Web only: Christiansen family statement on the arrest of Raven Abaroa (Feb. 1, 2010)

I have been asked by the Christiansen family to comment on today’s arrest of Raven Abaroa.

Over 4 years and 9 months ago the Christiansen’s beloved daughter Janet and her unborn baby were brutally murdered. This was a significant loss to their family and friends that truly loved Janet for all that she was and could be. Janet’s murder left her son Kaiden, just six months old at the time, without his mother. The Christiansen’s faith allows them the knowledge that they will be reunited one day. The family realizes that this case has torn at the hearts of all of those who knew Janet and of those that have come to know her story over the past 4+ years. Throughout the years there have been many kind and generous people who have come to the family’s aid and have given their support in countless ways. These individuals have fought and continue to fight to bring about justice for Janet. For this there are no words that can express the family’s gratitude. They will be forever thankful to each and every one of you for all you have done.

Throughout the years the Christiansen family has remained confident and held to the faith that one day there would be justice for Janet’s murder. The Christiansen’s are especially grateful to tireless efforts of detectives and agents with the Durham Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations and the FBI. As far as commenting on Raven’s guilt or innocence, the family will leave that to the judicial system. The investigators on this case have been able to systematically and meticulously go through all the evidence as well as leads to assure that the right person is in custody. They believe that the extensive evidence will speak for itself. The police have consistently said that Janet’s murder was not a “random act.” And while they wholly agree and feel that the arrest of Raven brings that comment full circle, it also causes them great sorrow.

The Christiansen’s primary concern is for the welfare of their grandchild – Kaiden Abaroa. While the past 4 plus years have been tough on all of those who loved Janet it has been especially hard on Kaiden. To offer continued support to the family at this time, and to support them in their efforts to gain custody of Kaiden, I would direct you to http://tearsforjanet.com/ .

It is important to note that North Carolina is 1 among only 8 other states that does not prosecute individuals for the murder of an unborn child of the murdered mother. We find this fundamentally illogical to the laws of this land that protect the life and liberties of all. It needs to be understood that in many murder cases that involve an unborn child the motivation of ending that unborn child’s life is the primary driving force to commit the murder of the mother. The state of North Carolina needs to recognize and accept this by passing the fetal homicide law.

If you have any information related to the murder of Janet Marie Christiansen Abaroa please contact Detective Charles E. Sole Jr., Durham Police Department Homicide Unit at 919-560-4440 ex29350 or charles.sole@durhamnc.gov.