2 Candlelight Vigils For Victims Of Violent Crime Planned In RivCO

RIVERSIDE COUNTY—The District Attorney's Office announced two candlelight vigils to remember victims of violent crime in Palm Desert and Riverside next week. Since 2004, the vigils have paid tribute to those lost to violent crime.

District Attorney Mike Hestrin will address attendees at each event and will be joined by keynote speakers who will share their stories of loss, resilience, and seeking justice.

The first vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, at the Palm Desert Civic Center, located at 43900 San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert. The keynote speaker for the Palm Desert vigil will be Sophia Flores, whose son was killed by her nephew in 2014 in an altercation at a family party.

A second vigil will be held in Riverside at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, at the Riverside County Historic Courthouse, located at 4050 Main Street. The keynote speaker will be Catherine Barajas, whose son was killed while watching a movie with a friend in Corona in 2021.

Following the Wednesday vigil, the District Attorney will host a special gathering at the District Attorney's Office Victims Memorial Courtyard, located at 3960 Orange Street. There, the names of recent victims of violent crime will be unveiled on the Victims Memorial Wall.

The names of the victims who died because of violent crimes will be read at each venue, and candles will be lit to remember them.

The media and public were invited to attend each of the vigils.

Additional information on the vigils could be obtained by contacting media@rivcoda.org.