Monterey County holds Victim Dedication Ceremony
The Monterey County District Attorney's office gave an opportunity for victims and their families to find strength in community on Friday at a Crime Victim Dedication Ceremony in Salinas. It's the 36th year the ceremony has been held, helping people grieve together over the years.
National crime victims' rights week not only honoring victims of crime, but also the agencies that assist them, the heads of local agencies were in attendance on Friday, including the County of Monterey District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni and Salinas Police Chief Carlos Acosta.
Featured Speakers at the event were the mother and brother of Azahel Cruz, a 6 year old boy who had his life cut short by gang violence in 2010. His brother, Uriel Cruz, says that he hadn't been born yet when his sibling was killed, but still feels the loss through his family's stories about Azahel.
Congressman Jimmy Panetta also sharing some words at the ceremony, giving his sympathies to victims while praising the efforts of law enforcement. The ceremony also giving the families of people lost to homicide to say the name of their loved ones, with doves being released once all the names and stories were heard.
