PORT TOWNSEND — About two dozen crime victims gathered at the downtown fountain on Monday evening, lighting candles in tribute to victims of violent crime and speaking out for their continued advocacy.
“It does not matter what your income level, social standing or ethic background may be,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Tony Hernandez. “Being a victim of crime can cause confusion, blame, broken families, ruined lives and careers, or it can lead to more violence itself.”
Hernandez said it was his responsibility to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves and to make sure their voices are heard by the justice system.
“I support continued funding for organizations that provide assistance for victims’ rights,” Hernandez said. “This helps to change the legal landscape in their favor, in the courtroom and the community.”
The ceremony was held National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which occurs nationally from April 18-24.
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Juelie Dalzell addressed the gathering.
She was accompanied by Susan Jacob, who was a juror in the 2003 trial of Christine Berube and Kory Nielsen, who were convicted of the 1998 murder of Berube’s 23-month-old son, Kyle Theis.
Jacob, wearing dark glasses, was still visibly affected by that experience.
“I will remember him forever,” Jacob said. “The trial changed my life and continues to stay with me, especially when I realize that Kyle would now be 12 years old.”
“In this job, I see what violence does to people,” Dalzell said. “Kyle will never have his own family; his line has ended.”
The ceremony drew inspiration from several religious philosophies, beginning with a Quaker meeting-styled dialogue where many attendees voiced their thoughts and tributes.
This was followed by a rendition of the Lord’s Prayer but not before Dalzell asked if anyone would be offended by its reading.
No one objected.
After this, she told a Buddhist parable, about how people who literally feed each other are happier with their lives.
“We should feed each other,” she said, taking the tale to a figurative level. “It is the only way we will be able to survive the damage that violence inflicts on our lives.”
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Jefferson County reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
