Parents of murdered children gather to remember
By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com

The parents of Ventura County's youngest murder victims approached the podium one by one at Oxnard Plaza Park to repeat aloud the names of their loved ones and to light candles in their memory.

"Vincent Martinez, 19 years old," said Marisa Martinez solemnly as she stood next to her husband, Rigo.

Martinez died in his father's arms, gunned down in front of his Oxnard home on the evening of March 11, 2005. His killer has still not been identified.

The Martinezes, founders of the Ventura County chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, shared their story with nearly 20 other families, public officials and guests when they came together last month to observe the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

"Each year, murder destroys not only life, but families whose lives are altered by the horror of their loss," Martinez's mother said. "These families had to survive a pain that only a survivor of homicide can comprehend. We remember their tragedy and courage, and vow to do whatever we can to assist them with their loss."

Parents of Murdered Children is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support for families in such situations and advocating peace in local communities. Robert and Charlotte Hullinger of Cincinnati founded the group in 1978 after their 19-year-old daughter Lisa was slain. The organization now has more than 300 chapters and 100,000 members nationwide.

The Sept. 25 memorial ceremony was the Ventura County chapter's first opportunity to officially observe the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, which was created by a May 2005 federal resolution.

"Today is a special day," said Anya Reyes, a board member of the county chapter. "Not only are we here to celebrate our loved ones, but state and county officials have recognized that our loved ones deserve to be remembered."

Guest speakers included officials from the Oxnard Police Department, Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten and Mayor Maricela Morales of Port Hueneme.

"We are inspired by our own lives to continue to organize, continue to gather and do everything we can to really honor life and make murder no more in our community," Morales said.

On behalf of her city, Morales announced the local proclamation of Sept. 25 as a day of remembrance.

"It's not just the person pulling the trigger who carries responsibility, but also the responsibility of those of us in leadership positions to decide where we invest our time, money and effort," Morales said. "Our investment needs to be strengthened in prevention to get to the root cause of homicides and murders."

Last year, 35 people were slain in Ventura County, Totten said.

"Tonight we pay tribute to the families here who boldly go forward with their lives," Totten said. "We thank you for going on in the face of this immense challenge."

The pictures and stories of Ventura County victims were hung on the "murder wall" in the center of Oxnard Plaza Park. After each candle was lit to commemorate the victims, white doves were released into the air as a symbol of spreading peace.

Family and friends placed their candles beneath the wall of photographs, keeping vigil for their loved ones.

For more information about the Ventura County chapter, call (805) 236-8130 or visit pomc.org/venturacounty.