Courtney Weaver

She’s not the only gunshot victim who testifies on behalf of the bill. Courtney Weaver, shot in the face by her partner in a domestic dispute in 2010, stands before the Senate Committee on Law and Justice her beauty apparent despite a jagged scar across her right cheek. She holds a photo of her injury when it was freshly inflicted, half of her face an unrecognizable jumble of blood and flesh, and asks, “I just wonder how many martyrs are going to have to die before action will be taken to enforce this protocol where firearms are seized?”
...But there are heroes out there among us. Heroes like Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. The Indiana mother started a Facebook page after the Sandy Hook shootings and is now leading a crusade in our country for gun responsibility, which most recently resulted in Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz requesting patrons not carry weapons in the company’s stores. Heroes like Cheryl Stumbo, who survived the 2006 shooting at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and now advocates for increased gun-safety measures; heroes like Courtney Weaver." - ParentMap

Courtney Weaver performs her song "Shot in the Dark" - Yuko Kadama/91.3 KBCS

Courtney Weaver performs her song "Shot in the Dark" - Yuko Kadama/91.3 KBCS

Interview and air play on October 1st, 2013 at 4:20pm - KBCS.fm

Interview and air play on October 1st, 2013 at 4:20pm - KBCS.fm

Three inspiring and courageous women recently visited our studios to share their personal stories of survival. Each of them offered insight into the darkness of intimate partner violence.
We want to thank the Thrivers ActionGroup, a local non-profit committed to educating our community and raising public awareness about domestic violence, for making this series possible and introducing
all of us to our guests:
Carissa Daniels – Domestic Violence Cyberadvocate
Trese Todd – Co-founder of the Thrivers Action Group
Courtney Weaver – Seattle Singer and Songwriter
On October 15th, 2013 the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence hosts a Survivor’s Recognition Day Celebration
This series was produced at KBCS. Interviewer: Yuko Kodama Editor: Ruth Bly
KBCS Series 9/30/13 Segment 1 Trese Todd
KBCS Series 10/1/13 Segment 2 Courtney Weaver, Courtney performing a song she wrote titled Shot In the Dark
KBCS Series 10/2/13 Segment 3 Carissa Daniels
KBCS Series 10/3/13 Segment 4 Courtney Weaver
KBCS Series 10/4/13 Segment 5 Trese Todd
? Top Ten Most Aired Albums October 7th – 13th:
- See more at: http://kbcs.fm/2013/10/14/last-weeks-series-domestic-violence-survivorsthrivers-share-their-story/#sthash.tZzVj3ua.dpuf - Yuko Kadama/91.3 KBCS

Three inspiring and courageous women recently visited our studios to share their personal stories of survival. Each of them offered insight into the darkness of intimate partner violence.
We want to thank the Thrivers ActionGroup, a local non-profit committed to educating our community and raising public awareness about domestic violence, for making this series possible and introducing
all of us to our guests:
Carissa Daniels – Domestic Violence Cyberadvocate
Trese Todd – Co-founder of the Thrivers Action Group
Courtney Weaver – Seattle Singer and Songwriter
On October 15th, 2013 the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence hosts a Survivor’s Recognition Day Celebration
This series was produced at KBCS. Interviewer: Yuko Kodama Editor: Ruth Bly
KBCS Series 9/30/13 Segment 1 Trese Todd
KBCS Series 10/1/13 Segment 2 Courtney Weaver, Courtney performing a song she wrote titled Shot In the Dark
KBCS Series 10/2/13 Segment 3 Carissa Daniels
KBCS Series 10/3/13 Segment 4 Courtney Weaver
KBCS Series 10/4/13 Segment 5 Trese Todd
? Top Ten Most Aired Albums October 7th – 13th:
- See more at: http://kbcs.fm/2013/10/14/last-weeks-series-domestic-violence-survivorsthrivers-share-their-story/#sthash.tZzVj3ua.dpuf - Yuko Kadama/91.3 KBCS

http://www.northcoastjournal.com/humboldt/living-the-blues/Content?oid=2130611 - North Coast Journal

http://www.northcoastjournal.com/humboldt/living-the-blues/Content?oid=2130611 - North Coast Journal

The local blues singer who was shot in the face, allegedly by her then partner, testified at his preliminary hearing Wednesday that she was concerned for the safety of others when she tried to block him from leaving their apartment while he was armed with a gun.

