DA Hosts Candlelight Vigils to Honor Crime Victims

Community Gathers in Remembrance of Crime Victims

RIVERSIDE –This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week carried a powerful message of reflection and resilience under the theme “Lighting the Path Toward Healing.” Across Riverside County, the glow of candlelight served as a reminder that, even in the darkest times, communities can unite to remember lives lost, support grieving families, and reaffirm our shared commitment to justice and healing.

On April 8 and 10, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office hosted two public Candlelight Vigils, one in Palm Desert and one in Riverside, where community members gathered to honor victims of violent crime and stand in solidarity with their loved ones. At each event, names were read aloud, candles were lit in remembrance, and powerful voices shared stories of loss, strength, and hope.

“Our mission goes beyond pursuing justice, it’s about ensuring that every victim and their family feels seen, heard, and supported,” DA Hestrin said. “The candlelight vigils serve as a powerful reminder of why we stand together in solidarity. They honor the stories of those impacted by crime and reaffirm our commitment to a justice system that amplifies the voices of victims and survivors, so they never feel forgotten”.

In Palm Desert, victims’ rights advocate Duane Baker shared his 27-year journey through the criminal justice system following the murder of his father and the brutal attack on his mother during a home invasion robbery-homicide. His unwavering perseverance continues to fuel his advocacy for systemic change.

In Riverside, Marcy Ruiz-Reason honored the memory of her sister, Esther Ruiz, who was tragically killed by her husband in 2015. Through her grief, Marcy has become a powerful voice for raising awareness and preventing domestic violence, carrying her sister’s legacy forward with strength and compassion.

The community was also invited to experience the 4th annual Healing H[arts] exhibit, a traveling display presented by Stories Told Or Read In Empowering Spaces (S.T.O.R.I.E.S.). Running from April 7 through May 16, the exhibit highlights the resilience of victims and survivors through art, transforming personal experiences into narratives of strength and empowerment. It will be featured at various locations across the county, with upcoming dates and locations available on the DA’s website at rivcoda.org and social media platforms.

This year also marks the 45th anniversary of the Division of Victim Services, a dedicated team committed to supporting victims and their families with advocacy, resources, and compassionate care. “For over four decades, the division has stood as a trusted source of support, walking alongside individuals and families during some of life’s most challenging, horrific times for victims of crime and their families. It is an honor for us to serve,” said Melissa Donaldson, Director of the Division of Victim Services.