The Clark County candlelight vigil was among hundreds of events throughout the country that shined a light on the victims who were taken too soon

VANCOUVER – On request from families of murdered loved ones, NWCAVE’s Advocacy Center for Justice held a National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims in Vancouver Monday (Sept. 25) night.  The Clark County candlelight vigil was among hundreds of events throughout the country that shined a light on the victims who were taken too soon.  National Day of Remembrance was designated by Congress in 2007 after parents of murdered victims came together.

Nichole Norris (mother to Meshay Melendez and grandmother of Layla Stewart, who were murdered earlier this year), Joseph Thuney (father of Brittany Thuney who was murdered in 2020), both clients of NWCAVE, came together to remember their daughters, on National Daughter’s Day.

“Dozens attended the vigil and despite the rain, many families in attendance, got to tell their stories of their loved ones that were murdered and taken too soon,” said Thuney. 

Speakers included Assistant Chief Troy Price, Vancouver Police Department, Michelle Bookout, President of NAMI SWW, Yolanda Conde (mother of Ashani Conde), Karen Morrison, Founder of Odessey International (mother of Julian Morrison) and Joe Thuney (Brittany’s dad).  Norris did not speak last night due to the trial of Kirland Warren set for January.  Other families present were Rachel Davis (sister of Jayme Dawn Morton) among others.

“This will be an annual event our Advocacy Center for Justice continues to host,” said Michelle Bart, President and Founder of National Women’s Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation (NWCAVE).  Norris and Thuney also announced that NWCAVE will be launching a new support group for loved ones of murdered victims.  Set to launch in January, the group will be under the Advocacy Center for Justice and organized by Norris, Thuney and other families of murdered loved ones. 

For more information on NWCAVE visit www.NWCAVE.org.