Arcata resident Kenneth Fiaui, 34, is charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Courtney Weaver, 23, on Jan. 15 as they were preparing to go out to a music venue. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently in custody at the Humboldt County jail.

After she was shot, Weaver was taken to the U.C. Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, where she had multiple surgeries. In court Wednesday, Weaver's jaw seemed slightly swollen, but her voice was steady as she testifed.

She said Fiaui had said he was not feeling well and was lying down in another room while Weaver was putting on her make-up in the bathroom.

Weaver testified she then heard her cat in distress before Fiaui came into the room with the cat on his arm before pulling the animal off. His arm was bleeding, and he said he needed help.

”There was a shift,” Weaver said. “He thought he had to go to the hospital, and that he was not OK. Everything was not OK.”

She said he began repeating that he was not OK, acting erratic, and didn't seem to recognize her. Eventually Fiaui grabbed his gun from his lock box and put it in his pocket before continuing to pace around the apartment with Weaver following. She said she tried to calm him down and engage him in conversation, but he was unresponsive.

When Fiaui tried to leave, Weaver said she didn't think he would hurt her, but she was afraid he might hurt other people, so she stood between him and the door.

”I was not in fear of my own welfare, but I was concerned about others when I blocked him from the door,” she said.

Weaver said she didn't remember Fiaui actually pointing the gun at her and shooting her, but remembers the situation before the gun went off and afterward.

”It seems like the more time goes by the more I remember, and also it comes out in my dreams,” she said.

After the shooting, Fiaui left immediately, Weaver said.

Fiaui's hearing is scheduled to continue today.

Donna Tam can be reached at 441-0532 or dtam@times-standard.com. - Donna Tam/The Times-Standard

The local blues singer who was shot in the face, allegedly by her then partner, testified at his preliminary hearing Wednesday that she was concerned for the safety of others when she tried to block him from leaving their apartment while he was armed with a gun.

Arcata resident Kenneth Fiaui, 34, is charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Courtney Weaver, 23, on Jan. 15 as they were preparing to go out to a music venue. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently in custody at the Humboldt County jail.

After she was shot, Weaver was taken to the U.C. Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, where she had multiple surgeries. In court Wednesday, Weaver's jaw seemed slightly swollen, but her voice was steady as she testifed.

She said Fiaui had said he was not feeling well and was lying down in another room while Weaver was putting on her make-up in the bathroom.

Weaver testified she then heard her cat in distress before Fiaui came into the room with the cat on his arm before pulling the animal off. His arm was bleeding, and he said he needed help.

”There was a shift,” Weaver said. “He thought he had to go to the hospital, and that he was not OK. Everything was not OK.”

She said he began repeating that he was not OK, acting erratic, and didn't seem to recognize her. Eventually Fiaui grabbed his gun from his lock box and put it in his pocket before continuing to pace around the apartment with Weaver following. She said she tried to calm him down and engage him in conversation, but he was unresponsive.

When Fiaui tried to leave, Weaver said she didn't think he would hurt her, but she was afraid he might hurt other people, so she stood between him and the door.

”I was not in fear of my own welfare, but I was concerned about others when I blocked him from the door,” she said.

Weaver said she didn't remember Fiaui actually pointing the gun at her and shooting her, but remembers the situation before the gun went off and afterward.

”It seems like the more time goes by the more I remember, and also it comes out in my dreams,” she said.

After the shooting, Fiaui left immediately, Weaver said.

Fiaui's hearing is scheduled to continue today.

Donna Tam can be reached at 441-0532 or dtam@times-standard.com. - Donna Tam/The Times-Standard

Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Joyce Hinrichs on Thursday set a trial date for the Arcata man accused of shooting his then-girlfriend in the face in January after attorneys said plea negotiations weren't resolved.
Kenneth Fiaui faces charges of attempted murder, assault with a firearm and resisting an officer after he allegedly shot local blues singer Courtney Weaver in the face on Jan. 15. Fiaui also allegedly resisted arrest when Arcata police officers tried to detain him on J Street that night.
Deputy District Attorney Nicole Bockleman said that an initial plea offer that would have Fiaui serve a total of 16 years in prison had been reduced to 11 years, but that the defense had not accepted the offer.
”It does not appear that we have a resolution,” Bockleman said.
Fiaui's attorney Neal Sanders signaled that a resolution may be close.
”We are relatively close to resolving this case,” Sanders told the judge.
Hinrichs set a trial date of Jan. 31.
At a preliminary hearing in March, Weaver testified that Fiaui wasn't feeling well on Jan. 15, as they prepared to go out. Fiaui's behavior suddenly became erratic, she told the court, and he grabbed a gun from a lock box. Weaver said she tried to calm Fiaui down and tried to stop him from leaving the apartment when he shot her. Weaver said at the hearing that she had undergone several surgeries to repair her injuries. - Times-Standard/WIllits News

KHUM 104.3FM and 104.7FM begins its 15th annual Stop the Violence campaign today.

