LITTLE ROCK, AR – Sunday is Arkansas’ Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims. Sunday afternoon, at the Clinton Presidential Center, parents of murdered children gathered to reflect on those lives lost and the legacies left behind.
The group, Parents of Murdered Children, put on the event to honor loved ones.
“It helps to have a support group where you can go, talk, say anything you want. Know it’s not gonna leave that room. If you’re mad you can say you’re mad, If you’re sad, you can say you’re sad,” says Melinda Crowder, mother of Casey Crowder killed in 2006.
“Violent crimes do not take into account an age. Violent crimes do not take into account race. Violent crimes do not take into account gender or background or religion,” says North Little Rock Fire Chief Steve Smith. “Your child continues to be a part of your life today because of the love you shared.”
Christina Atchley lost her son, Michael Fox, last year.
“Just trying not to give in to the grief. Just miss him,” says Atchley.
Sabrina Threet’s son was Brandon Hill. The coroner ruled Hill’s death a suicide, but Threet thinks someone murdered him.
“My questions are not being answered, so I can’t have closure, I can’t move on. I have to know how my son died and why and I deserve to, I’m his mother,” she says.
Smith reminded parents and families to not take life for granted and live every day like it’s your last.
“You know better than anyone, every child is a precious gift from God, life is fragile and there is no guarantee of tomorrow,” says Smith.
The group, Parents of Murdered Children, put on the event to honor loved ones.
“It helps to have a support group where you can go, talk, say anything you want. Know it’s not gonna leave that room. If you’re mad you can say you’re mad, If you’re sad, you can say you’re sad,” says Melinda Crowder, mother of Casey Crowder killed in 2006.
“Violent crimes do not take into account an age. Violent crimes do not take into account race. Violent crimes do not take into account gender or background or religion,” says North Little Rock Fire Chief Steve Smith. “Your child continues to be a part of your life today because of the love you shared.”
Christina Atchley lost her son, Michael Fox, last year.
“Just trying not to give in to the grief. Just miss him,” says Atchley.
Sabrina Threet’s son was Brandon Hill. The coroner ruled Hill’s death a suicide, but Threet thinks someone murdered him.
“My questions are not being answered, so I can’t have closure, I can’t move on. I have to know how my son died and why and I deserve to, I’m his mother,” she says.
Smith reminded parents and families to not take life for granted and live every day like it’s your last.
“You know better than anyone, every child is a precious gift from God, life is fragile and there is no guarantee of tomorrow,” says Smith.