Seattle woman's murder prompts singer to act
SEATTLE -- On a rare break from performing, singer Brandi Carlile was home in Maple Valley when she heard about the murder of Teresa Butz.
"It just sent a ripple of fear and awareness through the community," Carlile said.
Butz, was raped and fatally stabbed July 19, by a man who broke into her South Seattle home. Her partner was also stabbed but survived.
"I don't think she could have done anything to prevent what happened to her," Carlile said.
In the wake of the killing, a detective saw a need, Carlile's foundation had the money, and self-defense instructor Melinda Johnson had the skills.
Together they're launching the Fight The Fear Campaign, offering free self-defense classes over the next year to groups at risk.
"It really isn't about fighting other people, it's about respecting the fact that you are worth fighting for yourself, and it's about fighting the fear that you have when you don't have the confidence to defend yourself," Carlile said.
They know that many of the people they're trying to reach can't come to a studio for training, so the group is taking self defense classes on the road.
And the project has backing from more big names -- Carlile and The Indigo Girls recorded a song to raise money for the campaign.
Organizers say Butz's partner is grateful that something positive can come out of such a tragedy.
"It just sent a ripple of fear and awareness through the community," Carlile said.
Butz, was raped and fatally stabbed July 19, by a man who broke into her South Seattle home. Her partner was also stabbed but survived.
"I don't think she could have done anything to prevent what happened to her," Carlile said.
In the wake of the killing, a detective saw a need, Carlile's foundation had the money, and self-defense instructor Melinda Johnson had the skills.
Together they're launching the Fight The Fear Campaign, offering free self-defense classes over the next year to groups at risk.
"It really isn't about fighting other people, it's about respecting the fact that you are worth fighting for yourself, and it's about fighting the fear that you have when you don't have the confidence to defend yourself," Carlile said.
They know that many of the people they're trying to reach can't come to a studio for training, so the group is taking self defense classes on the road.
And the project has backing from more big names -- Carlile and The Indigo Girls recorded a song to raise money for the campaign.
Organizers say Butz's partner is grateful that something positive can come out of such a tragedy.