When Alexa Leduc receives a text in the middle of the night, it often means that someone’s worst nightmare is unfolding. Within minutes, she’s on her way, ready to help victims and their families navigate the chaos of tragedy.
Leduc, 26, has been a victim witness advocate at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for nearly four years. She plays a critical role in providing information, resources and support to those affected by homicide. Her job requires responding to emergencies at all hours and guiding up to 20 families at a time through the unimaginable.
The following interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Q: How did your educational and professional journey lead you to the District Attorney’s Office?
A: I always knew I wanted to help people. I had a strong relationship with my grandfather, who was a National Guard helicopter pilot and brought aid to people during snowstorms. He instilled in me a passion for service, so I studied emergency and disaster management in school. Out of college, I worked for FEMA, but the atmosphere wasn’t for me. You’re preparing for a disaster, but never in the moment, making a difference. When I heard about victim advocacy, I instantly knew it was better suited for me. I’m able to help someone through the worst day imaginable, whether it’s losing a family member or being robbed at gunpoint. I’m able to put a face to them. I can talk to people, make connections, listen to their life stories and really get to know them.
Q: What is the most challenging part of this job, and what is the most rewarding?
A: The most challenging aspects aren’t the cases themselves. It’s going home and knowing you can’t take away someone’s pain. It’s thinking, “What if I ever lost my mom or my dad or my brother in some act of violence? How would I handle that?” And then comparing it to people you see every day.
We don’t get thanked a lot. Nobody asks to be here. Nobody wants to be in this situation, and nobody wants to meet me. If I can at least put a smile on their face or give them the knowledge they need to navigate the court system, that’s very rewarding. That’s what’s really important, observing how strong they are and how they’re able to keep going.
Q: What case has stuck with you over time?
A: The cases that stick with me are usually the most horrific, unwarranted acts of violence. The one that means the most to me is Commonwealth v. John Evans. Evans shot two people, Lyle Jackson and a woman, outside of a bar in 1995. Ms. Jackson, Lyle’s mother, is 82 now. The defendant was released from his life sentence so that he could live out the rest of his cancer years at home. He was given five months to live, but it’s been over a year and he’s still out with his family. Lyle’s son, Lyle Jr., has grown into an amazing man. He runs a basketball nonprofit in honor of his dad and works with kids every day. The family is just so loving, and I talk to Ms. Jackson every week. They are without closure, and constantly reminded that the defendant is still alive and Lyle is not.
Q: How do you manage the emotional challenges of supporting families?
A: Having strong relationships with people in your office is important. I wouldn’t be able to live my life at home without bouncing my thoughts off my friends both here and at past jobs. It’s hard to think about yourself when your job is to help people navigate difficult situations. It can be tough to flip the switch and realize, “Wait a minute. I’m feeling sick. I need to take care of myself.” But then you remember, “I have court tomorrow, and they need someone there, whether it’s a trial or an arraignment today.” I hate to say this, but I would feel guilty taking a sick day. I definitely struggle to put myself first. Some days I come home from work and I can’t talk to anybody. I find my outlet, like cooking or baking. I do that when I need to clear my head, or I call a friend to vent.
Q: You recently worked with “America’s Most Wanted” to spotlight a case. What was that experience like?
A: We never see the glitz and the glam in this job. We see the down, the dirty, the disgusting sides, but when we were filming that day, it was a different atmosphere. It was not sad. It was empowering thanks to the emotion that the officers put into speaking about the case. I didn’t get a speaking part, but I was behind the scenes with all the wires, green screens, lighting, makeup and props.
The defendant, Anthony Chester, is still on the run. [Boston police officials say] he shot and killed Earnest Sims Jr. after Earnest confronted him for snooping around a neighbor’s bike. He was identified through facial recognition and authorities suspect that he is overseas. The case is still active, and they are close to catching him, but I coordinate with the families throughout the process. I think it’s the only case [taken on by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office] in the past 10 years that has been featured on “America’s Most Wanted.” Nobody in this office has experienced anything like it.
Q: If you could give your past self one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: I am a workaholic, but there comes a time in this job when you need a break. You need a break from people yelling at you. From being on your feet, being in court, being expected to show up for everybody. Sometimes you just need to lock yourself in your office or take a day off because you can’t help everybody, and not everybody wants to be helped. If I don’t take care of myself, then I can’t take care of others.
