Sunday, January 18th, 2009. Issue 03, Volume 13. Story Last Updated : Sep 10th. A Temecula man used a shotgun to kill himself Saturday morning along Highway 79 South according to a Riverside County Coroner's Bureau report.
Police identified the victim as 68-year-old Phillip Lee Graham, who was pronounced dead at 10:46 a.m. on the sidewalk about 100 yards south of Horizon View Street.
 Paul Gallaher photo.A car and makeshift view screen sit near the spot police say 68-year-old Phillip Lee Graham shot himself to death on Highway 79 South in Temecula Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009. 42 comments for "Temecula man commits suicide on Highway 79"3:59 pm Sun, Jan 18th, 2009 1. Christina says :I passed by this with my 13 year old daughter as they were making the makeshift curtain. She was asking me why they did not have an ambulance there. I explained, it was too late for that. It is sad that someone choose a public street to display their suicide, and yet it makes you realize how horrible it is for everyone out there. 3:59 pm Sun, Jan 18th, 2009 2. unknown says :you are in our prayers my dear friend  4:00 pm Sun, Jan 18th, 2009 3. unknown says :it was a pleasue knowing you 8:54 am Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 4. Sad says :Very, very sad, our prayers go out to the family of this man 8:54 am Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 5. temecula resident says :what's with the curtain? did the police do this or did the man? 8:54 am Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 6. joan wheatley says :How very sad that a person is so distraught and so down that he or she takes their own life. No one can judge ,because the simple matter is that we will never know what goes through a person's mind at that percise moment. We may have seen this man in line at the store or sitting next to him at the movies. If we knew this person and if we knew the obvious pain he was going through, than we could have reached out to offer our friendship and help. But we did not know him and now will never know him; now we can only say a pray for this lost soul and for the people he has left behind. 8:54 am Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 7. K2 says :This is very sad :-( Please if anyone is thinking things are this bad... please call someone, anyone, a friend, a doctor, a nurse, a church, even 911, someone WILL listen to you. There is an answer. 8:54 am Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 8. danielle lear says :I assure you that he did not want to make this a public display. He was my grandpa or as I called him Poppies. He was sick for a long time and tired. I love him so much and my heart hurts knowing that I have to see this picture, because this is not how he should be remembered. 8:54 am Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 9. Devin says :I drove by this before any curtain was up, I saw everything, and that image is burned into my head. I couldn't imagine having children in the car, what a selfish thing to do. 3:40 pm Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 10. Ben says :I was passing by that area around 11:00 am & I saw him on the bloody sidewalk. It is so sad....realy... I would pray for his soul in peaceful... 3:41 pm Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 11. Cheryl says :We drove by before the curtain was up. All I could think about was how sad it was for something like that to happen to a person. He woke up that morning not knowing that was going to happen to him. My heart and my prayers go out to him and his family. 3:41 pm Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 12. Judi marshall says :This man is my nieces grandfather. We must remember that he was someones son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Obviously this man was troubled and sad, but his actions are only between him and his Lord. Our society is now immune to these images because the press has no moral compass as to what they put on TV, computers and print. It is time that the American people protest against the press that will do anything for a story and add their bias opinions. This man would not have done this in this manner if he was of sound mind. He loved his family and would not want them to witness his death like this. May he rest in peace! 3:41 pm Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 13. Kristy says :I drove by this at 11:00am with no curtain up and we saw everything! It is definitely something that is glued into my head. We cannot get mad at someone for killing themselves; because we have no idea what hardships that person was going threw. But to do this in public is horrendous. My husband and I were just thankful that the only time our children weren't in the car was at that time. I would never want to explain that to my 4yr old son, every night when he had a bad dream. I have questions that I wish could be answered. 1. if he killed himself in his car why was he on the side walk? 2. Who reported this? I have much more but will stop here. I feel horrible for his grandchildren, children and possible wife and friends. 4:39 pm Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 14. Editor Shannon says :Regarding the reader's questions and comments: The makeshift screen was erected by the authorities at the scene. There were no children in the car and it does not hint at that anywhere in the story. This is an example of someone who did not read the information. We got the information from the Sheriff's Department press release and did not add any bias. Hundreds of people passed by the scene, before and after the screen was put into place. That is why this was reported on, simply to inform the public as to what happened. Please read the story and the comments completely before adding comments. 8:11 pm Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 15. Joe F. says :At least he didn't take anyone else with him. This could have turned out much worse. 