Sometimes

We Laugh in Horror at Brutal Acts

by Jane Gilgun

This article describes a case of a man who committed multiple acts of cruelty against his wife. When I read the catalogue of brutal acts, I was so horrified I laughed, not because I thought the acts were funny but because I was shocked. He was cruel beyond any expectations I had. Laughter often arises in response to incongruence. The judge must rule whether the man acted with particular cruelty. My response? Duh? About the Author Jane F. Gilgun, Ph.D., LICSW, is a professor, School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA. See Professor Gilguns other articles, books, and childrens stories on scribd. Amazon, iBooks, and other internet booksellers.

Sometimes We Laugh Because There is no Other Way to Handle Horrific Acts THE JUDGE IN A CASE NOW ON APPEAL has to rule whether Gordon Weaver acted with particular cruelty in the death of his wife Jean. If the judge so rules, Weavers sentence will be longer. More than ten years ago, Gordon argued with Jean. What they argued about is not clear. The argument could have been about which of them would attend their sons soccer game later that day in at a Minnesota, USA, high school or about Jeans desire for a divorce. Gordon got angry and pushed Jean. Her head hit a concrete laundry tub. Gordon saw she was not breathing. She had no pulse. He set their house on fire. After being freed on $300,000 bail, he took off. The police found him four years later living in Oregon under another name. The medical doctors who did the autopsy said Jean died from carbon monoxide poisoning. The skull fracture from the fall was a contributing factor. Other medical doctors said it wasnt possible to know whether the carbon monoxide or the skull fracture caused Jean to die. Gordons attorney said Jean Weavers death was simply a tragic accident. He further contended that Gordon is not guilty of two counts or second degree murder, but that at most he is guilty of arson and second degree

manslaughter. He said the judge must establish a connection between Jeans death, her skull fracture, and the fire. The prosecuting attorney argued that it doesnt matter where Jean Weaver died of carbon monoxide poisoning or the skull fracture because Gordon Weaver is responsible for both. When I read the judge had to rule whether Gordon acted with particular cruelty, I laughed at the absurdity. Duh? If what Gordon did is not cruel then what on this earth is? Sometimes I laugh when situations are absurd and horrific. Gordon Weaver would feel so much better about himself if he just admitted he did a horrible, terrible, awful thing. I imagine it would help his son who probably feels guilty because his parents may have argued over his game. I wonder if anyone has thought about how cruel and unfair Gordons murder is to his son. Can he be accountable for his sons sake? Apparently not. What a guy.