INDIANAPOLIS -- A moment of silence was held in Indianapolis on Wednesday to recognize National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
In Marion County, the prosecutor's office resolves about 40,000 cases every year. For the victims of those crimes, the trip to a courtroom to seek justice can mean even more pain, heartbreak and sorrow.
"Every day is tough," said Shari Kelley. Her 32-year-old daughter Merissa was choked to death by her ex-husband Howard Sanders – now serving a 30-year sentence for the crime. "There is something every day that makes me miss her. I miss her laughter the most. It's just her not being here to be able to hug her. To be able to watch her get old with me. To be here to watch her children grow up."
Kelley received help from a victims advocate after her daughter's death. Romona Watkins received the same help after the death of her son Michael Mason.
"It was really helpful to me," Watkins said. "That is why I can stand here and feel comfort. I have a pace with God, and I have peace with them. They did an excellent job."
The Marion County Prosecutor's Office currently has nine victims advocates to help get lives back on track.
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