Monday, April 21, 2008

Victim's Rights Week. Parents March for Justice!

Last week several of Rachel’s family members attended Victim’s Rights Week starting with a Candle Light Vigil Wednesday night and then a March to Riverside County’s Historic Court House the following day. Victim’s Rights Week honors victims if violent crimes.

I learned that 1 person is murdered every hour in Riverside County, scary!



Speeches started around noon, featuring Erin Runnion of Orange County, who founded the Joyful Child Foundation after her daughter Samantha was kidnapped and murdered by a child molester in 2002; Kim Goldman, whose brother Ron was murdered in 1994, and Mark Klaas, who founded the Polly Klaas Foundation following the 1993 murder of his daughter at the hands of a sex offender.

One of the most graphic displays was an exhibit sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, consisting of a massively damaged car. A 3 time offender struck this car going 94 miles an hour killing a 26-year old mother and her 2 year old daughter. He survived the accident.



[click on images to enlarge]






Rachel’s father Steve Elliott marched with determination holding a large poster of Rachel and never once let it rest. He was also able to meet in person two District Attorney assistants who will be assisting with Rachel’s case.














Lindsay made a Memory Board in honor of Rachel’s life, which was on display for hundreds of people to see. I watched many people walk up and look at images of our precious Rachel.












I was with Steve during the March and although it was heartbreaking to be in the company of this sort, I know it is just a fact of life now and I will attend next year and do all I can to ensure that Rachel’s tragic story is hear over and over.

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