COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Funeral services were held Monday in Virginia for the eldest of three children killed by their mother in Cobb County before she killed herself.
Kisha Holmes was a United States Marine.
Despite our repeated attempts over the several days, leaders here at the Atlanta VA have refused to talk specifics about the Kisha Holmes case, or say when staff last had any contact with her. But already we found out that this tragedy making waves in Washington.
"Kisha wanted more than anything a safe place for her and her children,” said Lucy Hall Gainer, founder of Mary Hall Freedom House.
Gainer says that’s what she remembers most about Holmes, when the Atlanta VA medical center sent Holmes to Freedom house for contracted mental health case management and transitional housing back in October 2013.
"She said, 'More than anything, I just want my kids to be with me,” said Gainer.
Holmes only stayed at Freedom House for a couple months. The VA got her a voucher for the Austell apartment, where less than a year later, Holmes killed her three children before taking her own life.
"Once they leave us, we're done,” said Gainer.
The Atlanta VA had flagged Holmes' file for "high risk of suicide." The file also noted that Holmes was a no-show for two mental health assessment appointments on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 of last year, but so far, the VA won't say if or when staff made any effort to contact Holmes.
"We know this, four more lives were taken from the stealth disease called tragic brain injury, post-traumatic stress syndrome,” said Sen. Johnny Isakson.
On the Senate floor Monday, Isakson highlighted Holmes’ case during debate over a bill which is designed to improve mental health care and suicide prevention resources for veterans. Holmes is one of nearly 8,000 veterans who commit suicide each year.
"Washington is watching. We are listening. We feel your pain,” said Isakson.
The bill would have a third party evaluate the VA's suicide prevention programs, among other things. A vote is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. It already passed on the House side last month.