Vigil pays tribute to victims of violent crime

It’s been almost 20 years since Mika Moulton lost her 10-year-old son, Christopher.

“Christopher was abducted and brutally murdered by a repeat offender,” Moulton said. “My life as I knew it changed.”

Moulton was the keynote speaker at this year’s Victims Rights Week candlelight vigil held at Palm Desert Civic Center Park Tuesday night.

“I wonder what he would be doing right now, where he would be, he would be 30 years old,” Moulton said.

Her speech aimed to comfort and inspire those who are still coping with the loss of loved ones, and the children who will never get to know their brothers, uncles, mothers.

“Knowing that we can be empowered as communities, let’s start working together to make it better,” Moulton said.

The names of more than 200 victims killed in violent crimes were read aloud, and candles were lit to remember them.

District Attorney Mike Hestrin wants their families to know his office is fighting for justice.

“All we can do is remind them they’re not alone, that we stand with them and they’re not forgotten,” Hestrin said.

Moulton says she may never feel a true sense of closure but turning her tragedy into a source of empowerment for others, has helped her heal and find a new normal.

“It all goes back to taking back our communities, being prepared, preventing violent crimes from happening,” she said.