Melissa Batten Tribute

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Melissa Batten

Died Jul 28, 2008
Kent, Washington, United States

Its been months but it's still hard to believe that you're gone. I wanted your story to be heard by all so I created this tribute. Rest in peace Melissa.

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Tragic Story

Very sad news from Redmond, Wash. Melissa Batten, 36, a software development engineer in Microsoft's Xbox division, was murdered by her estranged husband, who then shot himself to death.

Batten, a Harvard-educated lawyer, was a Software Development Engineer in Test for Microsoft, supporting Rare on its 360 titles work. She had worked for Microsoft since 2002, earning credits in Halo 3 and Gears of War as an SDET. Earlier, as a lawyer, she had been a public defender for the Mecklenburg County (Charlotte, N.C.) Public Defender's Office.

Her husband, Joseph Batten, was also 36. He had also worked for Microsoft but most recently worked for Wizards of the Coast, publisher of hobby games such as Magic: the Gathering. Melissa had obtained a restraining order against her husband on July 21. Another news story describes Joseph Batten as obsessive and verbally abusive, and when she learned he had obtained a handgun, she sought the protection order.

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I miss her too

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julie Aug 17, 2009

it was a sad how it happen and i won't lie that it was wrong, but the full story of my sister in law, maybe you should ask the family

She loved cats

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Alicia Feb 28, 2009

I never Melissa but often think of her because I think she loved cats as much I do, I sent her email last year to the cat alias at work because she said they had a string of stray orange cats showing up their door stop. I had a friend who had just lost their orange cat and so I contacted Melissa to see if the strays were still available, she said they were promissed to someone else but would keep me in mind. I was devasted to hear what happened.
I still don't understand why her life was taken by someone who claimed he loved her and will never understand it. I hope and pray she knows how many people cared for her and hopefully the DV laws in Washington state will change soon.

My Memory-She is always with me!

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Ellen Jan 30, 2009

I have so very many wonderful memories. One in particular was recent. She was not vain regardless of her incredible beauty. She had just done the Banjo interview and sent me the link to the website. Her comment was, "I am such a dork!". I remember watching the video and laughing as she was just beautiful. I treasure that video and many others. Thank-you for all of the prayers as they have kept me spiritually alive thru this. They mean so much. Ellen, her sister.

Good person

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Tim Chidsey Dec 22, 2008

I was lucky to see her shortly before her life was taken. I worked under Melissa on a great game, nearly 2 yrs before this happened. I was able to meet with her for dinner and drinks while in Wa. for business. I will always remember how happy she seemed that night, and will keep that as my last memory of her. I was not very knowledgeable of the pain she was going through, but I know she told me she had not had that much fun in a while. That was Sat., Tuesday I heard the awful news. If it brings any comfort to family and friends, I can say that night she was happy, admits the nightmare she lived through. I think she found her joy and passion in video games and that makes me feel some comfort.

We love you and will always think of you and the "Hammer of Dawn" song....