Riverside County District Attorney’s Office hosts annual candlelight vigils for victims of violent crimes

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office hosted the first of two candlelight vigils for victims of violent crimes at Palm Desert Civic Center Park Tuesday night. 

The names of the victims who died because of violent crime were read and candles were lit to remember them.  

District Attorney Mike Hestrin spoke to attendees alongside the loved ones of victims of violent crimes who will share their personal stories of loss and pursuits of justice. 

The keynote speaker for Tuesday's vigil was Sophia Flores, whose son was killed by her nephew in 2014 in an altercation at a family party.   

The second vigil will be held on Wednesday night at the Riverside Historic Courthouse where the names of recent victims will be unveiled on the Victims Memorial Wall. 

The District Attorney’s Office has hosted vigils every year since 2004 in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.