Garrison Burchett was just 17 months old when he was brutally murdered by his mother. The 2009 murder shocked the small Riverside neighborhood and left many, including the child's father, Greg Burchett, asking why. Burchett has written a book about the experience.
"There were a lot of things that led up to that point. I never thought she would have hurt her children. I expected something completely different," said Burchett.
The book, 'Missing the Links: A Mother's Murder of My 17-month-old Son Garrison,' is as heartbreaking as it is insightful. Burchett says he took a critical look at himself and believes he is partially to blame for his son's death.
"I knew she was in a troubled place. I tried to help her as much as I could, but I never thought that she would hurt one of her children," said Burchett.
In 2009, he spoke to Eyewitness News just one day after his son's murder.
"I've always been extremely supportive of my wife. I just don't understand what happened," he had said.
His now ex-wife, Lori Burchett, was found guilty of their son's murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in 2011. Shortly after, Burchett began writing in a journal to vent his sorrow, frustration and guilt.
Urged by friends and mental health professionals, he turned it into a book in hopes of helping others.
"I should have called for help. I never want another father or another family member to go through this again. I am going to live with that for the rest of my life," said Burchett.
