Candlelight vigil for victims of crime in Palm Desert
In honor of National Victims’ Rights Week, a vigil was held Tuesday night in Palm Desert Civic Center Park hosted by Riverside County’s District Attorney. The event was intended to pay respect to those who have lost their lives to violent crime.
Tuesday’s vigil is one of three planned for this week in Riverside County. District Attorney Mike Hestrin hosted the ceremony which featured keynote speaker Sgt. Rick Espinoza, a victim of a violent shooting in the Desert Hot Springs area in 2008.
Sgt. Espinoza was patrolling when he attempted to stop a man from riding his bicycle against traffic. After refusing to stop during a foot chase, the man shot Espinoza in the face. After undergoing multiple surgeries, Espinoza returned to duty after three months. The bicyclist was later arrested, prosecuted, and is serving 15 years to life in prison.
Names of victims from Riverside County who were killed as a result of violent crime were read at the vigil. Candles were lit in their memory.
Two more vigils will be held in Temecula and Riverside on Wednesday, April 13 & Thursday, April 14 at 7 PM, respectively. These events are free and open to the public. Clickhere for more information.
