skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Home Decorating Conversations
lynnnm

Update on DD’s Stalker Problem

8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago

I've hesitated to post this update, but you all were so concerned and so helpful when I initially posted about my daughter at grad school's stalker, that I finally decided to just quickly fill you in on what has happened since then.

As you will recall, this guy lived in her 12-apartment/ 3-story building. Hers on the top floor, his on the first floor under hers. He was always showing up at her door, knocking and then runnning back down the stairs, following her when she walked her dog; standing by his car which was only 2 down from her assigned parking place , when she got home, day or evening. He'd memorized her grad school schedule. He never said a word, though. Anyhoo, we finally encouraged her to call the police. They came immediately, talked with her in depth and then went down and talked with him. Found out that he had a severe head injury and doesn't talk much now. They told him to please stop following her, etc. or they would be back.

She also talked with her apartment management and they assigned her a new parking place much closer, only 2 spaces from the apartment entrance. In the course of a week or so after talking with you all here, I'd fast shipped her via our Amazon Prime a taser, a very loud (don't ask me how I know- LOL!) hand-held personal alarm that fits in her pocket or on her key ring, a can of gel pepper spray, and a small device that scans for spy cameras, etc. Yes, I'll be the first to admit it, I am a very proactive mom when it comes to my daughter's safety, and proud of it! We also payed for her to sign up for local Krav Maga personal defense classes. This kind was developed by the Israeli army and designed to quickly put down your attacker, and potently enough that he doesn't get right up to come after you.

Anyhoo, her stalker never bothered her again, although she is now always very aware of her surroundings and the people in it. Over her Christmas Break while she was home here with us, this guy was moved out of the apartment complex. Most likely by his caregivers. DD is relieved, although we both keep him in our prayers that he'll find peace and recovery someday. DD will be moving herself at the first of June. She loves her apartment complex, but is looking for either a 2-bedroom apartment or a house to share with her bestfriend there. One of her grad schoool cohorts.

So, all is well. Thank you again for all of your concern when I originally posted, as I was one very frightened mom. And also for all of your ideas and suggestions. This is why I love this personal side of GW/Houzz.

Lynn

Featured Answer
  • 8 years ago

    Lynn, thanks so much for the update. I have thought of you and your DD often, especially as my DGD prepares to go to college this coming fall. Yes, she will be in a dorm at least her first year, but I still worry about her!

    I’m so glad you sent her the defense ‘equipment’. It never hurts at all to prepare yourself. My DIL took a job a couple of years ago teaching nursing in Birmingham. She often had to walk to her car in a fairly dark parking lot, especially in winter, so believe me, she became prepared very quickly.

    I hope the young man will get the additional support and care he needs and deserves.

    Comments (18)

    • 8 years ago

      Lynn - thanks so much for the update. I had to laugh at your comment about how loud the personal alarm is......and I can relate. I bought one for my DD last year and ended up returning it because it just wasn't very loud. However it did scare my Lab and I found her cowering in the laundry room. Would you be willing to share which one you purchased? DD often rides her bike to work but I really worry about her biking home when it's dark. She does carry pepper spray but I need to check to see if it's gel.

      I'm glad that things have worked out for your family. Long distance worrying is doubly difficult.

      Maire

      LynnNM thanked maire_cate
    • 8 years ago

      Thank you, Lynn!

      LynnNM thanked User

    • Related Professionals

      Monroe Furniture & Accessories · Alexandria Interior Designers & Decorators · Toledo Interior Designers & Decorators · Sheboygan Interior Designers & Decorators · Flagstaff Interior Designers & Decorators · Bakersfield Interior Designers & Decorators · Mission Viejo Interior Designers & Decorators · Clovis Interior Designers & Decorators · Fort Myers Architects & Building Designers · Lake City Architects & Building Designers · Chambersburg Architects & Building Designers · Lawrenceburg Architects & Building Designers · Hartford Architects & Building Designers · Concord Architects & Building Designers · Santa Maria Architects & Building Designers
    • 8 years ago

      This is the one, Maire. On Amazon as "Anrui 2 pieces/Pack personal keychain alarm with flashlight". $9.99 for the two. I sent her one and kept one for myself. I accidentally set mine off near the checkouts at my local Walmart Supercenter and was shocked beyond words at how loud it is! Most definitely loud enough to attract a LOT of attention!

    • 8 years ago

      Good news, and I join the hope and prayers that the young man will find the help and recovery he needs.

      LynnNM thanked lascatx
    • 8 years ago

      Thanks for the update Lynn. Im glad it turned out that he was basically harmless but that he has also moved away. Im sure you will rest easier when she has a rommate. My DD lived alone for a long time and I always worried about her comng home late after a night out with friends.

