A lawn in Independence, MO, will soon be a sobering visual reminder of the lives lost to homicide in the Kansas City area that have gone unsolved.
A vigil is planned for July 28 to display over 700 flyers, each representing an unsolved homicide victim dating back to 1970. It is the 11th vigil put on by Corey’s Network Inc, a group that helps surviving families of homicide.
“We want to raise awareness that there are this many unsolved homicides,” says Corey’s Network co-founder Robert Norris. “But primarily, we want to honor and recognize the families of those affected by these homicides.”
A group of volunteers will begin setting up the display at Speaks Suburban Chapel in the hours leading up to the 6 p.m. vigil. They will place 700 flyers, each with a photo and information, placed on a bamboo stick, across the funeral home’s lawn.
“We want people to get a sense of the sheer number of unsolved homicides there are,” says Norris. “We also want the affected families to see that they are not alone and for outsiders to realize that these people are hurting because they don’t have any answers or validation.”
Families and community members are invited to walk within the display, locate their loved ones, flyer and spend time in remembrance. The event also provides a platform for families to share their stories and the impact of their loss.
In addition to the flyer display, Corey’s Network has invited local groups to set up information tables. Organizations like Mothers in Charge, Circle of Hope, and AdHoc Group Against Crime will be on hand to provide resources and information to attendees. Grandparents for Gun Safety will be giving out gun locks. The Who Dunnit Sisters, a local true crime web series, will share their efforts to help locals raise awareness and potentially solve these homicides.
“We’re trying to make sure that the community knows that there are programs and resources available if they want to participate in them,” Norris said.
For those unable to attend in person, Corey’s Network will also conduct a virtual vigil. From July 26 to 29, they will post a flyer of an unsolved homicide victim every 5 to 10 minutes across their social media platforms.
The organization hopes that both the physical and virtual displays will help the community grasp the magnitude of unsolved homicides in the area. More importantly, they want to provide a sense of community for grieving families who often feel isolated in their pain.
About Corey’s Network Inc.
Founded by Robert and Michelle Norris following the 2013 stabbing death of their son Corey Laykovich, Corey’s Network has spent the last decade supporting families affected by homicide and raising awareness about unsolved cases in the community.
“When [Corey passed away] and we tried to get help, there was no one there to help us. We had to reach out to the community,” Robert Norris explained. “So we do this to give back to the community.”
The organization has assisted over 600 families in the past ten years, providing both emotional support and practical assistance. Norris says they’ve donated over $100,000 to over 400 families for funeral costs alone.
Beyond the annual vigil, Corey’s Network maintains a 24-hour hotline and posts daily remembrances on their social media platforms for victims on the anniversary of their deaths.
The organization also assists families in finding resources for utility and rental assistance, grief counseling, and other needs. They encourage families to seek help and support from various community organizations, recognizing that different groups may offer services that complement their own.
11th Annual Vigil by Corey’s Network Inc.
Speaks Suburban Chapel
18020 E 39th St S, Independence, MO
July 28 at 6 p.m.
Virtual Vigil
facebook.com/CoreysNetwork.org
July 26 – 29
