RIVERSIDE – On April 21 and 23, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office hosted public Candlelight Vigils, one in Palm Desert and one in Riverside, where community members gathered to honor victims of violent crime and stand alongside their loved ones. During each vigil, names were read aloud, candles were raised in tribute, and speakers shared moving reflections that recognized sorrow while emphasizing strength, support, and hope.

This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week centered on reflection and resilience with the theme “Holding Shadow, Choosing Light.” Across Riverside County, candlelight symbolized the acknowledgment of grief and loss while also illuminating a path forward — one grounded in remembrance, compassion, and a continued commitment to justice and healing.

“Our work is not only about accountability in the courtroom, but about standing with victims and their families every step of the way,” District Attorney Mike Hestrin said. “These candlelight vigils bring our community together to acknowledge loss, honor lives impacted by crime, and remind survivors that they are not alone. They reflect our commitment to listening, offering support, and ensuring victims’ voices remain at the center of the pursuit of justice.”

In Palm Desert, Melissa Chavez honored the memory of her brother who was murdered at a gas station in 2014 while on the way to visit his sister. She shed light on the difficult criminal justice process, including having to hear the details of the crime not once, but twice when the case was sent back on appeal.

In Riverside, Laura Gardhouse spoke about losing her son to gang violence in 2006. She has championed Marsy’s Law, trained criminal justice professionals on the needs and rights of victims, and actively participated in the parole process to advocate for herself and others.

The community was also invited to experience the 5th annual Healing H[arts] exhibit, a traveling display presented by Stories Told Or Read In Empowering Spaces (S.T.O.R.I.E.S.). Running from April 20 through May 22, the exhibit highlights the resilience of victims and survivors through art, transforming personal experiences into narratives of strength and empowerment. It will be featured at various locations across the county, with upcoming dates and locations available on the DA’s website at rivcoda.org and social media platforms.

“The Division of Victim Services considers it a privilege to walk alongside victims of crime and their families to provide support and lend guidance as they navigate the loss of their loved ones,” said Melissa Donaldson, Director of the Division of Victim Services. “These vigils are vital in providing families a place to feel community support, collectively grieve, and publicly honor those taken from us by violent crime. It is an honor for us to serve.”

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