      LynnNM thanked Joaniepoanie
    • 8 years ago

      I'm glad you posted an update and that your daughter's situation is much better.

      LynnNM thanked Fun2BHere
    • 8 years ago

      Very happy to hear that your daughter's situation is resolved in the best way that can happen. Blessings on you her and your family and prayers for everyone and the young man as well.

      LynnNM thanked yeonassky
    • 8 years ago

      I'm so glad to hear he's moved on--I know how worried you were, and that it was certainly an ongoing concern for you as long as he was in the complex.

      LynnNM thanked runninginplace
    • 8 years ago

      I was wondering about the situation just the other day! I'm glad things are good.



      LynnNM thanked pudgeder
    • 8 years ago

      Thanks for the update. Your daughter pops into my thoughts periodically and now I won't need to worry anymore!

      LynnNM thanked cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
    • 8 years ago

      Happy to hear this update. Hope all things continue positively for your daughter.

      LynnNM thanked maddielee
    • 8 years ago

      This is great! Very happy for you and your daughter!

      LynnNM thanked robo (z6a)
    • 8 years ago

      Thanks Lynn. I've ordered them and I'll let DD know to be careful when she handles them.

      LynnNM thanked maire_cate
    • 8 years ago

      What a relief! I have thought of your story and your daughter often. I am so glad to hear things have changed for the better. Thank you for taking the time to update us!

      LynnNM thanked amykath
    • 8 years ago

      Thank you for the update, that was stressful time but resolved.

    • 8 years ago

      Thank you for the update. I'm so glad she called the police. Once or twice may be odd or coincidental, but the number of encounters were far too many for safety.

      While I have empathy for the man and his injury, that doesn't mean he wasn't a risk to her safety.

      LynnNM thanked DYH
    • 8 years ago

      Thank you all, and thank you Dyhgarden. Yes, I agree. My heart hurts for him and his dibilitating head injury. But, he was former military, big, stocky, mid-thirties, and able to own and drive a car. So, in my mind (and others) it was possible that he could have harmed her. He didn’t. He abided the police order and I’m so thankful for that. I’ll keep him in my prayers for his recovery and a happy life, though.

    Related Stories
    CONTEMPORARY HOMESMy Houzz: Modern Update to a 1960s Ranch in New Jersey
    By Esther Hershcovich
    Outdated home decor is replaced with modern European-inspired elements, all while keeping true to the family’s rich culture
    Full Story
    37
    BEFORE AND AFTERSModern Function and Simplicity in an Updated 1970s Kitchen
    By Mitchell Parker
    Goodbye to retro appliances and wasted space. Hello to better traffic flow and fresh new everything
    Full Story
    97
    HOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: Updates Honor a 1930s Cottage's History
    By Becky Harris
    The facade stays true to the original, but inside lie a newly opened layout, higher ceilings and 600 more square feet of space
    Full Story
    107
    RANCH HOMESMy Houzz: Warm and Airy Kitchen Update for a 1980s Ranch House
    By Caela McKeever
    A dark and cramped kitchen becomes a bright and open heart of the home for two empty nesters in Central California
    Full Story
    56
    MODERN HOMESHouzz Tour: Shades of Japan in an Updated ’60s Gem
    By Claire McCall
    The Zen-like nature of this renovated 2-level home in New Zealand brings a feeling of tranquility
    Full Story
    19
    CONTEMPORARY HOMESHouzz Tour: An Updated '70s Home Puts Art on Show
    By John Hill
    Contemporary artworks and fresh finishes take the spotlight in a North Carolina home
    Full Story
    33
    LIVING ROOMSRoom of the Day: Living Room Update for an 1800s New England House
    By Annie Thornton
    Major renovation gives owners the open, contemporary feel they love
    Full Story
    25
    KITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Update Befitting an 1880s Federal-Style House
    By Becky Harris
    An interior designer opens up the floor plan and balances old and new in a Pennsylvania home
    Full Story
    55
    CONTEMPORARY HOMESHouzz Tour: Artful Update for a 1980s Postmodern Gem in Oregon
    By Camille LeFevre
    A new double-height fireplace, glass-enclosed sunroom and open staircase help update an architectural lakeside home
    Full Story
    27
    My Houzz: Bright and Cheerful Updates to an 1890s Colonial Revival
    By Danielle Sykes
    Modern tweaks, including a kitchen overhaul, brighten a family’s home
    Full Story
    68
    Sponsored
    Whisler Home Improvement
    Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars9 Reviews
    Franklin County's Committed Home Improvement Professionals
    More Discussions
    Any experience with Turo?
    20
    What to Wear: November 2026
    36
    Moab/Utah trip recommendations?
    12
    Not a light recipe, but FWIW
    9
    KItchen Installation Day 4
    13