'It's a healing process': Meeting in Rochester brings families of murder victims together to share stories and find strength

ROCHESTER, NY — Wednesday was National Murder Victims Remembrance Day. Many who lost their lives to violence were recognized and honored by their loved ones across the country.

Locally, a ceremony was held at Liberty Pole in downtown Rochester. News10NBC's Marsha Augsutin spoke with families who had gathered to reflect on and raise awareness about the devastating impact of murder.

According to the Rochester Police Department portal, 42 people have been killed in Rochester so far this year. The day focuses on the impact that murder has not only on families, but also on communities. It also recognizes the work of organizations that support families struggling with the effects of murder.

“This is my son Lawrence Morgan,” said Tiffany Sinclair.

“Ordie Overton was my only son,” said the mother of one victim.

“We will march for our families. We will keep their names and their property alive,” said Wanda Ridgeway.

A long list of victims murdered in Rochester and other cities was read aloud as many people held balloons and candles. It was a way to remember, reflect, raise awareness and inspire change. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children of murder victims stood together in prayer and hope.

It's a club that no one wants to be a part of, but everyone is happy that they can support each other.

“And that's why there are platforms like this – I want to go out and tell my story because I didn't understand it. I always saw it on TV, but now that it's actually on my doorstep, I just want to do more,” said Alesha Silas. “I go out and do as much as I can to heal the city, to heal others.”

Silas' son was killed in 2022, her brother Kenyatta Peterkin in 2023. For this family and friends, birthdays, anniversaries, Father's Day, Mother's Day and other special occasions just aren't the same. Now, it's just memories that soothe the emptiness in their hearts.

“I represent his life and his legacy of love today. He was murdered in 2014,” Sinclair said of her son Lawrence Morgan. “And I am here to represent him and many others who feel the same pain.”

Serena Cotton of ROC the Peace organized the event. Cotton's son, Christopher Jones, and her grandson, Eric Martin, were both killed. Wanda Ridgeway of Rise Up Rochester's nephew, Hershel Scrivens, and her great-nephew, Jaquise Davis, were also murdered. Cotton and Ridgeway both found strength in founding these organizations. They use their pain over the murders of their loved ones to help others cope.

Even though their loved ones are no longer with us, there is power in making sure they are not forgotten.

“It's important, it's a healing process – as far as I'm concerned, my nephew and my great-nephew, as long as I live, will be remembered everywhere we go and we try to encourage people to come out and tell their stories. That's your healing process, sharing your testimony,” Ridgeway said.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a murder, here are resources from support organizations:

Get Up Rochester: (585) 454-3060
Homicide Response Team (HRT): (585) 428-1303
ROC of Peace: (585) 820-4049

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