Crime victims honored with Christmas Tree in Jackson

In the lobby of the Walter Sillers Building in downtown Jackson, a 16-foot tall Christmas tree is adorned with ornaments. Families from across the state came yesterday to hang those ornaments to honor loved ones lost to violent crime. The event honored victims of homicide, drunk driving, and other criminal acts.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch spoke at the dedication, thanking families for attending and assuring survivors. She says her office acknowledges that the holidays can be hard when one is missing a family member.

"It is hard on these families every day," she said. "but as we go through the holiday season... to be together and have them know that we are for them... is very special."

Some families come yearly to honor their loved ones. Casey Loper of Pearl was in attendance to honor Randy Burgess, a friend that died of homicide in 2016. She hung an angel ornament in his honor and says she's come to this event before.

"It's a way to honor him every year," she said. "he was murdered in the middle of December... so it means a lot."

A holiday dedication to victims of violence has taken place since 2003.