Through a series of interviews and round-table discussions, KHUM seeks to increase public awareness about various aspects of violence in our community and to empower people to change their lives and the lives of their families.

During the first three weeks of November, KHUM founder and morning host, Cliff Berkowitz, sets aside time for interviews and panel discussions on a different topic each week. Interviews will be at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for half an hour each, and the panel discussions will take place on Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Week one deals with the problems that occur when family and domestic violence escalate. Today's guest will be Sheri Johnson, director of field education, Humboldt State University Department of Social Work and chair of the Humboldt County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.

Guests for week one include Paula Arrowsmith-Jones from the North Coast Rape Crisis Team and Dawn Watkins from Humboldt Domestic Violence Services on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, respectively.

”It is our hope that by giving voice to these issues and information about the local people who can help, we can really make a difference in people's lives,” said Berkowitz.

Arrowsmith-Jones from NCRCT, Cynthia Ryan of the Sequoia Humane Society, HSU lecturer Susan McGee and Eureka Police Chief Garr Nielsen will be on Friday's two-hour panel discussion.

Week two will focus on the sexual exploitation of children. Highlighting this week will be Carolyn Lehman, local author and researcher, speaking on the topic of “Children Healing from Traumatic Sex Abuse” and counselor Lydia Walker, M.A., on the topic of child pornography.

Week three will look at the stories of the survivors of violence and their ability to thrive. Guests on Nov. 16 will include local singer Courtney Weaver, who was shot in the face by her then boyfriend.

Weaver will also be providing the music for the Healing Breakfast on Nov. 19. The keynote speaker will be professor and author Sam Oliner, who has written extensively on altruism and founded the Altruistic Personality and Prosocial Behavior Institute. The public is invited to this free event in Eureka. - The Times-Standard

KHUM 104.3FM and 104.7FM begins its 15th annual Stop the Violence campaign today.

Through a series of interviews and round-table discussions, KHUM seeks to increase public awareness about various aspects of violence in our community and to empower people to change their lives and the lives of their families.

During the first three weeks of November, KHUM founder and morning host, Cliff Berkowitz, sets aside time for interviews and panel discussions on a different topic each week. Interviews will be at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for half an hour each, and the panel discussions will take place on Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Week one deals with the problems that occur when family and domestic violence escalate. Today's guest will be Sheri Johnson, director of field education, Humboldt State University Department of Social Work and chair of the Humboldt County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.

Guests for week one include Paula Arrowsmith-Jones from the North Coast Rape Crisis Team and Dawn Watkins from Humboldt Domestic Violence Services on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, respectively.

”It is our hope that by giving voice to these issues and information about the local people who can help, we can really make a difference in people's lives,” said Berkowitz.

Arrowsmith-Jones from NCRCT, Cynthia Ryan of the Sequoia Humane Society, HSU lecturer Susan McGee and Eureka Police Chief Garr Nielsen will be on Friday's two-hour panel discussion.

Week two will focus on the sexual exploitation of children. Highlighting this week will be Carolyn Lehman, local author and researcher, speaking on the topic of “Children Healing from Traumatic Sex Abuse” and counselor Lydia Walker, M.A., on the topic of child pornography.

Week three will look at the stories of the survivors of violence and their ability to thrive. Guests on Nov. 16 will include local singer Courtney Weaver, who was shot in the face by her then boyfriend.

Weaver will also be providing the music for the Healing Breakfast on Nov. 19. The keynote speaker will be professor and author Sam Oliner, who has written extensively on altruism and founded the Altruistic Personality and Prosocial Behavior Institute. The public is invited to this free event in Eureka. - The Times-Standard

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- A bill requiring doctors to contact police when they see a patient with a stab or gunshot wound would save lives, police told lawmakers Thursday.

”I think this is a tool that will help us get dangerous people who need to be off the streets, off the streets,” said Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas.

