LAPD, Sheriff’s Department, honor national day of remembrance for murder victims

The Los Angeles Sheriff Department, in partnership with Los Angeles Police Department Operations-South Bureau, community leaders, survivors, and victim advocacy organizations, joined cities across the nation in observing the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims on Thursday, Sept. 25.

At 6:30 p.m. a ceremony was held at South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station including a memorial and candlelight vigil, organized by Justice For Murdered Children.

LaWanda Hawkins established Justice For Murdered Children following the loss of her son who was murdered in December 1995. She and other parents in South Los Angeles who lost children to murder, realized their voices were ignored by the criminal justice system. So united by a shared desire for change, they founded Justice For Murdered Children to bring support, justice and community to families whose children were killed.

“It’s a somber truth that every single day, lives are forever altered by the harrowing impact of murder,” Justice For Murdered Children said in a statement. “Behind every statistic lies a story of pain, loss and shattered dreams. Families, friends, and entire communities are left grappling with grief, seeking answers and striving for justice.”

This annual observance provides families, friends, and communities time to “honor the lives of loved ones lost to violence and to stand together in support of healing and justice,” said an organizer. It brought together law enforcement, local officials, service providers, and community members to reaffirm a shared commitment to reducing violence.

In a prepared statement, Community Outreach Officer Pedro Alvarez at LAPD’s South Bureau, said, “This year’s observance in Los Angeles featured a tribute ceremony honoring victims and families; community resource tables offering information on grief support, advocacy, and violence prevention programs; and remarks from survivors, community leaders, and law enforcement leadership highlighting ongoing efforts to address violent crime and support affected families.”

In 2007, the U.S. Congress designated September 25 each year as the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. The resolution states that this day provides an opportunity to honor the memories of murder victims and to recognize the impact on surviving family members.