Candlelight Vigil Honors Victims
A member of Bikers Against Child Abuse- Houston Chapter lights a young boy’s candle at the Candlelight Vigil, organized by the Liberty County District Attorney’s Office. The Vindicator | Celeste Denova
Shelby McGinnis speaks about the loss of her daughter, Markie Danielle McGinnis, 28, and the impact it had on her and her family.
CLEVELAND— In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Liberty County District Attorney’s Office held a Candlelight Vigil where many advocate organizations and victims’ loved ones attended.
The Liberty County District Attorney’s Office held a Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, April 10.
“ Each year we gather this week to honor the lives of individuals whose lives have been forever changed by crimes,” District Attorney Jennifer Bergman said.
This year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme was “KINSHIP: Connecting and Healing,” commemorating the nation’s progress in advancing victims’ rights and the ideal of serving all victims.
“This year’s theme reminds us that healing does not happen in insolation,” Bergman said. “ It happens through connections, through compassion and through community.”
Bergman introduced the speaker for the evening, Shelby McGinnis.
“In the face of tragedy, she has become a voice of resilience, a light for others across our area, and a powerful reminder for me and for so many others of the strength that can rise from sorrow,” Bergman said.
McGinnis’ daughter, Markie Danielle McGinnis, 28, was shot and killed during her drive from a church service.
“She was an awesome young woman,” McGinnis said. “She was filled to the brim with love for her family and community.
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It was a tangible force.”
McGinnis explained how Markie would put anyone at ease anytime they were nervous, trying something new, or other by screaming, “ I know her.”
“Being seen by Markie was pretty cool. Recognizing the effort and appreciating the vulnerability of the people around her was her thing,” McGinnis said. “ It kind of became her signature, and after her death, it became a way to remember who she was at her basis, most authentic self. She was someone who loved and she was not afraid to look silly doing it.”
McGinnis described how law enforcement and prosecutors aided in the case, from EMS personnel to the coroner’s office to the prosecutors, not only in investigating but also in keeping Mc-Ginnis and her family informed and by treating them with compassion.
McGinnis described how Markie’s jewelry was cleaned by a police officer before being returned so she wouldn’t have to see the blood.
She then described hearing the news for the first time, saying, “I can still feel the air being punched out of my lungs and my head begins to spin.”
McGinnis concluded her sentiments with a call to action.
“ Let human life become valued treasure so we no longer suffer the consequences of a disconnected society. Let’s take better care of each other and look each other in the eyes and love better,” McGinnis said. “We have to let go of the darkness that would tear our souls to shreds and move forward into a future ripe with opportunity, purpose and transformation, filled with all the love we can hold in this life.”
Bergman then addressed McGinnis.
“ You’ve reminded us all of the power of perseverance and the depth of your love for your daughter and I know that shines through you even in your darkest days,” Bergman said. “And I know that Markie’s legacy will live on through you, your family and through our office and the work of so many law enforcement officers.”