The Washington State Medical Association also backed the proposal.

Doctors in Washington already have to report gunshot and stab wounds when a patient who is unconscious arrives at a hospital.

But Courtney Weaver told members of the Senate Health Care Committee Senate Bill 5305 could end up getting more people killed.

”As a victim it jeopardizes an already crucial situation,” Weaver told lawmakers.

She speaks from experience. In January 2010, Weaver’s boyfriend shot her at point blank range, in the arm and face.

Since the injuries happened in California, where doctors must report gunshot wounds to police, Weaver was nervous her attacker would get angry when he found out the police had been contacted.

”My abuser almost posted bail,” said Weaver. “And there was no doubt in my mind... that he would have come and murdered me.”

Weaver and domestic violence survivor advocates testified the bill could scare victims from getting medical attention or could anger attackers who get reported.

Sen. Randi Becker, R-Eatonville, said the committee will discuss ways to potentially protect patients injured in domestic violence incidents.
- by DREW MIKKELSEN / KING 5 News

Music community unites for Courtney Weaver
A little more than a week ago, a girl was shot in Arcata around 10 p.m. As shocking as it was to have that happen in my neighborhood, it was even more shocking the next day, when word got out that the local girl was Courtney Weaver -- someone the music community knows and loves.

Allegedly shot by her boyfriend, Weaver was flown to University of California Davis Medical Center for treatment of her shattered jaw and a gunshot through her right arm (which happened when she reflexively put her arm up to shield her face). She was in serious, but stable condition when the news started to spread.

One surgery and a wired-shut jaw later, Weaver was on Facebook, assuring everyone that she was all right and pleading for her friends and fans to be positive. Her account of what happened that Friday night, when her boyfriend snapped, was typed completely with her left hand.

Friends and local music community members immediately pulled together and started planning benefit concerts for Weaver. The first one took place the night after the horrific event, at the Red Fox Tavern, where $500 was raised. A jar was put out at the Boiler Room's weekly Monday night open jam, and the local music community came together last Tuesday at the Jambalaya's blues night, raising another $2,800 for Weaver and offering a large card for everyone to sign. Saint John and the Sinners, with whom Weaver regularly performed, also donated a portion of their proceeds from last Friday's already scheduled show at the Blue Lake Casino & Hotel, to her cause.

Saint John Hunt, leader of Saint John and the Sinners, took it upon himself to open the Courtney Weaver Fund at Wells Fargo Bank, where donations can be made to assist her with her various medical costs.

Aside from the Wells Fargo fund, donations can also be sent to Courtney Weaver, c/o Saint John Hunt, 2575 Alliance Rd., Apt. 10-A, Arcata, CA 95521. Friends of Weaver started a Facebook page (”Support for shooting victim Courtney Weaver”) to allow people to keep up with her progress and send her messages.

Hunt is also working on a benefit concert for a few weeks from now, involving a number of blues and non-blues musicians who came out of the woodwork to show solidarity for Weaver. More information will be available about that event as details are solidified.

In the meantime, Weaver continues to post updates on her Facebook page, assuring friends, fans and family that by the time she comes home -- which is expected to happen by early April -- she fully intends to get back on stage and start collaborating with local musicians, once again. Her vocal chords were not affected in the shooting, and while her jaw is currently wired shut, she said she has kept busy by writing new songs.
Whether or not you've ever seen Weaver perform, please send your positive and healing thoughts her way. - Monica Topping Tri-City Weekly

Click photo to enlarge

Within days of getting shot in the face, local blues singer Courtney Weaver already had her mind set on performing again. The 23-year-old Arcata resident began writing songs in a journal her aunt gave her while she was in the hospital.

Now, less than two months later, Weaver has churned out 35 songs and has plans for an album and a West Coast tour.

”I lucked out,” she said about her survival.

Weaver's ex-fiancé Arcata resident Kenneth Fiaui, 34, is charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Weaver on Jan. 15 as they were preparing to go out to a music venue. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently in custody at the Humboldt County jail.

According to Weaver, the doctors told her that she must have held her arm up over her face before being shot. The way her body was angled may have saved her life. She went through three operations -- 27 hours of surgery total -- to get where she is now.

Weaver said she is thankful she still has her vocal cords because singing allows her to connect with people. The incident has also allowed her to open up more to others without worrying what they will think.

”I can allow myself to be more personable because I've had this vulnerability,” she said.

