As the director of Houston Mayor’s Crime Victims Office, Andy Kahan assists victims of violent crimes in receiving their rights and ensuring that their perpetrators are punished.

            Kahan was a former parole officer and became a part of the Mayor’s Crime Victims Office back when Bob Lanier was mayor in 1992.

Kahan said he deals with all types of violence ranging from domestic violence to hate crimes. He has dealt with prominent cases such as the Erwin-Pena murder case, the serial killer Carl Eugene Watts case and the Paul Broussard homosexual murder case.

“I deal with victims of violent crimes and make them aware of all the resources that are available to them, particularly their health interests and medical bills,” Kahan said. “I have also crafted new laws that have advanced public safety since 1993.”

Kahan said that of the cases he receives, 20 percent of them concern domestic violence.

“When people call seeking assistance for domestic violence,” Kahan said. “I refer them to specific agencies that specialize in domestic violence like the Houston Area Woman’s Center, ADVA and the Houston Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit.”

In 1999, Kahan extended compensation benefits for relocation expenses to victims of domestic violence.

            “Victims of domestic violence are eligible to receive a one time $1,800 relocation fund,” Kahan said.

            Kahan said he has dealt with unusual cases such as the sale of murderers’ possessions, otherwise known as Murderabilia.

            “Murderabilia is when viewers contact high profile killers and sale their possessions,” Kahan said. “I got a federal bill filed in eight states (one of them being Texas) that no longer allow the sale of Murderabilia.”

            Kahan recently followed up with the Broussard case that he has been dealing with since 1992.

            Back in 1991, 27-year-old Broussard and his friends were stopped by nine teenagers and an adult, asking for directions to the local homosexual bar, Heaven, Kahan related. Earlier, this same group had thrown “queer rocks” at males they suspected to be homosexual.

            After receiving directions, this group attacked Broussard and his friends, Kahan said.

            “Five of them actually physically harmed Broussard and one of them, Jon Buice, later bragged about stabbing him to death,” Kahan said.

            Buice, who fatally stabbed Broussard, was arrested, Kahan said. So far, he has served 17 years.

            Kahan said Buice is up for parole though and that the wishes of Broussard’s mother, Nancy Rodriguez, are that Buice serve at least as many years that Broussard was alive.

            Kahan recently attended a hearing on the Broussard case with Rodriguez in Huntsville concerning Buice’s option to be let out on parole.

            He said he further believes that because of cases like the Broussard case, victims should be justified and assisted by the government.

“Crime victims are the only unwilling participants in the criminal justice system,” Kahan said. “We should do everything we can to help rebuild their lives and afford to them whatever rights possible.”

Kahn keeps in touch with victims and their families and has formed a close connection with them over the years.

“They have become a part of my extended family,” Kahan said.