"The Watcher" is a true crime story involving a series of stalking and harassment incidents that occurred in New Jersey. In the summer of 2014, the new homeowners of a home in Westfield, New Jersey began receiving letters from an individual calling themselves "The Watcher." The letters detailed the writer's obsession with the house and their plans to watch the homeowners and their children.
The Story Of "The Watcher"
The letters were extremely unsettling and the homeowners, Derek and Maria Broaddus, were understandably terrified. They contacted the police and the FBI to investigate, but the identity of the stalker was never determined.
The Broaddus family eventually filed a lawsuit against the previous owners of the house, alleging that they had failed to disclose the letters from "The Watcher" prior to the sale of the home. The lawsuit was settled out of court, with the Broaddus family receiving a significant payout.
The story of "The Watcher" gained significant media attention, with many speculating about the identity of the stalker and the possible motives behind their actions. However, the case remains unsolved and the identity of "The Watcher" remains a mystery.
It's important to note that the incident is a crime and it's a serious matter, if you or someone you know is being stalked or harassed, it's important to contact the police and seek help right away.
Broaddus Family Also Reported
In addition to the letters, the Broaddus family also reported several instances of suspicious activity around their home, including someone watching them through the windows and someone attempting to enter the house. The police and FBI conducted an investigation, but were unable to find any solid leads or identify the stalker.
The Case Received Widespread Media Coverage
The case received widespread media coverage, with many people speculating about the identity and motives of "The Watcher." Some theorized that it could be a former resident of the house or someone with a grudge against the previous owners. Others suggested that it could be someone with a mental illness or a criminal trying to extort money from the Broaddus family. However, there was no concrete evidence to support any of these theories.
Broaddus Family Was Forced
The Broaddus family was forced to live in fear and eventually decided to move out of the house, unable to cope with the constant harassment and uncertainty. They filed a lawsuit against the previous owners, alleging that they had failed to disclose the letters from "The Watcher" prior to the sale of the home. The previous owners denied any knowledge of the letters, but the lawsuit was settled out of court, with the Broaddus family receiving a significant payout.
Highlights The Serious Issue
Although the case remains unsolved, it highlights the serious issue of stalking and harassment, and the importance of being vigilant and taking such incidents seriously. It also demonstrates the importance of full disclosure when buying or selling a home, so that potential buyers can make informed decisions about the properties they are interested in.
The case of "The Watcher" has also raised questions about the responsibilities of real estate agents and the legal requirements for disclosing information about a property's history. Under New Jersey law, real estate agents are not required to disclose "stigmatized" properties, which include those that have been the site of a murder, suicide, or other criminal activity, unless specifically asked by the buyer. However, some experts argue that the case of "The Watcher" highlights the need for more stringent laws and regulations to protect buyers from potential hazards.
Discussions About The Psychological Impact
The Broaddus family's case has also sparked discussions about the psychological impact of stalking and harassment. Studies have shown that victims of stalking and harassment can suffer from a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The constant fear and uncertainty that the Broaddus family experienced as a result of "The Watcher" letters is a clear illustration of the traumatic effects of stalking and harassment.
In conclusion, the case of "The Watcher" is a chilling true crime story that highlights the serious issue of stalking and harassment, and the importance of being vigilant and taking such incidents seriously. It also illustrates the need for more stringent laws and regulations to protect buyers from potential hazards and the importance of full disclosure when buying or selling a home. It has also sparked discussions about the psychological impact of stalking and harassment and the need for support for the victims.