I don't have any kids but I'm afraid I can bring some personal experience to a story similar to this.
My grandad was murdered by a cocaine addict, who called at my grandparents house posing as a police officer.
After watching my mother and grandmother feature on the news in one if those media police news rooms, appealing for witnesses or anyone that knew anything, he, or rather 'it' was eventually caught. I also got to hold my grandad's hand as they switched the life support off. He was my hero.
I could not bring myself to any of his court appearances or trial, as although I'm by no means a violent man, I really did not know how I would handle seeing that animal in the flesh, or what my actions would be if we made eye contact. So I stayed away and stayed sane for my mum.
But would I have liked 5 minutes alone with him in a locked room? Oh yes. They could had what ever was left.
It is now serving 26 life sentences for the crimes he committed. His name is Andrew Aston if you're interested. My grandad is George Dale. RIP.