The System Worked as Designed

Another victim of domestic violence, "protected" by a piece of tissue paper.

Friend of domestic violence victim: "She was afraid of him and he killed her"

Reporter: Corinne Hautala

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) – A 31-year-old mother of two was found dead inside her home in the 3800 block of South Kolb Road.

Tucson Police said it responded to a caller, who told the 911 dispatcher his friend called him and said her ex-boyfriend had just arrived at her home.

When police arrived, officers said they found Claudia Pascual dead and a male suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Another case of "When seconds count, the police are only minutes away."

Pascual's co-workers said that Pascual had a restraining order against the gunman. They said after a domestic violence incident she broke up his him and that's when he started to stalk her.

"He was stalking her, followed her everywhere," said Dodge-Harrison. "She couldn't get away from him. She reported it. Nothing could be done. She was afraid of him and he killed her."

Her friends believe the system failed to protect her.

Well, DUH.

9OYS sat down with attorney Mike Piccarreta to ask him, how effective are protection orders?

"Well it's a piece of paper and if somebody doesn't want to follow the law and is bent on harming you a piece of paper isn't going to stop them," he said.

You'll note, it wasn't a cop who said that.

The details in the restraining order will also determine how much police can do.

Pascual's friends said they hope her story will encourage others to seek more protection if they too feel police aren't doing enough.

What can the police do? They're not responsible for protecting you. They can't be.

Pascual’s co-workers said they are determined to turn the tragedy into something good, they want her name to live on. They’re looking into planning fundraisers and raising awareness about domestic violence.

How about about raising awareness of self-defense and firearm training? Think that might help?  Think Pascual might have been willing to shoot the guy if she believed she was protecting her two kids?