Remembering Nicholas Samuel Markowitz

Nicholas “Nick” Markowitz was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew him. Born in West Hills, California, Nick was the kind of person who made the world feel warmer just by being in it. His laughter was contagious, his imagination boundless, and his heart full of kindness.

From an early age, Nick was drawn to the arts. He had a deep love for reading and writing - particularly the works of William Shakespeare, whose timeless stories of love, loss, and humanity spoke to Nick’s thoughtful nature. He was often found with a book in hand or a pen in motion, scribbling ideas for stories, plays, or poems. His love of acting blossomed through school performances and creative play at home, where he transformed everyday moments into scenes of joy and humor.

Music was another one of Nick’s passions. Whether he was listening to his favorite bands or learning to play the piano, music gave him a way to express what words alone could not. But perhaps his greatest talent was making people laugh. Nick had an uncanny ability to lift spirits and bring smiles with his wit, playful energy, and compassionate heart.

More than anything, Nicholas loved his family. He was a devoted son to Susan and Jeff, a protective and loving brother, and a friend who treated others with honesty and respect. His family remembers him as a young man with immense potential - sensitive, intelligent, and full of promise.

Nick’s life was tragically taken from him at just 15 years old, but his memory continues to inspire all who learn about his story. While his time on earth was far too short, the legacy of who he was - a creative, kind, and loving soul - lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

This website honors Nick not for how he died, but for how he lived - with love, laughter, passion, and creativity. His spirit continues to shine in every act of kindness, every moment of joy, and every effort made to ensure no other family endures such a loss.

My Stolen Son

Susan Markowitz is the grieving mother whose harrowing real-life tragedy is at the heart of My Stolen Son, co-written with Jenna Glatzer and released on September 7, 2010.

The memoir recounts the kidnapping and murder of her 15 year old son, Nick, in August 2000 - events that would later inspire the 2006 film Alpha Dog.

Through the book, Susan documents not just her son's disappearance and death, but also her enduring nine year crusade to seek justice, encompassing personal struggles such as grief-induced alcoholism and suicide attempts, all told with raw honesty and determination. The narrative sheds light on her resilience and her advocacy for victims of violent crime.

Susan's deeply personal account is characterized by its candid reflection on intense grief, complex family dynamics, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Her journey, both internal and legal, captures the reader with heartbreaking clarity.

Read the story no parent should ever have to tell...

Susan's Blog