8:11 pm Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 16. unknown says :i wish the police would of put this screen up a little sooner, we drove by at 11:22 am, and my five yr old daughter saw everything. this is a very sad thing, i feel sorry for the family. 8:12 pm Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 17. Judi marshall says :Shannon: There was no reason to put pictures in the paper. This is not news. This is a family tragedy. News is the economy, the war, the incoming president, the starving people in our country, the homeless and a host of other important matters of our communities and our country. The news media cannot wait to print these photos. Its sensational and it sells. The proof of that is the National Inquire. This mans family wishes more than any of your readers that he would not have done this much less in public, but unfortunately most people that make up their minds to take their life typically do not consult their families first. Maybe a story on people that help suicidal people would be more productive than these photos. Food for thought. 8:12 pm Mon, Jan 19th, 2009 18. danielle lear says :To anyone this may concern and to all of the residents of Temecula I am working on something to answer all of your questions. But I ask you to please let my family and I grieve our loss without having to add your comments. 7:09 am Tue, Jan 20th, 2009 19. sad story says :This is such a sad story. I feel so bad for the families (especially children) who had to see this display. This should not have been done in public. I understand the cops needed to carry out their investigation and that is why it took so long. I feel especially bad for the poor person who saw it happen and had to report it. 7:09 am Tue, Jan 20th, 2009 20. Jason says :there are types of barrierers that can be used to keep this stuff off the public eye and hel keep traffic moving .some are blow up walls that use a small air comressor and roll up when done, an some that use lik pvc tubing and just hang material off of it , write you r city, or the congress man this coud be s eriouse matter that could hep to be prevented...... my prayers go out to the family, 2:22 pm Tue, Jan 20th, 2009 21. Carli says :I saw this first hand a few minutes after it happened and although I don't think the pictures should be posted, I am very thankful the story was written. I had never seen anything like it before and I was extremely distraught after. I was plagued with questions and worried for my family who is moving to that area soon. My thoughts and love go out to the family. Grandparents always hold a special place in our hearts. 2:22 pm Tue, Jan 20th, 2009 22. Kerrie says :This is so sad. I feel for the gentlemans loved ones. Unfortunately, my 12 year old son seen this as we drove past in our RV. I was advised by a social worker that my son should see his pediatrician and possibly see a childrens therapist. I just wanted to pass on my sympathy and advise the lasy with the 13 year old daughter that she might chose to seek help for her daughter. 7:38 am Wed, Jan 21st, 2009 23. Maggie says :I'm so impressed by temecula residents, you are so kind and respectfully. There's no hateful comments. Put this man in your prayers so the lord our god will forgive him of his sin. I'll pray for his soul. Rest in piece. 7:39 am Wed, Jan 21st, 2009 24. Heidi says :I drove by just minutes after it happened myself. Yes, it was a terrible sight but then again, he was not my family member. The thought that came to my mind was that he was at least thoughtful enough not to shoot himself at home and have his family members find him in that condition. I feel very sorry for him and his family that he left here behind. I hope that others that are at their wits end will turn to The Lord for help and ask for peace that He promises to give to those who ask. I will say a prayer for the family. 2:50 pm Thu, Jan 22nd, 2009 25. Holly says :I passed moments before this happened with my 11 year old daughter and my husband who was momnets behind in his car witnessed this tragedy with a few others. He is devastated. My first thought is deep sorrow that some one felt that he had to do this. I said a prayer for him and his family. Then I get angry that this was imposed apon us innocent passers by. We did not deserve to be assaulted by this vision for the rest of our lives. I don't understand why he did this on a very busy, public highway. I too think it was selfish. 8:26 am Fri, Jan 23rd, 2009 26. temecula citizens says :I really don't understand all you people writing in saying you drove by and witnessed this. He shot himself in his own parked car, not on a sidewalk or in open where a driving by vehicle would see this. Do you all look at every single parked car on a curb and build stories?How the heck could you see inside a parked car, when you are not expecting it . Why would it be any different than any other parked car on a curb. It's sick that you would write in and make up movie plots. 11:45 am Fri, Jan 23rd, 2009 27. danielle lear says :To all who continue to write about my grandpa being selfish: Please put yourselves in my family's shoes. I have apologized for my grandfather's actions. I want to remember him with happy thoughts. This article really deserved no comments at all. If you have something you really need to get out then talk to a loved one or a therapist, but know that when you express your feelings on here you are only causing more harm to my family and less relief for yourself. I'm begging you please keep your comments to yourself. I have an article being published in tommorrows paper please read about how great my grandpa was. Please remember him for what he was not what he did. Please only write that you are praying for my family and for him. 11:45 am Fri, Jan 23rd, 2009 28. Susie Daughter says :I am very sorry for those who saw the outcome of a very wonderful selfless man who couldn't stand to see his family see him in pain. My father is my hero. I can say nothing less than he needed relief..For those of you who have a bad image in you head, I am sorry and at the same time I am asking that you please know that finding peace isn't always easy. I love my Dad. We are in need of prayer not bad comments. Be mad at the bad in the world not my Dad who had a medical problem that lead to this sad but relieving outcome. 