A scar, more than 7 inches long, runs down the inside of her right arm. The doctors had to replace the shattered bone there with a titanium rod. Scars on her face and beneath her jawline mark the most dangerous of her wounds, where even now a .45-caliber hollow point slug remains lodged in her jaw. Part of her upper jaw bone, along with some of her teeth, are gone.

Weaver said she still cares deeply about Fiaui despite what happened.

”There were some flags, but I didn't think he would hurt me,” she said, adding that she has forgiven him and doesn't want what happened to make her bitter.

Weaver said she was and still is close to his family, but said she will never be able to trust him again.

Through it all, Weaver continues to be optimistic about her future. She said she is still waiting to get a few minor cosmetic surgeries done, including dental work, that will help her enunciate when singing. She plans to have her album out by the Mad River Summer Fest and hopes to start her tour in her hometown of Seattle and end in Las Vegas at the House of Blues.

She said those in the tight-knit music community of Humboldt County have shown a lot of generosity and love. Other musicians are taking the time to help her creatively, and she said she was overwhelmed by how much people care about her.

”It's amazing. I feel blessed,” Weaver said. - Donna Tam/The Times-Standard

Click photo to enlarge

Within days of getting shot in the face, local blues singer Courtney Weaver already had her mind set on performing again. The 23-year-old Arcata resident began writing songs in a journal her aunt gave her while she was in the hospital.

Now, less than two months later, Weaver has churned out 35 songs and has plans for an album and a West Coast tour.

”I lucked out,” she said about her survival.

Weaver's ex-fiancé Arcata resident Kenneth Fiaui, 34, is charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Weaver on Jan. 15 as they were preparing to go out to a music venue. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently in custody at the Humboldt County jail.

According to Weaver, the doctors told her that she must have held her arm up over her face before being shot. The way her body was angled may have saved her life. She went through three operations -- 27 hours of surgery total -- to get where she is now.

Weaver said she is thankful she still has her vocal cords because singing allows her to connect with people. The incident has also allowed her to open up more to others without worrying what they will think.

”I can allow myself to be more personable because I've had this vulnerability,” she said.

A scar, more than 7 inches long, runs down the inside of her right arm. The doctors had to replace the shattered bone there with a titanium rod. Scars on her face and beneath her jawline mark the most dangerous of her wounds, where even now a .45-caliber hollow point slug remains lodged in her jaw. Part of her upper jaw bone, along with some of her teeth, are gone.

Weaver said she still cares deeply about Fiaui despite what happened.

”There were some flags, but I didn't think he would hurt me,” she said, adding that she has forgiven him and doesn't want what happened to make her bitter.

Weaver said she was and still is close to his family, but said she will never be able to trust him again.

Through it all, Weaver continues to be optimistic about her future. She said she is still waiting to get a few minor cosmetic surgeries done, including dental work, that will help her enunciate when singing. She plans to have her album out by the Mad River Summer Fest and hopes to start her tour in her hometown of Seattle and end in Las Vegas at the House of Blues.

She said those in the tight-knit music community of Humboldt County have shown a lot of generosity and love. Other musicians are taking the time to help her creatively, and she said she was overwhelmed by how much people care about her.

”It's amazing. I feel blessed,” Weaver said. - Donna Tam/The Times-Standard

This past Friday, a girl was shot in Arcata around 10 p.m. That’s all anyone knew until the next day, when word got out that the local girl was someone that the music community knows and loves — Courtney Weaver.

Shot twice by her boyfriend, Weaver was flown to UC Davis for her shattered jaw and a gunshot through her right arm (which happened when she reflexively put her arm up to shield her face). She was in serious, but stable, condition when the news started to spread.

One surgery and a wired-shut jaw later, Weaver was on Facebook on Sunday, assuring everyone that she’s alright and pleading for positivity from her friends and fans. Her account of what happened on Friday night, when her boyfriend snapped, was typed completely with her left hand.

Friends and local music community members immediately pulled together and started planning benefit concerts for Weaver. The first one took place on Saturday night at the Red Fox Tavern, where Bass Bunny Presents raised $500. A jar was going to be put out last night at the Boiler Room’s weekly open jam, and the blues community continues the support tonight at the Jambalaya, during their weekly blues jam.

