Support Our Journey to Rebuild After Tragedy

Writing this feels impossible, and reading this will probably be difficult too.

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Last week, on October 9th, my two youngest brothers, Scotty (17) & Sebastian (16) were murdered. My heart is broken. My world is broken.

The unthinkable part is that my older brother Seth (23) appears to be the one who took their lives. He is in custody. We only have questions and heartbreak. No answers or explanations. We are reeling in shock.

Scotty and Sebastian are survived by myself (21), my older brother Sean (25), and my parents.

My brothers’ lives were taken in our family home. My parents bought the house two years ago, hoping to create a space large enough for all seven of us. They invested their life savings into it, but now, the place that was meant to provide security is forever changed; it is no longer home.

In one incomprehensible day, our family of seven became four. We are heartbroken, confused, and the financial burden of this tragedy is devastating. I can’t believe I’m writing this message, and I can’t believe I’m asking for help, but we are shattered.

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Scotty was so close to finishing high school. He loved the environment and wanted to be a park ranger.

Four years younger than me, Scotty always had a way of showing up. During his first week of kindergarten, he would sit with me at lunch when no one else would. A small gesture, but it meant the world - it made me feel less alone. I had Scotty, and that’s all my 3rd-grade self needed.

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Known to us as ‘Bass,’ Sebastian was lively and had a heart full of love.

When I was younger, Bass would always ask to sleep in my room, curling up at the foot of my bed. Every time, every night, felt special with him there. He had an endless fascination with vintage clocks and radios. He was passionate about animals, and after losing his beloved cat Tigger just a few weeks ago, he eagerly adopted a new kitten. He was gentle and the love for his family was constant.

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We’ve not only lost Scotty and Bass, but in a way, we’ve lost Seth too.

I’m not sure we will ever fully understand what happened on Oct 9th. Seth saw Scotty and Bass every day; he celebrated family moments and supported everyone. Up until then, Seth’s love for his family was undeniable.

Our story has been covered by both local and national publications , including People. We ask that if you share our story you, include Bass and Scotty. Their lives deserve to be the headline of this horrific tragedy.

I’m sure we will eventually find our way, but we don’t know where to go from here and we are overwhelmed. We are asking for your kindness and generosity as we try to rebuild our lives in whatever form that takes.

If you feel moved to contribute* or share, please know how much your support means to our family. Thank you for your compassion and for holding Scotty and Bass in your hearts.

Shyanne South

*All funds will be used to help my family get back on our feet. Contributions will not be applied to Seth’s legal defense.