On National Remembrance Day of Homicide Victims, families and friends gathered in the Rio Grande Valley to remember their loved ones lost to violence. The emotional event took place at the Jose Salinas Memorial Recreation Center, where candles were lit in honor of those who were murdered. The vigil was hosted by Rio Grande Valley Family and Friends of Murder Victims, an organization dedicated to providing support for families impacted by homicide.
A Community of Support
The event, marking its 12th year, was attended by several Hidalgo County officials and law enforcement representatives. Founded by Roberto Garcia after his brother was murdered in 2011, the organization has helped more than a thousand individuals by offering emotional support, crisis interventions, and advocacy for survivors of homicide victims.
"We created this organization for my brother not to die in vain and because there were no resources for homicide survivors like us," said Garcia, reflecting on his family’s journey.
Ongoing Pain for Families
The vigil highlighted the deep and enduring pain that homicide survivors carry. Garcia shared a poignant memory from his mother, who spoke of the unbreakable bond she had with her son.
"My mother always told me, 'I cry for your brother because of the pain caused by the violence, but also because I carried him for nine months and we had that connection.'"
The gathering served not only as a memorial but also as a platform for families to share their grief and experiences.
A Mother's Fight for Justice
Martha Rangel was among the attendees, honoring her daughter Jolissa, who was murdered in 2013. Jolissa left behind a two-and-a-half-year-old son. Rangel recalled her daughter’s compassionate nature, remembering her work at DHR, where she loved helping others.
"She was a fighter and she always helped people," said Rangel.
Next month marks 11 years since Jolissa's death, yet no arrests have been made in her case. Rangel continues to fight for justice for her daughter and for other victims.
"We’re pushing for justice. Jolissa deserves it, and so do all the others."
Support for Families
The vigil also provided an opportunity to remind families of the Crime Victims Compensation Program, which helps cover financial costs related to counseling, funerals, and medical treatment for crime victims. Those in need can contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Crime Victims Unit for support at (956) 383-8114.
As the evening closed, the flicker of candles represented both the grief and the hope that families carry as they continue their fight for justice for their loved ones.
On National Remembrance Day of Homicide Victims, families and friends gathered in the Rio Grande Valley to remember their loved ones lost to violence. The emotional event took place at the Jose Salinas Memorial Recreation Center, where candles were lit in honor of those who were murdered. The vigil was hosted by Rio Grande Valley Family and Friends of Murder Victims, an organization dedicated to providing support for families impacted by homicide.
A Community of Support
The event, marking its 12th year, was attended by several Hidalgo County officials and law enforcement representatives. Founded by Roberto Garcia after his brother was murdered in 2011, the organization has helped more than a thousand individuals by offering emotional support, crisis interventions, and advocacy for survivors of homicide victims.
"We created this organization for my brother not to die in vain and because there were no resources for homicide survivors like us," said Garcia, reflecting on his family’s journey.
Ongoing Pain for Families
The vigil highlighted the deep and enduring pain that homicide survivors carry. Garcia shared a poignant memory from his mother, who spoke of the unbreakable bond she had with her son.
"My mother always told me, 'I cry for your brother because of the pain caused by the violence, but also because I carried him for nine months and we had that connection.'"
The gathering served not only as a memorial but also as a platform for families to share their grief and experiences.
A Mother's Fight for Justice
Martha Rangel was among the attendees, honoring her daughter Jolissa, who was murdered in 2013. Jolissa left behind a two-and-a-half-year-old son. Rangel recalled her daughter’s compassionate nature, remembering her work at DHR, where she loved helping others.
"She was a fighter and she always helped people," said Rangel.
Next month marks 11 years since Jolissa's death, yet no arrests have been made in her case. Rangel continues to fight for justice for her daughter and for other victims.
"We’re pushing for justice. Jolissa deserves it, and so do all the others."
Support for Families
The vigil also provided an opportunity to remind families of the Crime Victims Compensation Program, which helps cover financial costs related to counseling, funerals, and medical treatment for crime victims. Those in need can contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Crime Victims Unit for support at (956) 383-8114.
As the evening closed, the flicker of candles represented both the grief and the hope that families carry as they continue their fight for justice for their loved ones.
A monumental case entitled ‘a President’s executive order at the highest court. Today marks a pivotal moment in U.S. history as the Supreme Court deliberates on the legality of President Trump’s executive order to limit birthright citizenship. The order has sparked heated debates across the nation as it seeks to interpret and potentially alter the long-controversial 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Trump’s initiative is an attempt to revoke automatic citizenship for children born in the United States to parents without legal residency status. This is a landmark case not
Southeast Texas braces for a volatile Easter weekend weather forecast South Texas is bracing for a series of notable weather changes as Easter weekend approaches. With activities and celebrations scheduled throughout the region, residents are advised to remain vigilant and informed about the impending weather dynamics, which promise a blend of warmth, wind, and rain. Historically, this area, which includes cities like Brownsville, McAllen, and Corpus Christi, experiences varying weather patterns, often fluctuating between tropical warmth and unexpected cold fronts. As the long weekend begins, weather patterns across South Texas
Girl confesses to sending message; no weapons found In a troubling incident that has gripped the community, a 17-year-old student was arrested following reports of a potential threat at Edcouch-Elsa High School. The arrest came after a threat was circulated via social media platforms, stirring significant concern among students, parents, and faculty. The school, located in the small but closely-knit town of Elsa, Texas, found itself at the center of a security scare reminiscent of broader national discussions about school safety and mental health awareness among students. The rapid response
Student charged with unlawful weapon possession In Harlingen, Texas, a situation arose at Harlingen High School that has stirred concerns about school safety measures. The discovery of a firearm in a student’s vehicle led to swift action by local authorities and underscored the importance of maintaining a secure educational environment. This incident comes amidst broader discussions of safety and security in schools across the nation, highlighting the delicate balance between a nurturing educational space and one that remains vigilant against potential threats. The presence of firearms on or near school
Texas Game Wardens stress education over enforcement Falcon Lake, a popular recreational area in Texas, is known not only for its abundant wildlife but also for its strategic position along the U.S.-Mexico border. As more visitors flock to this site, the responsibility falls on the Texas Game Wardens to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Their efforts are crucial, especially during peak times such as Easter, when the surge in visitors can pose challenges to conservation and safety. At the forefront of this Mission is a dedicated team of wardens who
Tense moments at Edcouch-Elsa High as a student accused of making terrorist threats In recent years, incidents involving alleged threats within schools have become a growing concern for communities and educational institutions worldwide. The Edcouch-Elsa High School faced such an incident, leading to tense moments and sparking discussions about safety measures in educational environments. These concerns were amplified when an alert went out regarding a potential threat on campus, leading to a significant police response and an eventual arrest. While thankfully no physical harm came to the students, the event
A monumental case entitled ‘a President’s executive order at the highest court. Today marks a pivotal moment in U.S. history as the Supreme Court deliberates on the legality of President Trump’s executive order to limit birthright citizenship. The order has sparked heated debates across the nation as it seeks to interpret and potentially alter the long-controversial 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Trump’s initiative is an attempt to revoke automatic citizenship for children born in the United States to parents without legal residency status. This is a landmark case not