Murrieta Ceremony To Honor Violent Crime Victims

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Three candlelight vigils will be held on different nights next week in Riverside County to honor the memories of those whose lives were taken in acts of violence. At the events, a woman whose brother was murdered, a woman who interviews young victims and a domestic violence survivor are slated to share their stories.

The week of April 8-14 is National Crime Victims' Rights Week, recognized annually in special ceremonies hosted by the District Attorney's Office. Three public memorials — all beginning at 7 p.m. — are planned at locations across the county.

The DA's office has been hosting similar events since 2004 "to pay tribute to those who have lost their life to violent crime."

"The names of victims who died as a result of violent crime will be read at each venue and candles will be lit to remember them," the DA's office said of the event, which is open to the public.

District Attorney Mike Hestrin will speak at each vigil, along with a keynote guest. This year, speakers include (information courtesy of DA's office):

Murrieta: Patty Cardenas is a supervising victim advocate at the DA’s Office. Her brother, Alex, 20, was
murdered in 1992 in a gang-related shooting in Orange County. Patty will be talking about the healing
process since the tragedy and the sense of community she sees at these annual candlelight vigils.

Palm Desert: Denise Rodriguez Bowman is a child forensic interviewer at the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center in Rancho Mirage who has interviewed thousands of young victims. Denise and her family endured a tragedy when her cousin died after a violent confrontation in Indio. She will be talking about being a voice for others and our role as a community to protect children and adolescents from violence.

Riverside: Jessica Ceren is an employee at the Riverside County Probation Department. She is a survivor of
domestic violence who was brutally attacked by her abuser with a hammer and threatened with a shotgun.

The events are scheduled as follows:

• Tuesday, April 10, at Murrieta Town Square Park, 1 Town Square, Murrieta
• Wednesday, April 11, at Palm Desert Civic Center Park, 43-900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert
• Thursday, April 12, at Riverside County Historic Courthouse, 4050 Main St., Riverside

City News Service contributed to this report / Image via Shutterstock