The community and law enforcement took time to remember and honor murder victims on Saturday.
Among those in attendance was Abriam Gonzales. His daughter, Maribel, was murdered in 2014. The case still remains unsolved. He explained that these events are very helpful for homicide survivors, because it's difficult to understand unless a person's been through it.
"Everybody here, you know, they, we all want to help each other out," Gonzales said. "You know you learn how to live with your loved one missing, by sharing experiences with them."
Here for the Homicide Survivors candlelight vigil. They all have different stories, but share a connection. I’m told by coming together, sharing the evening, it helps a little bit. @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/KrQWHDx6Ca
— Max Darrow (@MaxDarrowTV) April 8, 2018
He attends these events, put on by Homicide Survivors, Inc., as often as he can.
A Candlelight Vigil at the Children's Memorial Park gave survivors the chances to light candles and write messages to their loved ones. Those messages were then burned in a fire pit.
This vigil is hosted by Homicide Survivors, Inc. and kicks off National Crime Victims' Rights Week, from April 8th - 14th. This year's theme is "Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims."
The week is meant to promote victims' rights as well as honor crime victims and the people who advocate on their behalf.
Mae West's was also there. Her grandson was killed when he was just 5 years old.
"I come to them all the time, every time they have one, I come," she said. "Oh yeah he was so good. It's sad that he had to die so young."
Surrounded by people who share this unfortunate bond, West says these events are helpful in the healing process. Gonzales is on the same page.
"They help out," he said. "You're going through the same thing they are."
Some of the speakers at the Candlelight Vigil included members from the Pima County Sheriff's Department and Tucson Police Department.
The Pima County Attorney's Office Victim Services Division was at the vigil so community members can learn more about the resources available to crime victims in Pima County.
