By Mark Abrams

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The murder of a Wilmington woman allegedly committed this week by a decorated Afghanistan war veteran is raising awareness about the need for families who see signs of trouble in returning loved ones to get them help.

The father of the man accused in the horrific crime told reporters after his son’s arrest that his two tours of duty in Afghanistan had changed the young man and he didn’t even recognize the son he raised when he returned. (See Related Story)

Edd Conboy is director of Operation Home and Healing at the Council for Relationships in Philadelphia.

He says that statement is warning sign of a soldier in need of help.

“If they’re noticing a pattern of escalation, it’s probably not going to improve on its own. And then sometimes the families are sort of hoping for the best. And, of course, sometimes we have veterans who will be medicating themselves with drugs and alcohol and that’s another issue that comes into play, too, and people can see if that is spinning out of control as well,” Conboy explained.

Conboy says in addition to his program, veterans can also find help through the Veterans Multi-Service Center at 4th and Race streets.