Alison Connolly endured a tragic life marked by abuse from her father and ultimately met her demise at the hands of two ruthless sisters. Tara, Alison’s daughter, also a victim of the same man’s abuse, holds her despicable grandfather accountable for derailing her mother’s life trajectory, leading to her untimely death.
Courageously, Tara sought retribution by confronting her grandfather before her mother’s funeral. She captured a confession that led to his imprisonment, along with the sisters who viciously attacked and fatally stabbed her mother. Tara, now 39, has chronicled her journey to justice in a book and has become a volunteer supporting families affected by such tragedies.
Alison Connolly, a mother of eight, was viciously assaulted by Charice and Amberstasia Gassmann in May 2015. Charice received a life sentence with a minimum of 19 years, while Amberstasia was sentenced to 12 years for manslaughter.
Tara disclosed her mother’s history of childhood sexual abuse by her father, a trauma Alison never vocalized. Tara’s own encounter with abuse drove her to seek justice for her mother, shedding light on the deep-rooted issues that plagued their family.
Despite the family’s shattered state, Tara’s pursuit of justice brought some closure. Her grandfather, Mark Connolly, confessed to his crimes and was incarcerated for 19 years until his passing in 2022.
Tara’s resilience, fueled by her mother’s love and strength, empowered her throughout the harrowing ordeal. She has found solace in her children, Shania and Brandon, and has dedicated herself to aiding families impacted by similar tragedies. Tara’s book, “The Reckoning,” is now available, encapsulating her journey of survival and determination for justice.
In a powerful message of forgiveness, Tara has chosen not to harbor resentment towards her mother’s killers, emphasizing her commitment to rise above pain and adversity. The book can be purchased from various outlets, including Amazon, offering a poignant insight into Tara’s quest for justice and healing.
