Rest In Peace, Rachel

[Colleen Breuning]

It has been a very difficult few days, our worst fears confirmed. One of my son's college age friends went missing on Wednesday night, and her body was found this morning. She had been kidnapped, robbed and murdered. There are many stories circulating out there, and I'm not entirely sure what the whole truth is. But she had gotten into some trouble in the past year, and had agreed to cooperate with law enforcement officials, participating in a drug sting. Instead, the thugs apparently abducted her and killed her before the police were aware of what was going on. There are many unanswered questions .... Why were the police not backing her up? Where were they when they lost contact with her? Why did they send a 23 year old woman with no training in to do the job of a trained detective? RACHEL HOFFMAN DID NOT DESERVE TO DIE!

My son is absolutely crushed, and his college friends are stunned. He had not seen her much during the past year because of the trouble she had gotten in. He told me he did run into her a few weeks ago and "she kicked my ass playing pool." Still, she was a good friend and he is heartbroken. My heart aches for her parents and her family. This is truly a tragedy for all involved. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you, my friends...... Colleen

This is a picture of my son Vince with Rachel at our house, Thanksgiving 2005.

Here is the video tribute that my son created in memory of Rachel. It will be presented at her memorial service this week. He will also be speaking at her funeral. A few of the pictures I took when she was at our house a few years ago.