Burned: A Collection of Darker Poetry, was written by Stacie Ann Leininger as part of her mental health healing journey.
Shortly before her severe trauma-related breakdown, in 2018, Leininger discovered breakthrough forensic technology specific to arson-homicide cases that scientists wanted to use on a national scale.
Articles explained that scientists needed a case from the 1980s or 1990s to help them cement the technology in place. The 1995 homicide of 15-year-old Andrew James McMahon, whose murder was meant to be covered up by a house fire, fit their requirements.
The hitch: Leininger had to get the Schenectady Police Department (SPD) to reopen his case and get her alma mater (Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons) as well as the Albany Arc Diocese to cooperate with the investigation.
Despite the challenges Leininger faced, she fought for McMahon while battling internal struggles and pushing back against those who wanted the truth to remain buried.
Instead of resorting to destructive behavior, Leininger turned to writing poetry. The result is several poetry collections that give you the journey of a neurodivergent healing and recovering from many horrors including but not limited to extreme bullying, sexual abuse, and attempted murder.
If you too struggle with mental health issues, Leininger encourages you to not give up on yourself or your future and to write as a means to help you heal.
*Contains strong language, macabre, and imagery that isn't suitable for all audiences.*
Proceeds are donated to nonprofits in memory of homicide victim Andrew James McMahon (1980-1995).