An e-mail I received from Saint John Hunt — Saint John and the Sinners’ namesake — says:

“Hi Monica..There will be a benefit show this Tuesday at the Jambalaya in Arcata, 8-12. All the great players will be there and the Sinners (who Weaver performs with) will play. I'm starting a bank account for Courtney. Checks can be… made out to:
Courtney Weaver
c/o Saint John Hunt
2575 Alliance Rd., Apt. 10-A
Arcata, CA 95521
or may call Saint at 832-6689 for instructions.”


Hunt is also working on a benefit concert for a few weeks from now, involving a number of non-blues musicians who came out of the woodwork to show solidarity for Weaver. More information will be posted on that event when details surface.

So tonight, come down to the Jambalaya between 8 p.m. and midnight, donate a few bucks (or more!) and sign the Get Well Soon card. And bring your dancing shoes, because while this whole situation is scary (and isn’t supposed to happen to someone you know), it could have been a heck of a lot worse, and Weaver wants people to remember that and stay positive. - Monica Topping/RadioRadioRadio

Two days after Arcata blues singer Courtney Weaver was shot, she gave an account of her boyfriend's erratic behavior in the moments before he shot her Friday with a .45-caliber handgun.

Weaver wrote in a Facebook post from a hospital room at the University of California Medical Center in Davis that she and her boyfriend of six months, Kenneth Fiaui, were getting ready to go out to a show. She wrote that Fiaui was feeling anxious and nauseous, and she suggested that he smoke some marijuana, which he'd quit on New Year's Day.

Weaver wrote that while she was in the bathroom, she heard her cat “freaking out” and Fiaui ran into the room saying he'd just tried to kill the cat. He had blood all over his arm, she wrote. Weaver said she was shocked and told him she was going to call the hospital, but that Fiaui apparently thought she was trying to hurt him.

Fiaui then retrieved his gun from a safe, she wrote, and she tried to stop him as he ran toward the kitchen door.

”He turns, looks in my eyes and I (no) longer see the man (I knew and loved) in a (split) second he points the gun in my face, I hold up my arms screeching as the bullet goes through my right forearm, my top right lip shattering my top right jaw as well as lower left jaw lodging the bullet there,” Weaver wrote.

Weaver wrote that the time she and Fiaui had spent together was “amazing” and that there was no sign he would “drop off the deep end.” Weaver wrote that Fiaui had proposed to her at the Carter House Restaurant in Eureka days before the incident, but did not indicate what her answer was.

Sgt. Jaynie Goodwin of the Arcata Police Department said there was little new information on the case Monday, but said it took six minutes from when police were called until Fiaui was found.

The first call to police came in at 10:17 p.m. and he was found at 10:23 p.m.

Two officers initially found the 34-year-old Fiaui a block away from the shooting. The officers wrestled with an allegedly uncooperative Fiaui, even using a Taser.

”He powered through it,” Goodwin said.

She mentioned it was not clear if the Taser did not have the desired effect because of the placement of the prongs or because Fiaui was able to fight it off.

A third officer arrived to help cuff Fiaui, who was still putting up a fight, she said. A fourth officer arrived at the scene and Fiaui was cuffed and arrested.

He was booked into Humboldt County jail on suspicion of attempted murder, and is being held on $500,000 bail.

Saint John Hunt -- of the group Saint John and the Sinners, which Weaver belongs to -- said that neighbors told him that Fiaui fled the house after the shooting and ran down the street yelling that he was going home to his mother. Weaver staggered out the front door to a street corner, Hunt said, where neighbors got her help until medical personnel arrived.

Hunt said he was the first person inside the house after police responded and he described blood covering the refrigerator, the floor and the door.

”It was just a horrific, horrific scene,” Hunt said.

Hunt said he knew Fiaui to be introverted and somewhat brooding, and that Fiaui always escorted Weaver to her shows. He said there was no indication of trouble.

Hunt said that Weaver is a talented blues singer, with ability beyond her age. Hunt said that while Weaver's jaw is currently wired shut and her tongue is damaged, her vocal cords are intact. He expected her to be in the hospital for about a month.

”She is a tough little customer,” Hunt said.

From the hospital, Weaver wrote that she is optimistic about her recovery.

”I will heal, prevail and sing again,” she wrote.

Friends and fellow musicians are rallying to help Weaver while she recovers. Hunt is in the process of setting up a bank account to accept donations. Saint John and the Sinners is also playing tonight around 8:30 p.m. at Jambalaya in Arcata. It's part of a regular jam, said friend Ron Perry, but it's being used as a benefit.

