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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims was commemorated on Thursday with dozens gathering at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver to remember those who lost their lives to violence.
Hosted by the National Women’s Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation (NWCAVE), local leaders, lawmakers, and those close to murder and abuse victims came forward to speak.
Baylee Gonzales was at her first National Day of Remembrance for Murdered Victims event. She attended to honor her “soul sister” as she recalls the worst day of her life.
KOIN 6 News Reporter Ariel Iacobazzi spoke to her more than a year ago, just days after her best friend, Carissa Larkin, was shot and killed by Kyle Palmer. Palmer was Larkin’s estranged partner against whom she had a restraining order for previous abuse. Vancouver police ruled it a murder-suicide.
Baylee gave a speech during an emotional but very important night for many families of the dozens of people murdered in Clark County.
“I didn’t realize how big of an issue it is. And it’s horrible,” Gonzales said. “I think we as a community need to come together. We need to unite, especially like that was Carissa’s biggest thing was to unite groups.”
Also there was Danielle Mikinka; her best friend was Monica Murrah, better known as ‘Star’ Monica. She died after being brutally stabbed to death by her husband in front of their 8-year-old son. Her killer, Michael Murrah, was found not guilty but insane. A Clark County judge said he should be kept in the state mental hospital.
“The justice system, what they put us through, the delays and just the constant like back and forth, that we were just victimized over and over again. And so being here today, though, helps bring awareness and that helps keep our loved ones’ memories alive,” Mikinka said.
On Thursday, Mikinka also shared some good news.
“Today was actually a victory because her sister was able to legally adopt him. So, he’s secure and safe now. And that’s what matters most,” she said. “Her sister is doing so well with him. He could not be in a better place. Obviously, the best place would be with Star. But since he can’t be with her, he’s in the best place that he can be.”
It was also a chance for local lawmakers to highlight what they call injustices in the legal system. Some are domestic abuse survivors themselves, like Washington state representative Lauren Davis.
“There is no lobbying group for homicide victims. And so, I came here tonight to meet all of you and to ask for your help. And your willingness to come engage with the legislature and tell your stories,” Davis told vigil attendees during her speech.
Baylee now wears a special necklace, holding the ashes of her “soul sister,” Carissa.
She hopes to give a voice to the voiceless in abusive situations.
“I think as a community, we need to build on that. We need to come together and fight for justice,” Gonzales said.
Vancouver mayor Anne McEnerney declared September 25th ‘National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims’ in the City of Vancouver.
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Ariel Iacobazzi
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