Sue's Story

Cathy Sue Weaver was raped and beaten to death in her suburban Orlando, FL home on August 27, 2001. Her killer then set her home on fire with the intent of destroying any evidence.

Prior to her murder, Sue had contracted with Burdine's, a premier FL department store, to have the air ducts in her home cleaned. Unbeknownst to her, both of the men sent on the service call had criminal records. No background checks had been conducted on the workers sent into Sue's home. A comprehensive background check would have revealed that both of the men sent to clean Sue's air ducts had criminal convictions and could pose a threat to her safety.

Six months after the service work was completed, Jeffrey Hefling, a twice convicted sex offender on parole, returned to Sue's home to rape and murder her.

Sue's murder is not an isolated case. Tragically, many victims are sexually assaulted and murdered each year by employees whose jobs allow them access to their victims. The Sue Weaver CAUSE (Commit to Always Using Screened Employees), has been founded in Sue's memory to promote comprehensive background investigations on service workers. We

believe that our efforts can make a huge difference in protecting your family, your home and your workplace. Background investigations empower employers to place an applicant in the most appropriate position and maximize the safety of their customers.

Everyone should feel safe in their home. CAUSE works to better protect you anytime service workers are needed.

Sue's Life

Cathy Sue Weaver was born May 16, 1949 in Missouri. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Interior Design and later received a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas. Sue worked for twenty-two years in the banking industry and in 1994 founded Embroidery Concepts, Inc., a custom embroidery digitizing company.

Sue loved her work and her customers, and soon her talent for giving life to designs with thread was in great demand. A few of her recognizable designs include embroidered state seals found on leather chairs in state capitol buildings, numerous Disney and Warner Brothers designs, and detailed wildlife designs less than one inch tall for a belt manufacturer.

Sue possessed an amazing artistic talent for design, and this was her passion until her unfortunate death.

Sue's Sister, Lucia Bone - Founder

At one time or another we all have strangers coming to our homes—to repair a washer or dryer, to have our carpets cleaned, for pest control, to deliver a new piece of furniture, or to service our pool. These are routine activities of home ownership, however, are you aware of the potential danger you face when you open the door to that mover, delivery, or service person? How do you know it’s safe to let them into your home or to even open the door to them? This type of everyday home service cost my sister her life!

The Sue Weaver CAUSE (Commit to Always Using Screened Employees), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 2004 in memory of my sister, Cathy Sue Weaver. Sue’s murder could and should have been prevented. Through our efforts for education on the importance of comprehensive background investigations on service employees, we believe we are saving lives. It is our hope that Sue’s story will raise awareness for both families and employers.

We “assume” the companies that we hire to care for our family, deliver our new furniture or make a home repair have our best interests at heart and would never send a convicted felon into our home. Think again….that assumption cost my sister her life.

CAUSE firmly believes that everyone has the right to work and that there is an appropriate job for everyone. However, not everyone should have a job allowing them access to our homes, our family, or vulnerable populations. Comprehensive background investigations empower employers with the information to make informed hiring decisions.

Thank you for visiting our website. We welcome your comments and look forward to hearing from you.

Be Safe,

Lucia Bone