”We're just turning the focus to her,” Perry said.

The band will also be playing at The Wave at Blue Lake Casino on Friday at 9 p.m., and there will be a card signing that night and donations accepted. - Times-Standard

Two days after Arcata blues singer Courtney Weaver was shot, she gave an account of her boyfriend's erratic behavior in the moments before he shot her Friday with a .45-caliber handgun.

Weaver wrote in a Facebook post from a hospital room at the University of California Medical Center in Davis that she and her boyfriend of six months, Kenneth Fiaui, were getting ready to go out to a show. She wrote that Fiaui was feeling anxious and nauseous, and she suggested that he smoke some marijuana, which he'd quit on New Year's Day.

Weaver wrote that while she was in the bathroom, she heard her cat “freaking out” and Fiaui ran into the room saying he'd just tried to kill the cat. He had blood all over his arm, she wrote. Weaver said she was shocked and told him she was going to call the hospital, but that Fiaui apparently thought she was trying to hurt him.

Fiaui then retrieved his gun from a safe, she wrote, and she tried to stop him as he ran toward the kitchen door.

”He turns, looks in my eyes and I (no) longer see the man (I knew and loved) in a (split) second he points the gun in my face, I hold up my arms screeching as the bullet goes through my right forearm, my top right lip shattering my top right jaw as well as lower left jaw lodging the bullet there,” Weaver wrote.

Weaver wrote that the time she and Fiaui had spent together was “amazing” and that there was no sign he would “drop off the deep end.” Weaver wrote that Fiaui had proposed to her at the Carter House Restaurant in Eureka days before the incident, but did not indicate what her answer was.

Sgt. Jaynie Goodwin of the Arcata Police Department said there was little new information on the case Monday, but said it took six minutes from when police were called until Fiaui was found.

The first call to police came in at 10:17 p.m. and he was found at 10:23 p.m.

Two officers initially found the 34-year-old Fiaui a block away from the shooting. The officers wrestled with an allegedly uncooperative Fiaui, even using a Taser.

”He powered through it,” Goodwin said.

She mentioned it was not clear if the Taser did not have the desired effect because of the placement of the prongs or because Fiaui was able to fight it off.

A third officer arrived to help cuff Fiaui, who was still putting up a fight, she said. A fourth officer arrived at the scene and Fiaui was cuffed and arrested.

He was booked into Humboldt County jail on suspicion of attempted murder, and is being held on $500,000 bail.

Saint John Hunt -- of the group Saint John and the Sinners, which Weaver belongs to -- said that neighbors told him that Fiaui fled the house after the shooting and ran down the street yelling that he was going home to his mother. Weaver staggered out the front door to a street corner, Hunt said, where neighbors got her help until medical personnel arrived.

Hunt said he was the first person inside the house after police responded and he described blood covering the refrigerator, the floor and the door.

”It was just a horrific, horrific scene,” Hunt said.

Hunt said he knew Fiaui to be introverted and somewhat brooding, and that Fiaui always escorted Weaver to her shows. He said there was no indication of trouble.

Hunt said that Weaver is a talented blues singer, with ability beyond her age. Hunt said that while Weaver's jaw is currently wired shut and her tongue is damaged, her vocal cords are intact. He expected her to be in the hospital for about a month.

”She is a tough little customer,” Hunt said.

From the hospital, Weaver wrote that she is optimistic about her recovery.

”I will heal, prevail and sing again,” she wrote.

Friends and fellow musicians are rallying to help Weaver while she recovers. Hunt is in the process of setting up a bank account to accept donations. Saint John and the Sinners is also playing tonight around 8:30 p.m. at Jambalaya in Arcata. It's part of a regular jam, said friend Ron Perry, but it's being used as a benefit.

”We're just turning the focus to her,” Perry said.

The band will also be playing at The Wave at Blue Lake Casino on Friday at 9 p.m., and there will be a card signing that night and donations accepted. - Times-Standard

OLYMPIA — While her scar is fading, the memory of Jan. 15, 2010, is still very clear for Courtney Weaver.

“I was shot by my partner after an argument which started with him throwing my cat against the wall. This was the result of that bullet and that type of gun,” said Weaver, as she pointed to a large scar on her cheek and lip.

State Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, said the law does not currently protect victims of domestic violence from ex-spouses or ex-lovers who have restraining orders or protective orders against them and who own guns.

