Help Justine Honor her son Ethan

From our dear brave broken friend Justine-

“I received news on Monday, May 6th that my son, Ethan Austin Murray, was shot and killed by police officers in Spokane Valley on Saturday, May 4th. My son suffers from mental illness and drug addiction. I’m heartbroken, angry, and in shock. I love you Ethan Murray. I will never stop advocating for change, police CIT training and breaking the stigma for people with mental illness. ❤️Please share this.”

Ethan Austin Murray had just turned 25 years old Sunday, April 28th.  He was a compassionate, kind and loving young man. He loved nature- especially the mountains.  He loved music, books, food, and dogs.  Ethan also suffered from mental illness and drug addiction. He had struggled most of his life and was in out of hospitals, jails and living on the streets.

Even with Ethan’s mom, Justine, doing everything within her power to get him the help he needed, it still wasn’t enough because of the lack of resources for people living with mental illness. Justine has now been left with every mother’s worst nightmare and a story that is shockingly shared with too many.

Justine continues to be vulnerable and brave in advocating for her son and mental health.  She has opened up to our community by continuing to share her story and has raised mental health funds for NAMI. Justine has plans to hike Idaho’s Centennial trail in 2020 with a goal of raising 50k for mental health resources in Sandpoint.

Her store, La Chic Boutique, has become an open door for others to open up about mental health and feel deep connection. It’s beyond shop therapy. It’s because we care so deeply about this. It’s why the store surrounds us with beauty, positivity, humor, and kindness.

Justine has created a powerful support system in our town.  This is  another brave, vulnerable request for help with the unexpected costs of the passing of her son.  Her wishes are to spread his ashes over the mountains he loved.  She will do this on her hikes for mental health.

In the end, Justine was proud of her son at his last arraignment at court.  He asked the judge “do you know there are no shelters here?!”  He was advocating for himself.

From Sandpoint to New Zealand, from England to Florida, from Illinois to Oregon to Wisconsin and beyond, we thank you so much for all your support.  This will be a long journey together.