Balloon release signals start of victims’ rights week events

Eric Leake

Tuesday, April 12, 2005 | 11:12 a.m.

National Victims' Rights Week

Carol Baker cried and embraced her husband after she and about 100 other people released some 300 balloons Monday in front of Clark County Courthouse.

The Bakers and the others participating in the event had all been touched by crimes. The release of the biodegradable balloons was part of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

"This is one of my favorite times of the year," said Carol Baker, whose mother, Walburga Soult, was the victim of a homicide five years ago. "We write little notes in there. Those are our messages to heaven. It's a message to my mother that I love her and that I think about her every day."

Carol and Kevin Baker wore Soult's photo pinned to their shirts. They were accompanied by their grandchildren who never knew their great-grandmother.

"These are people who we loved who were taken by violence. They're people who meant so much to their families," Carol Baker said.

Fewer people last year lost loved ones to homicide, police statistics show. In 2004, 137 people died in Metro Police's jurisidiction, 10 fewer than the year before. North Las Vegas Police investigated 18 homicides and Henderson handled eight.

The figures, each lower than the year before, represented an overall 9 percent drop in homicides valleywide.

Metro has recorded 36 homicides this year to date in unincorporated Clark County and Las Vegas.

Monday's balloon release was organized by the Community Coalition for Victims' Rights. Representatives of state legal offices and law enforcement attended.

"By gathering together we celebrate the lives and the many contributions of those we've loved and lost," CCVR President and Deputy Attorney General Victor Schulze said.

"Their lives mattered."

Framed pictures of victims of violent crime sat against one of the courthouse pillars. Many attendees wore clothing with a victim's name or picture.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Lalli told the crowd the best part of his job is brining news of justice to families.

"A group like this, I think, highlights the fact that crime has a rippling effect," he said.

The Sign Design theatre group performed and a prayer was said before the balloons were released to float over the courthouse and beyond.

Schulze also teaches a criminal victimization course at UNLV. He said it is important to remember crime victims and realize the type of society we live in.

"America is the most violent industrialized society by far," he said. "We're a violent state in a very violent society. That's the reality. And the people who ultimately pay the price are families and victims of violent crime."

Rory Sharp, 15, was killed in 1992. He was remembered Monday by family members wearing sashes with his name.

Les Sharp, Rory's father, said, "I was told a long time ago being a victim is like being a survivor without your right arm. You will survive, you just won't have your right arm anymore."

After his son's death Sharp became president of the Families of Murder Victims support group.

He said placing notes in the balloons and letting them fly does bring some relief.

He said his note to his son read, "I miss you. I love you. And yes, I am working to make a difference."

Visit www.ccvr.org for more information on victims' rights and support.