A Homicide Survivors vigil took place at Children's Memorial Park on Saturday night. The non-profit organization helps victims who have lost loved ones to senseless acts of violence.
Each story is unique, but they all have one thing in common. Homicide Survivors Incorporated brought together dozens of families affected by violence. Linda Balbastro lost her son, Patrick, in a double-homicide on New Year's Day 2014.
Patrick and his girlfriend, Valerie Colonge were on their way home when they stopped to help a woman they saw beating beaten by a man on the side of the road.
"He got in the car and ran them all three over, killing my son, and killing Cindy Burnett, which he was trying to save from Leday, Michael Leday," said Balbastro.
Leday is sentenced to more than 57-years in prison.
"He did get him off her, but unfortunately he got in my son's car, and it still hurts to this day, he ran all three of them over."
Balbastro says through Homicide Survivors, Inc. she's learned she's not alone.
Pima County Sheriff, Chris Nanos sent out a strong message in hopes of putting senseless violence to and end.
"Be a leader for your kids, take care of each other, take care of your families," said Nanos. "We can beat this, we really can stop the violence, but it's got to start with each one of us."
Homicide Survivors, Inc. is a non-profit organization. To learn more or make a donation, click here.
