleston resident Laura Gandee.

“She’s a feminist hero in my eyes and we should help her,” Gandee said.

Gandee said she had been in touch with a friend of Heather who said she was interested in a new apartment.

“She didn’t ask for this,” Gandee said. “We volunteered because someone told us there was a need.”

The woman killed Neal Falls after he attacked her at her home on July 18.

While Heather had originally asked to be anonymous, Charleston Police Lt. Steve Cooper said Wednesday she was OK with her first name being used, and organizers of the fundraiser have used that name. Cooper would not confirm her full name on Wednesday.

Police said Falls had answered an ad the woman had placed on Backpage.com, a site often used for escort services.

Heather told the Gazette-Mail that Falls immediately pressed a gun to her stomach and said “live or die” when he walked in the door, and then started to choke her.

She was able to grab his gun and shoot him when he set it down to take a rake from her arms.

Police believe Falls might have killed other women. Officers found several axes, a shovel, knives, a machete, bleach, handcuffs, a bulletproof vest and a list of women’s names in his vehicle.

Gandee posted about the fundraiser on Facebook, and said she has been blown away by the response. In just two days, they raised $1,000, she said, and more than $1,300 had been raised by Wednesday afternoon.

Donors left messages for Heather on the page. “Dion” wrote: “You are a hero, an angel, a gift from GOD. Your bravery truly touched my heart. You saved GOD KNOWS how many lives with your fearlessness and I HAD to help. I wish I can give more, but I will keep you in my prayers for your continued protection.”

Mary Withers thanked the woman, then said, “I know that sex workers are VERY vulnerable to violent crime. So glad you prevailed and he didn’t. You may have saved dozens of lives, BESIDES your own!”

Gandee said she met with Heather Tuesday night and showed her the fundraising page. She said Heather was “very touched” by the donations and comments.

“She was just very moved and said she really appreciated everything that everyone said and was doing for her,” she said. “She’s a very humble person so all of this attention is sort of overwhelming.”

Gandee said that, so far, they have talked only about using the funds for a new apartment.

“She wants to make a better life for herself, but the plans are not set in stone yet,” Gandee said. “It’s too early. This just happened. She’s just starting to think about these things.”

Heather’s mother directed a reporter to a lawyer, Kathy Brown, for comment. Brown said Wednesday that she is handling media requests for Heather but that she was not accepting interview requests.

The fundraising site is found at www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/lbl9/serial-rapist-neal-falls-shot-and-killed-by-charleston-woman-during-an-attack.

[EL34x4]

1. I've found this to be one of the most interesting stories of the year.

I really hope Heather uses this life-changing event to find something inside her she never knew she had.

I'm really hoping for a happy ending here.

[akbacchus_BC]

3. If the person she managed to kill whilst he was trying to attack her,

why does she need a lawyer to defend herself?

Case closed, the woman does not need to defend herself and it should not go to court. Something must be seriously wrong with the American justice system.

[EL34x4]

4. She doesn't need a lawyer for any criminal action.

She's not under investigation for any wrongdoing on the part of killing Neal Falls. Self defense, case closed.

She needs representation because she's about to become very famous. And possibly rich. And likely taken advantage of.

[akbacchus_BC]

5. Oh, colour me bad! Goodluck to her and you too as her advocate!

Will you benefit as well?