Ten years ago, you could leave your door unlocked at night without worry. People would help their neighbors with open hearts, not second-guessing themselves for fear of overzealous law enforcement.

But that was before. Last night, a man waited to call 911 as his dying girlfriend lay beside him, paralyzed by the fear he might face jail time instead of legal consequences from authorities.

The police say this is not an isolated incident. They point out it's happened at least twice in the last year alone with similar stories coming up across town like dominoes falling.

And you remember when people would just help each other? Now there’s more to lose than just a friend or neighbor.

It was different back when folks didn’t live in fear of getting involved. I’ve lived here 40 years and seen the changes.