BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Families and friends gathered in downtown Bakersfield Thursday evening for the annual Victim’s Rights March.
Bells rang in honor of those lost.
Victims of violence, gone but not forgotten.
“We hope that the victims of violent crime understand that just because a case is over we stop caring about them, and the community stops caring about them,” Cynthia Zimmer, Kern County’s district attorney said.
In its 12th year, the Victims’ Rights March, organized by the DA’s office, allowed local families and friends to gather, honor and remember those they lost.
Hundreds of local residents gathered, many harboring sadness and frustration, still seeking justice for their loved ones.
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“It’s disappointing to see the justice system fail so many families over and over again,” Kaitlyn Medellin, the sister of Isaiah Leyva said.
The story of Isaiah Pedro Leyva’s death remains unsolved just like many other victims.
Leyva was shot and killed in 2021 at a Halloween party. Leyva’s family is still offering a reward of $25,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Their call remains unanswered.
What is heard is the support and energy from those still remembering their loved ones, and not just individually, but as a community.
“We’re not alone. We are not alone, there are so many people there are so many people in the same situation and I feel their pain, I genuinely feel their pain. And for the community to come together and to be able to honor our loved ones, it’s a great feeling,” Jacqueline Angeles, Leyva’s mom said.
There were hundreds of posters and memorabilia hoisted into the Bakersfield air and stories of victims lives shared through subtle tears.
This year’s theme for the march was: Listen, Act, Advocate and Protect, a message felt and in every passing second.
“I think it’s just a time for the community to come together and kind of heal together. We feel like we’re all alone when we’re going through things like this, but when we can come together and see that there’s other families and people dealing with very similar tragedies, that we’re able to come together and have a little bit more support,” Tiffany Craft, Melissa McCutcheon’s sister said.
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