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Sterling murder draws victim advocates By Sarah Lemon,For the Tidings Aug 09, 2006 12:00 AM A A Advocates for victims of domestic violence were on hand at Tuesday's arraignment of Jack Allan Sterling, who pleaded not guilty in Jackson County Circuit Court to his wife's murder. Characterized by police as a long-term abuser's final blow, the July 22 slaying of 55-year-old Joyce Ann Sterling has grabbed the community's attention, advocates said. The crime highlights the need for a public dialogue on domestic abuse and for more strategies to hold offenders accountable, they said. "Everywhere we've gone in the last week or so, they're all talking about it," said Jennifer Maile, training specialist for the Jackson County Council Against Domestic Sexual Violence. "It's important that we show our caring and support," said Gerry Sea, manager for Community Works' Dunn House outreach program. Sea heads a courthouse-based service that for the past seven years has assisted victims of domestic violence, accompanying them to court hearings and helping them obtain restraining and stalking orders. At least two restraining orders alleging separate instances of domestic abuse were filed against Jack Sterling within the past 14 years, according to Oregon court records. Two of Sterling's ex-wives and family members of another, who has since died of cancer, said they believe Joyce Sterling's murder is the culmination of a long pattern of abuse. Police responding to a 9-1-1 hang-up call from the Sterling residence found Joyce Sterling in the laundry room dead of numerous stab wounds to her neck and torso. Reports of domestic abuse had brought deputies to the double-wide trailer off Medford's South Pacific Highway six times in the past. Joyce Sterling also had asked deputies' advice on how to leave her husband, investigators said. Jack Sterling had been drinking vodka when deputies arrived, said Sgt. Colin Fagan of the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. Sterling had planned to enter an alcohol recovery program two days later at the Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics in White City, Fagan said. The couple were married for about two years. Joyce Sterling's co-workers at Ashland's Linda Vista Nursing Rehabilitation Center said she had told them that her husband was mean and had an alcohol problem but never that she was being physically abused. Sea said it is often difficult for victims to tell someone about their situation because they live in fear. "We have to be patient, and we have to be willing to say, 'I'm here to listen when you feel safe,' " she said. "We need to speak the truth to each other." Jack Sterling's next court appearance was set for Sept. 11. He remains in the Jackson County Jail without bail. If convicted, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison with a minimum of 25 years before he would be eligible for parole.