Remembering the victims

Tree decorated with ornaments in memory of crime victims

At a time when families gather to celebrate the holidays, those left behind after a murder can feel a hole in their own festivities.

With this in mind, the Victim Services department of the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office chose to ensure the victims of these crimes are not forgotten.

Kathy Rednour-Esser, director of Victim Services, said the department and the families they help decorated a Christmas tree Dec. 10 on the third floor of the Lorain County Justice Center, 225 Court St. in Elyria, with ornaments bearing the names of each murder victim in the county.

“They made ornaments in memory of their loved ones, so that we’re remembering them, not just during court time, but that we remember them all year long,” she said. “Especially this time of year, when it’s sometimes a little more difficult.”

The tree stands just outside of

This is the first year Victim Services held the event, which was suggested by one of the families.

the elevators near the window and can be seen from the streets. Along with snowflakes bearing the names of victims, some ornaments also hold photos.

This is the first year Victim Services held the event, which was suggested by one of the families.

Rednour-Esser said this is part of a push by Victim Services to do more for those families affected by such violent crime.

They are trying to do more, because their increase in staff, she said.

“We have more victim advocates available to us through our Victims of Crime Act grant, we got more money last year,” Rednour-Esser said. “We’re starting to do more and more community activities with them.”

Victim Services received a $312,000 grant in October 2016. The money is provided from the court costs of defendants who come

through the court system.

With these funds, Victim Services was able to go to seven victim advocates from two.

“We all have family members that pass and it’s difficult, especially at the holiday times,” Rednour-Esser said. “Sometimes, I think our families feel really isolated because it’s such an unusual and traumatic event.

“So, when they get together that gives them the opportunity to share their stories with each other. That helps with healing.”

“We all have family members that pass and it’s difficult, especially at the holiday times.” — Kathy Rednour-Esser, director of Victim Services

KEITH REYNOLDS — THE MORNING JOURNAL The families of Lorain County murder victims decorated this tree Dec. 10 with ornaments bearing the names and photos of their lost loved ones.