CINCINNATI — Hundreds gathered at Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park Pavilion to remember their loved ones who died by homicide. Some of the cases highlighted Sunday are also unsolved. It marked the 7th annual "Homicide Victims Memorial." It's also the beginning of the "National Crime Victims Rights Week" in Cincinnati.
"Don't give up hope," said Rayjean Ranford. "I'll be 30 this year, that happened in 1999 and it has made me stronger than ever."
Ranford spoke about her mother Lena Ranford, who died on September 23, 1999. A group of children found Lena Ranford's body in a narrow alley in Bond Hill. Ranford said her brother walked by the body on the way to school, but didn't notice. Police said someone strangled her and then dumped her body.
Only 6 when she lost her mother, Ranford said she has spent decades trying to find the person who did this. In September 2019, the family was told police had identified a possible suspect. In 2023, they're still waiting.
"You miss them, you wish they were here, it gets hard," said Ranford.
It's a similar feeling for Margaret Daniels, who lost her grandson to gun violence outside of her home. Someone shot and killed Marcus Daniels on April 13, 2012 in Madisonville. Her grandson's case is also unsolved.
"I'm just hoping and praying that someone will step forward and give some information, thank you," said Daniels.
While those who grieved Sunday embraced one another, the memorial also served as a message to anyone who has been holding onto information to please come forward. That way, the victims can one day find peace.
"Tell somebody you can see this grief, it's grief forever it's grief for life it doesn't go away," said Karen Rumsey, health program manager, Witness Advocacy.
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