Families of crime victims in Mississippi are remembering loved ones at an annual tree lighting ceremony. As MPB's Kobee Vance reports the Attorney General's office says it's working to help families recover and heal.
The state Attorney General's office hosted its 16th annual tree lighting ceremony honoring victims of violence. In the lobby, two tall trees covered with hundreds of ornaments represent victims from across the state. Attorney General Jim Hood talked about his experience with losing a cousin to violence in 1976. He wants victims to know they aren't alone.
"What we're here for today is to let you know that there are people that have been through this. there are people sitting right there by you that have experienced this, and there are people that care. People in government and prosecutors and law enforcement. So, we want you to know that you're the ones who we're fighting for."
Lucinda Robinson is among the families remembering loved ones. She hung an ornament to honor her son, Zachary Robinson, who was murdered in 2014. She says the event helps her with the grieving process as well as others who come here.
"To me, that is so sad that, you know, you have to go through this. And I also looking when he said how many new people there are. And when I looked back and I saw the hands, I was like 'Oh my god.' You know all these victims, and a lot of it is because of senseless reasons."
Attorney General Jim Hood says the Victims Compensation Division offers financial assistance to victims of crime and their families. He says since 2005, they've served over 11,000 victims and provided $47,000,000 to those in need.
