Resources in Utah for the families of death penalty victims [Video]

OREM, Utah — Navigating death penalty cases can prove tricky for the families of crime victims. Not only do they have the grief of losing a loved one, but they must also then navigate a complicated legal process that can take years or decades to play out. 

For the family of Claudia Benn, the end of her murderer’s life by lethal injection does not mean the end of their story. 

Resources for victims’ families 

Surviving family members of homicide victims in Utah can receive 25 counseling sessions provided by the Utah Office for Victims of Crime, according to the Founder and Executive Director of Utah Homicide Survivors Brandon Merrill. They may also request more sessions as needed. 

Organizations like his try to fill in the gaps between what’s provided and what’s needed. 

“Additionally, we as an organization have group therapy that meets virtually every other week,” Merrill said. “That’s free to attend for any family members of homicide victims. And so there is definitely support out there for them. But sometimes they’re …