CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - On September 25, Cuyahoga County is observing the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims honoring the memories of those lost to homicide and acknowledging the continued pain and perseverance of surviving family members and friends. The Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention encourages residents to honor lives lost to homicide by observing a moment of silence at 1:28 p.m., a time selected to recognize the 128 deaths ruled as homicides in Cuyahoga County this year as of Monday.

“Today, we honor the lives tragically lost to homicide and stand with the loved ones who carry that loss every day.  Their pain reminds us that one life taken is one too many,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.  “The work being done through our Office of Violence Prevention is confronting this crisis head-on and pursuing lasting solutions that will make our neighborhoods safer and stronger.”

The Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention takes a public health approach to violence, addressing the root causes such as poverty, trauma, and lack of opportunity while also investing in community-based solutions that interrupt cycles of violence. The office brings together municipal leaders, community partners, public health experts, youth advocates, and law enforcement with one purpose: to stop violence before it starts.

"On this day, I remember my cousin, Mandrell Hall Jr., who was tragically murdered in Cuyahoga County. Leading the Office of Violence Prevention isn’t just a job — it’s a mission that lives in my heart every single day,” said Myesha Watkins, Administrator, Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention.  “To everyone grieving someone stolen by gun violence, I see you, I feel your pain, and I walk beside you in this sorrow. You are not alone” 

“We join with those who have lost a loved one to violence to remember their loss and legacy,” said Dr. Thomas Gilson, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner.  “We pray that they are comforted as they honor their family members and friends.”

To learn more about the Office of Violence Prevention, visit here.  The Cuyahoga County Witness Victim Service Center and Family Justice Center provide justice system advocacy for victims of violent crime.  For more information, visit here.  A list of emergency and community resources for victims of crime can be found here.