National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 6-12, 2014
(Woodland, CA) – April 3, 2014 – Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig announces that his office will be hosting the Eighth Annual Crime Victims’ Tribute on April 8, 2014. Yolo County crime victims, community leaders, victim advocates, prosecutors, law enforcement and service professionals will again join together with Reisig and Yolo County District Attorney’s Office to recognize victims’ rights and the devastating impact of crime on victims, schools, neighborhoods, and our nation as a whole. The keynote address will be given by 2007 Mrs. California Tracie Stafford, who herself is a crime survivor and now advocates for others.
Reisig will be honoring three individuals or families who have survived through very traumatic events. While grieving the loss of a loved one or still recovering from a terrifying assault, the victims were also occupied by the prosecution of the case. This year’s honorees include:
A domestic violence survivor who thought she had done everything she could to protect herself. She filed for a domestic violence restraining order and while waiting for it to be served on her abusive husband, he continued to make contact with her against her wishes. During a six month time span, police arrested the abusive husband on two occasions for violating court orders. He was eventually convicted of stalking the victim. The survivor’s courage and bravery to report the crimes and follow through with testimony was essential in the conviction of her batterer.
An attempted murder victim, who was shot in the back of the head, had his throat slashed and was run over by his own car because two men wanted him dead. The victim spent two weeks in the hospital and six months recovering from this vicious assault. He survived only because of his will to stay alive for his three minor children. His identification of one of his attackers lead to both men’s arrest and conviction. Those men are now serving life terms in prison.
The mother and family who suffered the loss of their loved one, Alfonso Prado who was shot and killed in 2006 during a robbery at his place of employment. Years later DNA evidence linked a suspect to the crime and the murderer was prosecuted, found guilty and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
The Eighth Annual Crime Victims’ Tribute will be held at Woodland Opera House, 340 Second Street in Woodland on April 8, 2014 from noon to 12:50 pm. The public is welcome and encouraged to join the DA’s office for this important tribute event.
(L-R) Laura Valdes, Victim Services Program Manager; Jeff Reisig, District Attorney; & sign language translator.
(L-R) Victim; Keirith Briesenick, Davis Police Office Corporal; Lara Valdes; Chris Bulkeley, DDA & sign language translator.
###
