Families gather for Victims’ Dedication Ceremony

There was an outpouring of emotion on Friday at a ceremony honoring victims and survivors of crime.

The Victims’ Dedication Ceremony is put on by the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office. It is an event to remember the victims of murder and other kinds of violent crime.

Now in its 18th year, families of victims came with picture of their loved ones and many wore ribbons to remember what happened.

“You see that here today. But know that we are always with you and you are never alone. Never alone,” said US Congressman Jimmy Panetta.

Panetta was joined by many law enforcement, city and county leaders. They were all there to show support, strength, resilience and justice.

This week, some justice in a cold case dating back nearly two decades ago for 13-year-old Christina Williams, who disappeared from Fort Ord and was later found dead. A family friend said she is relieved to see suspect Charles Holifield will be charged with her murder.

“It’s raw emotions. You know, those suppressed memories have to be dealt with and faced. Again, it’s just one day at a time,” said Maegan Ruiz-Ignacio. “We’re just thankful to God that just will be served, justice is being served.”

Holifield, who is currently in prison on prior convictions, will eventually face a judge in Monterey County, bringing some closure for those who are following the Williams case.

“This was a case that presented itself as unsolved for many years, but we also have cases where they are solved, where they do go to trial and there is justice and the person who committed the crime is incarcerated in prison,” said Victim Witness Program Manager Pamela Patterson. “And we also work with those families for many years.”