“Under federal law, you can’t have your guns if you’re subject to one of these protection orders; but under state law you can, and that to me is unacceptable,” said Goodman.


Courtney Weaver testifying in support of the gun bill in the Legislature Monday.

Under his bill, HB 1840, a judge who finds a person to be a credible threat to their spouse or partner could then require them to surrender their weapons. The local sheriff’s office would hold the weapons until the protection order is lifted. It’s legislation that the King County Prosecutor’s Office supports.

“The toxic and lethal mix of domestic violence and firearms is clear and unmistakable. Anyone who works in this field can give you anecdotes of seeing firearms and protection orders intersect,” said King County senior deputy prosecutor David Martin.

Victims say if the law is passed they could rest easier knowing their abusers aren’t armed.

“I know all too well what can occur when firearms and domestic violence are coinciding in a household and I just wonder how many martyrs are going to have to die before action will be taken to enforce this protocol where firearms are seized,” said Weaver.

A representative from the National Rifle Association initially signed up to testify against the bill but changed his stance once he learned more about the court process that must take place before a weapons seizure occurred.

The bill was approved by the state House of Representatives on a 61-37 vote March 12 and is now in the Senate Rules Committee.



Read more: http://q13fox.com/2013/03/25/bill-would-allow-guns-to-be-taken-from-owners-judged-a-threat-to-spouse-partner/#ixzz2hMAYjrkQ - Q13 Fox News

November 16th - 9am: Guest, Singer Courtney Weaver who survived a gunshot to the face and is now thriving. She tells her story for the first time.

November 19th - 8am - 10am: STV Healing Breakfast. Live on KHUM open and free to the public at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka. Free coffee and pastries from Vellutini Baking Company. Live music by Courtney Weaver. Keynote Speaker: Holocaust Survivor, Sam Oliner. Cliff and Sheri are joined by a live panel of guests: Carolyn Lehman, Paula Arrowsmith Jones, Professor Marlon Sherman and more. Plus booths from numerous helpful agencies.
- KHUM

At Last
Nearly a year after being shot by her fiance, singer Courtney Weaver is finally emerging from the dark
BY HEIDI WALTERS - North Coast Journal

At Last
Nearly a year after being shot by her fiance, singer Courtney Weaver is finally emerging from the dark
BY HEIDI WALTERS - North Coast Journal

If you want to hear the voices of real survivors of childhood sexual abuse, talking frankly about healing, check this out. Cliff Berkowitz, founder of KHUM in Northern California, DJ’s an eclectic morning show. For three weeks each November, he uses his show to raise awareness of interpersonal violence and healing. His Stop the Violence campaign is an amazing festival of survivors, tough reality, and hope.

AND it’s all archived so you can access the interviews. Arturo and Akaya from Strong at the Heart were interviewed for a half hour each on November 16th and 17th. Arturo has some tough and very real things to say about being a survivor of male rape. Akaya’s interview speaks eloquently about how children dissociate–”forget”–abuse, only to have the memories come back in adulthood.

Cliff also interviewed me on November 9th.

The three week campaign also covers healing from domestic violence, genocide and war trauma. A fascinating interview you’ll find on that page is an interview with Courtney Weaver, a blues singer who was shot in the face by her domestic partner a year ago. She is recovering and is back on stage. Indomitable woman.
- Strong At The Heart

If you want to hear the voices of real survivors of childhood sexual abuse, talking frankly about healing, check this out. Cliff Berkowitz, founder of KHUM in Northern California, DJ’s an eclectic morning show. For three weeks each November, he uses his show to raise awareness of interpersonal violence and healing. His Stop the Violence campaign is an amazing festival of survivors, tough reality, and hope.

AND it’s all archived so you can access the interviews. Arturo and Akaya from Strong at the Heart were interviewed for a half hour each on November 16th and 17th. Arturo has some tough and very real things to say about being a survivor of male rape. Akaya’s interview speaks eloquently about how children dissociate–”forget”–abuse, only to have the memories come back in adulthood.

Cliff also interviewed me on November 9th.

The three week campaign also covers healing from domestic violence, genocide and war trauma. A fascinating interview you’ll find on that page is an interview with Courtney Weaver, a blues singer who was shot in the face by her domestic partner a year ago. She is recovering and is back on stage. Indomitable woman.
- Strong At The Heart

http://canyourelate.org/2013/07/09/the-hidden-cost-of-surviving-gun-violence/ - canyourelate.org