11:46 am Fri, Jan 23rd, 2009 29. sad story says :Actually it was on the curb, not in the car! 1:37 pm Fri, Jan 23rd, 2009 30. sad story says :Read the story... it says on the curb. The cops would not have pulled him out of the car and onto the curb (where I saw him lying). Get your facts straight Temecula Citizen 7:41 am Sat, Jan 24th, 2009 31. Another daughter says :This was a sad outcome to a successful life. This man was my step father, and I loved and repected him very much. He was a responsible and thoughtful man. We did not expect his end to turm out this way, even though he was suffering from several conditions that he bravely fought. As far as why he chose a busy street, the only thing I can think of was that he could not make it further out of town. He had not been out of the house for weeks, due to his condition. He would have been sorry for any pain he caused passers-by. Thanks to all the kind people who have mentioned our family in their prayers. 7:41 am Sat, Jan 24th, 2009 32. Denny says :To The Graham Family, Phillip is in God hands now. Just remember no one really know what the family is going through. Looking at some of these commitments, some people have no respect for others and some time even for themselves. The family need to move forward together and deal with what’s a head and heal together and fine comfort in each other. If you have a church that you go too, you may want too talk to your pastor, if you haven't already. If you need some other type support or information you may want to contact People Helping People, they have a lot of contact and information and have worked with this type of matter many time before. 7:41 am Sat, Jan 24th, 2009 33. Tracey Meyer says :To my Sweet friends I'm sorry for your loss I love you and know that you were everything to your father and grandpa. The 30+ years of knowing you going on family vacation parties and family gatherings has made me a part of yours Your Dad and Poppie loved you more than life itself his pain and sickness and the thought of you seeing him that way was more than he could bare. So he spared all of us of his humility by taking his life. He may be out of sight but will live forever in our hearts. I'm at a loss for words to describe such a wonderful man their are no words that could start to descibe how wonderful he was to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. I thank the lord for blessing me with the years I did get to share with him and all the memories he shared in my childhood. Phil I know your reading this up in heaven Thank you and I'll look after Susie for you : ). I Love and Miss You! Tracey 9:11 am Thu, Jan 29th, 2009 34. Stacey says :I live in the neighborhood right where this occured. I am not angry as I know we live in a safe community. We shall never know why he chose this place however he did and surely it was not to hurt anyone or distraught passing cars. We can't blame as nobody is perfect! It is not a perfect world. He was obviously sick, perhaps not thinking clearly, distraught, emotionally hurting and wanted to go be with his father in heaven. I pray he made his way to GOD. All I want to say is bless your lovely grandfather and take care of your broken hearts. Please support the family and let this man go peacefully without harsh comments. They have apologized deeply for where he chose to end his life. They deserve some support from this compassionate community we all share and call home! Peace and Love. Stacey 4:08 am Sun, Feb 1st, 2009 35. TV Licensing says :so sad... 7:10 am Fri, Feb 13th, 2009 36. Mariela says :I passed by this and i saw the man just laying there it was so weird becuase i was not sure what had happened they could have at least covered him it was very traumitizing to look at ! 12:29 pm Thu, Feb 19th, 2009 37. the lord be with you says :god bless you may you be in heaven and at peace to all his family my prayers go to all .... no ones perfect and maybe instead of judgin reflect and be grateful that you have your health .... 8:08 am Fri, Feb 27th, 2009 38. KN says :To all you selfish people writing in thinking of yourselves: Think about the pain this man must have been in. He obviously did not want to share this with his family. His loved ones are the victims here, not YOU. Think about them. Pray for THEM. Stop grieving for yourselves and grieve for his loved ones. They're the ones that need to heal and need support and love right now. Stop being so judgemental. Try to put yourselves in their place and be compassionate. God Bless you guys. You're in my prayers every single day!!! 9:51 am Sat, May 2nd, 2009 39. chachataytay says :my prayers go out to the family of this man. i can relate to your pain in a way my brother was killed so i know some of the pain of losing someone you loved. well once again im praying for you:) 11:20 pm Sun, Jun 14th, 2009 40. to Devin says :stop being selfish yourself, and pray for him and his family. 6:00 pm Sun, Dec 6th, 2009 41. Rich says :I just read this and it is the Holiday Season now just prior to the year anniversary of this tragic event. I have suffered loss in this last year as well, and also have a stone in my heart having lost an Uncle to suicide. Keep the loving memories with you always to those of you who still grieve losing this man. Never forget him and the love he shared. 9:11 pm Fri, Jan 15th, 2010 42. that guy says :I think he was a brave man. It takes alot to actually go through with suicide. Especially one as premeditated as that. To drive to a remote street pin a note on your chest then lay down in front of your car and do the deed. I commend him. Also, Temecula citizen your dumb! Alot of people saw it and every posting in here is accurate |
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