A victim of domestic violence, Crystal Judson's life ended senselessly in 2003  The Crystal Judson Foundation seeks to promote the cause of domestic abuse awareness. Crystal's Story The Foundation Lane Judson News/Events Donate Links/Help Contact Us Home About Crystal Judson After suffering many years of physical and psychological abuse from her husband, Tacoma Police Chief David Brame, Crystal took steps to escape her nightmare — she filed for divorce, desiring, most of all, to protect her two children and provide for their future. Woefully, her estranged husband interfered with her plans. On April 26, 2003, he fatally shot Crystal and then himself in front of their two children by their parked cars in a shopping center. Growing up in Tacoma, Washington, Crystal experienced her hopes and dreams through her many talents. She began to ice skate at an early age and soon participated in competitions at local ice rinks. To prepare, Crystal had to practice in the morning hours prior to school, as that was the only time she could get her patch of ice. Later, she became an superb ballet dancer, performing in various productions, including The Nutcracker at Christmastime. In school, Crystal was described as an ideal student, who was involved in any positive activity for which she had time. In Junior high school she was on the cheerleading squad, and at Mount Tahoma High School Crystal excelled as an honor student. She was elected to become a member of the renowned Daffodil Court and was exceedingly popular among both students and teachers. At the University of Washington in Seattle, Crystal obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and shortly after graduation, moved back to Tacoma where she could be closer to her parents, Lane and Patty Judson. She accepted a job with the Pierce County District Court in Tacoma. During her job with the County, she met a Tacoma police officer, David Brame, the man she would eventually marry. Crystal resigned her position at the courthouse in 1994, as she was pregnant with her first child, a daughter, Haley. Three years later, David was born. As a dedicated stay-at-home mother, Crystal no longer was able to see her friends because of a growing controlling demeanor by her husband. However, she was always overjoyed at being with her kids, watching them grow up. To Crystal, her children at this time of her life were her greatest sense of joy. Crystal’s compelling story continues through the many people who support the Crystal Judson Foundation and its work, perpetuating the legacy to educate a society that is becoming increasingly subject to domestic abuse. In the wake of this sensless tragedy, new programs, legislation and organizations have emerged to help bring the story of domestic abuse to victims and abusers alike. It is a story and a movement that must be championed for a good cause.