Vigil held at Friendship Fountain for crime victims

Vigil takes place for National Crime Victims' Rights Week

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Family members who have lost loved ones to crimes joined together Thursday night at Friendship Fountain for the annual crime victim's candlelight vigil.

"Just keep us in your prayers, their prayers. Hopefully one day we will catch the murderers," said Harriett McNeil.

McNeil told Channel 4 that it's through prayer that she finds strength to keep going, after her son's death.

McNeil said she's comforted by the annual Victims' Rights Candlelight vigil, being with people who understand her pain of losing someone special to violence.

Brandon Green holds his daughter.

McNeil lost her 21-year-old son, Brandon Green (pictured, right), when he was shot in the head at Mascara's Gentleman's Club last September.

"I see all of the other families that lost someone. I hate that all of us have to be brought together because of this reason, but it lets me know I'm not alone and I'm not the only one that had a loved one taken from me for a senseless crime," said McNeil. "He was my world. He was my baby, the youngest of my three kids."

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McNeil told Channel 4 Thursday that she thinks about what happened to her son every day and the impact this loss will have on Green's 2-year-old daughter, Ta'kahia.

"When she comes over here she looks at the pictures. She says, 'Da-da.' It just brings tears to my eyes," said McNeil.

Heartbreak these families share with McNeil as they wait for answers and justice in their loved ones' deaths.

Anyone with information that can help may call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS. You don't have to leave your name and there's a cash reward for any tip that leads to an arrest.


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