Looking for answers
Friends remember Beverly Saruwatari as a model citizen and a devoted single mother. She died suddenly one year ago of a brain aneurism – 20 days after an unusual confrontation with police in the doorway of her South Hill home. But the family's tragedy didn't end with the school teacher's death. Her 37-year-old son, Jerud Melcher, took his own life in April, saying his suicide was a "silent protest" over what happened to his mother. Now another son, Travis Melcher, is looking for answers.
Section:Gallery
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Travis Melcher stands at the front door of the Spokane, Wash. home of his mother, Bev Saruwatari, who died 20 days after an encounter with the Spokane Police. Melcher is trying to get information on why that encounter happened.
Christopher Anderson The Spokesman-Review
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Travis Melcher sits on the front steps of his mother's home holding a note left by his brother, who committed suicide after her death.
Christopher Anderson The Spokesman-Review
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A portrait of Jerud Melcher who committed suicide after the death of his mother, Bev Sarumatari.
Christopher Anderson The Spokesman-Review
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Travis Melcher holds a portrait of his mother, Bev Saruwatari, who died 20 days after an encounter with the Spokane police at her home.
Christopher Anderson The Spokesman-Review
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Travis Melcher sits with Shaylee, the dog that belonged to his mother, Bev Saruwatari, who died 20 days after an encounter with the Spokane police at her home. Melcher now lives in the house and takes care of the dog.
Christopher Anderson The Spokesman-Review
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Travis Melcher stands with portraits of his mother, Bev Saruwatari, and his brother Jerud Melcher on June 17, 2010, at his home.
Christopher Anderson The Spokesman-Review
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