Headstone for Teen Murder Victim
Donation protected
Bernice Courtemanche was only 17 when she was violently murdered. Her family didn't have the means to get her a permanent grave marker.
We're raising money to buy Bernice a proper headstone. Any amount helps!
Please note, we are hosting a virtual live auction on Nov. 8 at 8pm ET/5pm PT for a painting inspired by the victims of the Connecticut River Valley Killer. Donations via GoFundMe are not bids for the auction and you are not eligible to win the painting. This donation site is for those who don't have interest in the painting, but wish to donate to Bernice's headstone. Please go to www.darkvalleyshow.com for more information.
BERNICE'S STORY
On May 30, 1984, Bernice was hitchhiking from Claremont, NH, to the next town over when she was abducted. Bernice's body was found 2 years later in a wooded area. She had been stabbed to death. Bernice's murderer is suspected to be the Connecticut River Valley Killer and his identity remains unknown.
FORGOTTEN
While producing an investigative podcast (Dark Valley) on these killings, host Jennifer Amell and lone survivor of this serial killer, Jane Boroski, went to Bernice Courtemanche's grave to pay their respects. Jane was shocked to see a small plot, overgrown with weeds, and bearing only a flimsy plastic marker.
Bernice's family was not very well off. After learning that the Courtemanche's likely incurred the costs of transporting her body to Maine and back for an autopsy, there was probably little left over to purchase an expensive headstone. Jane Boroski is not condemning the family's actions, but the community of Claremont and wider New Hampshire, who did not come together to honor this young murder victim.
LET'S BE A COMMUNITY FOR BERNICE
Jane vowed to buy Bernice a headstone and galvanize the wider Dark Valley and Invisible Tears (Jane's podcast) communities who listened to the stories of these women and care deeply about honoring Bernice properly. We are raising money to buy Bernice a headstone that will read:
BERNICE COURTEMANCHE
1968-1984
NEVER FORGOTTEN
There will be a butterfly on the headstone as well. Butterflies are important to Jane and Bernice's plot had a faded, plastic butterfly stuck into the ground.
We are running two separate campaigns to raise money for Bernice's headstone. There are 2 ways to give:
- You can donate any amount here. Donations on GoFundMe will not enter your bid into the art auction.
OR
- Bid on a mixed media painting inspired by the Connecticut River Valley victims. The painting is by Pamela Robinson, who designed the Dark Valley logo and is also, coincidentally, host Jennifer Amell's mother.
- This auction will be open for bids from November 1 - November 8 @ 10:30pm ET
Join our virtual live auction commentary on Crawlspace Podcast's Youtube Channel with Jennifer Amell, Jane Boroski, Tim Pilleri, and Lance Reenstierna as we see who makes the highest bid!
WHEN: Wednesday, November 8, @ 8pm Eastern / 5pm Pacific
WHERE: Go to www.32auctions.com/artforbernice to bid for the painting. Go to Crawlspace Podcast Youtube Channel for live virtual event.
Organizer
Dark Valley
Organizer
Worcester, MA
