Families of homicide victims came together for a day of healing and remembrance on Chicago’s Near West Side on Saturday.
It was a somber and emotional morning for families as they remember their loved ones killed in Cook County while connecting to much needed support and resources.
“I miss him every day, it’s been a long journey for me,” said Cindy Lucumi, who lost her son to gun violence in 2024. “It’s not easy I think of all the moms who lost their babies it’s so hard for us.”
More than 400 homicide victims were honored at a special memorial hosted by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
“We cannot erase the pain, we cannot bring your loved ones back, but we can make sure that they’re not forgotten,” said Eileen O’Neill Burke, Cook County State’s Attorney.
Sherry James said it’s been two years since her son Rodney was murdered.
“I have my days when I’m up when I’m down when I don’t want to do anything or be bothered with anyone,” said James. “I just want to lay there and remember my son.”
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office said this is the first in-person memorial for homicide victims since the pandemic. The office also hosted a resource fair for families who are still in need of services and support.
“People don’t always know about the resources that we have and other organizations have,” said Milagros Burgos, who lost her daughter in 2014. “[We have] resources for mental health, we have violence intervention to help families that’s been through tragedy, unfortunately I have experienced.”
Burgos told NBC Chicago her daughter Alexandra was killed by a stray bullet in 2014. She now works for Rincon Family Services.
“We don’t know what a family’s story is, we don’t know what they’re gone through,” she said. “Just being there and being part of this — it brings so much comfort because we’re making a difference together.”
It’s been a hard journey for families as they continue to grieve and seek support. Christina Melendez said she wants other mothers to know they’re not alone.
“Stay as strong as you can for your kids, for your angels,” she said. “They’re watching over us and they’re still with us every single day.”
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