Families and community leaders gathered to remember 31 victims of violence in Wyandotte County during the annual Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort, or C.A.C.E., memorial and forum in Kansas City.
The event, organized by Friends of Yates and co-sponsored by the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office, was held at Forest Grove Baptist Church as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
At the front of the church, organizers created a memorial display featuring framed recognitions for each victim, with a candle placed beside every tribute as part of the candlelight service. Organizers said the memorial portion of the evening was intended to honor lives affected by violence while encouraging healing, hope and collective action within the community.
Now in its 27th year, the annual gathering focuses on honoring victims of violence while bringing attention to crime prevention, victim advocacy and community support efforts.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week has been observed across the country since 1981 to raise awareness about the impact crime has on victims, families and communities. The observance also highlights services available to survivors and recognizes advocates, counselors and law enforcement officials who work with crime victims year-round.
This year’s national theme was “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”
The evening included a community forum featuring representatives from law enforcement, victim services and community organizations. Panelists discussed crime prevention, victim advocacy, public safety and partnerships aimed at reducing violence in the community.
Panelists included Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree, Chief Deputy District Attorney Njeri Mwangi, Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman, KCK homicide Capt. Matthew Baker, Deputy Chief Andrew Novak of the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department, Friends of Yates Program Director Wesal Nourein, AdHoc Group Against Crime Program Manager Brian Perez and Maya Banks of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Victim Services Unit.
The memorial portion of the evening recognized residents who lost their lives to violence during the past year.
Friends of Yates said the event is intended to promote healing, awareness and community unity while supporting victims and families affected by violence.
Victims Remembered During The Memorial
- Leroy Alexander
- Ana Maria Juarez
- Airen Andula
- Erik Jonson Linares
- Diego Segura Barboza
- Britney Castro-Lopez
- Denise Byrd
- Victor Loza Jr.
- Larone Brasfield
- Jesse Aaron Marquez
- Javon Lee Brown
- Deputy Elijah Ming
- Arlvelt Bruster Jr.
- Roman Dean Bickle Moeller
- Anderson Murcia-Cartagena
- Carl Nabors
- Christopher Cook
- Elcena Painter
- Tequan Davis
- Lyndale Robinson
- Jacob Anthony Dupre
- Francisco Rodriquez
- Jose Lopez Duran
- Alaan Sanchez
- Makih Franklin
- Deputy Hunter Simoncic
- Shaqwayne Henson
- Enrique Martinez-Vasquez
- Delorean Jackson
- Tyler Wheeler
- James Adam Jackson