Jennifer Pankz
(Click photo to enlarge)
The mother of murdered 2001 Rockwall High School graduate Jennifer Pankz will speak about the dangers of dating violence, Sept. 10, 7:30-8:30 am, at Presbyterian Hospital of Rockwall, 3150 Horizon Rd.
Tanya Pankz, the former branch manager of all three First Convenience Bank locations in Rockwall, is joining family violence survivor J.J. Smith and law enforcement officers to speak and help start organizing volunteers to join the Rockwall-based Lillian Smith Family Violence Foundation, which is spearheading the efforts of the new Rockwall County Coalition Against Family Violence.
“Jen,” the daughter of Brian and Tanya Pankz of Rowlett, was found murdered Dec. 27, 2002, by a boy whom she had been dating at the University of North Texas (UNT), after she told him she didn’t want to continue dating anymore because she had just learned that he was taking steroids.
The killer pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 years in prison, although he becomes eligible for parole after 22.5 years.
For more information, contact J.J. Smith, either by phone at 214-256-4071 or email jj@rockwallrocks.com.
I think it is great that Tonya is speaking out about the warning signs and such against violence. Even though it must be very hard since this horrible thing happened to her own beautiful daughter, it may help save another life. By telling her story, a mother, father, brother, sister, friend, or teacher just may see a sign and be able to get someone help before it is too late. Jen was one of my best friends since middle shcool. She was so outgoing, kind hearted, and just so much fun to be around. She had her whole life pretty much planned out. She wanted to get married to Mr. Right, have a couple kids, be a teacher…… but in one second that was all taken away! You try to go back and think, how could this have happpened? This man was such a great boyfriend, but was he really? We all had to lose a wonderful daughter, sister, and friend. Now that we can all come to terms with talking about it after so long…. Everyone needs to come together to help talk to teens and parents about the warning signs for domestic violence, not just against women, but men as well. Maybe we could all just save this from happening a little less. I will miss Jen forever! Her memory will be in my heart and her spirit will give her mother strength to speak out and help others.
To whom this might concern;
I was a very good friend of Jen’s since we were in middle school. I still do not think I have met a person with a heart like hers and I miss her so much. The horrible way Jen was taken from us is something that each of us could possibly be faced with. It is hard to believe that it could happen to you, but it can. I think Tonya desires as much support as possible! She is a brave woman to keep fighting so hard. I really hope that parents and youth will be apart of hearing her speak about violence in relationships. Not a day goes by where Jen is not in my thoughts and I pray that we don’t have to see this situation repeat itself.
Thank you,
Katy Coleman
I think this is great!!! What happened to Jen is unfair and wrong. She had her whole life ahead of her and it was taken away all because she wanted to better her life. I just think he deserves more than what he got!
Almost six years ago Jen was unfairly taken from us by a man (if thats what you want to call him) who she once told me wanted to have kids with, to be with, even possibly marry. A man who at first seemed so nice, and almost perfect. But he was far from that. Jen was amazing I knew her since we were about 12 years old. I did as a matter fact use the word “perfect” when talking about her. She was so beautiful, smart, had a very good strong head on her sholders, she was so dependable. She wanted to be teacher, 2nd grade if i remember correctly. I remember about 2 months before she was taken from us I was on the phone with her telling her about my husband at the time being physical with me. She told me to get away from that. I only wish i was able to tell her the same, i wish i could have seen the signs. I love Jen and not a day goes by that I don’t miss her and think about her. She will forever be in my heart,
I think what Tonya is doing is wonderful and she deserves everyones support as does Jen. This can help save someone elses life before its too late.
Thank you,
Christina
Tanya,
I respect the strength and spirituality that you have to speak out against dangerous dating violence and family violence.
When I got the news of Jen’s murder I was heart broken. Jen was like a daughter to me.
Our kids are suppose to out live us as parent’s.
It doesn’t seem fair that Jen was taken from us by an act of a senseless tragedy, but through Jen you can educate other’s and save lives.
Best Regard’s,
Betty Rike
I would like to wish Mrs. Pankz the best at what she is doing, I think it is a wonder wonderful thing. I think of Jen often. She is missed. Being someone who knew her and has been a subject of relationship violence myself, I think this is a great thing. I hope I can make it, and anyone who knew her or who has been affected by this can be there. Jen is and will always be missed. Thank you Mrs. Pankz.
Kate
Jennifer is my beautiful cousin, forever 20. I just was told about this blog. If there is ANY blog that deserves more hits then this one, I haven’t seen it and believe me, I am an internet searcher! O, how words are not enough to describe this cause, we need action and The Pankz are out to achive it. May their journey be productable as they dedicate their hearts to the hearts that Jennifer touched; to the hearts that they continue to touch. Remember the date of Tonya’s speach and plan to attend. More to follow….Mary
Brian & Tanya Pankz are our wonderful neighbors, and we will never forget our shock and sorrow when we learned of their heartbreaking loss on the morning of December 28, 2002. Jennifer was not only stunningly beautiful on the outside, she was a beautiful, caring and giving person on the inside as well.
After a wonderful discussion with her about her plans to a teacher, I was convinced she would be a great one.
It was incomprehensible to think that something so dreadful could happen to such a wonderful family that we admired and knew so well.
There can be no better spokesperson to address this epidemic problem then someone like Jennifer’s devoted parents, Tanya and Bryan, who have lived through such a tragic loss. I look forward to being there for Tanya’s presentation on Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian Hospital in Rockwall.
I encourage as many as possible to be there if at all possible.
I am so proud of Tanya for speaking out about domestic violence. It takes a lot of courage to do what Tanya is doing and I know that Jen is so proud of her. Domestic violence is real although many people choose to ignore or deny that it is happening. I believe there will be lives that are saved from speaking out about Jen’s story and others’ stories.
Jen was my best friend. I miss her so very much. I know my life would be completely different if she were still alive because she was such a strong person and she had such an influence on my life and others. She had so much going for her when her life was taken at such a young age: she was beautiful, caring, smart, loved kids, had great parents, she was a great friend, she was working on her degree to become a teacher. It is still hard for me to believe that my best friend was taken from me by the guy that she thought she might marry one day. Jen will always remain in my heart and memories. I hope as people hear her story, she will enter new peoples hearts as well.
Jennifer was our lovable, beautiful, thoughful, smart, funny and full of life niece. We all miss her terribly. Not a day goes by that we all cannot believe that her killer is not behind bars for the rest of his life. He took Jennifer away from her loving parents & brother, grandparents, aunts, uncle & cousins and all her killer gets is possibly 22 years in prison. We are so proud of Tanya for standing up and sharing her unthinkable story with others so that it may help someone else watch for warning signs of violence. Jennifer’s death has affected so many lives in so many terrible ways. Everyone who knew her misses her so much and still cannot believe how such a beautiful person has been taken away from this world.
Love You Jen,
Aunt Tara, Uncle Dave, Erica, Ryan & Dillon
I am so proud and grateful that Tanya is speaking out against this important issue. Domestic violence seems to be an issue people push aside until it somehow finds its way into the lives of our family and friends. I truly believe that through telling Jen’s story, community outreach and education, especially to young women, we can help decrease domestic violence.
We miss you Jen,
Monica
I think that Tonya speaking is Incredible. I lost a child myslef not to this a car accident. I can tell you the loss of a child is horrific. Tonya is my wifes family and I shoud say mine to. There was no need for the tragedy that hit there home. A home of love. This Family was one that there was law of loving to much they were guilty. Tonya will be a great speaker. Her heart touches so many. I only hope I can attend.