>> reporter: which seemed to describe the family too. they told the kids they had been adopted. didn't seem to worry them at all. >> my mom and my dad were my mom and my dad. there wasn't, you know, these are my biological and these are my adopted. i had a great childhood. >> reporter: there were advantages to having a brother seven years older especially when he grew to be a 6-foot, 200-pounder. >> he was my defender and protector. someone made fun of me at school one time. he came and kind of give the kid a stern look, what a big older brother did. and you know, i think he was protective of me. >> reporter: after the murder, in fact, christopher resumed that protective role. this time for his father who insisted that melissa should return to college in northern florida. >> the day after the shooting was her first day of college. >> reporter: oh, my gosh. >> and i was then and i am still proud that she managed to stay in school.