Families walk, honor loved ones who fell victim to violent crimes
Participants in the third annual Victims’ Remembrance Walk stroll down Volunteer Landing on Sunday to kick off the 25th annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Joan Berry releases doves during the third annual Victims’ Remembrance Walk at Volunteer Landing Park on Sunday. Her daughter, Johnia Berry, was murdered in 2004 at the age of 21.
Family members and friends of victims of violent crime gathered Sunday to remember their loved ones at the third annual Victims' Remembrance Walk at Volunteer Landing Park.
The walk kicked off National Crime Victims' Rights Week, now in its 25th year. Jeanne Dotts Brykalski, a member of the East Tennessee Victims' Rights Task Force, said the ongoing struggle for rights takes a toll on families.
"I wouldn't wish it on anybody," she said. Her parents were murdered in 1995 and the killer was never brought to justice.
About 75 people were on hand for the tribute organized by Mike and Joan Berry, the parents of Johnia Hope Berry, 21, who was murdered in 2004.
They were instrumental in the passing of the state's "Johnia Berry Act of 2007" that allocated funds to store DNA samples from all people charged with violent crimes.
Joan Berry, standing behind a framed copy of the bill, spoke to the crowd about fighting for better legislation for victims.
"Victims have no rights, and the criminals seem to have more rights," she said.
"(Victims) don't have a voice anymore, so it's good that you come out here to support them."
State Rep. Joe Armstrong, state Sen. Tim Burchett and U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. also spoke about what Tennessee is doing to curb violent crime.
"The most basic civil right of all is the right of people to be safe in their homes," Duncan said. "Fortunately - and unfortunately - this crowd keeps growing every year."
The family of Ryan McDonald, a 15-year-old Central High School student who was shot to death in the school's cafeteria last August, attended the memorial wearing T-shirts emblazoned with Ryan's picture.
His father, Joe, echoed Duncan's words.
"It breaks my heart to see so many people here," he said. But the support of other victims is "a blessing among so many tragedies."
The Knox County Mayor's Office and Knoxville City Mayor's Office issued a joint proclamation of National Crime Victims' Week for the town, demanding "nothing less than justice" for the criminals and thanking survivors for putting themselves "front and center."
A table was decorated with pictures and tributes to the victims, and white doves symbolizing the lives lost to violent crimes were released at the end of the ceremony.
Drew Streip may be reached at 865-342-6432.
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