I want to tell you a story about a tragic day in the life of a lovely human being and a cherished member of my family…

Imagine a warm summer afternoon, and you are working on your beloved Harley Davidson, when suddenly, without warning, complete mayhem and terror erupts and propels you into a 12-hour nightmare.

That is what happened to my cousin, Jay Terry. He was in the garage of his Aurora, CO rental taking advantage of the idyllic afternoon and getting some good grease therapy time in by performing routine repairs on his Harley when out of the quiet booms a voice aggressively calling his name. He is disoriented, confused, and overwhelmed in the moment before he realizes that the Special Weapons and Tactical Team is at his home and not calling his name but that of a guest of his housemate, Fabien Perry. What ensues is an hours-long, violent siege on my cousin’s home as SWAT and police engage in all-out warfare to apprehend the barricaded Perry, who, unbeknownst to anyone in the house, was wanted for murder in his home state of Georgia. Jay not only learned of the horrifying crimes the accused committed but was witness to his home being extensively damaged and the suspect ultimately being shot and killed.

As a result of this horrific event, Jay is without a home and belongings as both were destroyed in the siege. He is left to deal with the residual betrayal and trauma that has blanketed him since July 18th. His residence of the last several years was violently flooded, with every window broken and catastrophic structural damage rendered to the front façade. The devastation was so pervasive that even his clothing was unsalvageable due to asbestos debris and tear gas contamination. Since he only rented a room (which was ruined in the standoff), this shattering destruction is not covered by his landlord’s homeowner’s insurance and collecting damages from the City/P.D. is almost impossible.

Jay is the salt of the earth, an amiable and gentle soul that, without consideration for himself or his finances, would help a stranger in need. He is warm and kind, and just being in his presence relaxes you; he is like bottled Zen. Jay is currently staying in a motorhome that a friend has generously loaned him. Still, he needs a permanent residence before the bitterly cold Colorado Fall and Winter descend upon him. As Jay was left with virtually nothing, I am hoping to raise funds to cover the deposit needed for a new rental and to replenish his belongings. With your generosity, both in spirit and resources, you can co-author the final chapter of this story, where a good person gets a happy ending.

Thanks for your support and partnership in Jay’s Journey.