Domestic violence march to honor Kirkersville shooting victim

Friends of nurse Marlina Medrano are holding an anti-domestic violence march and rally in her honor on May 25, which would have been her 47th birthday.

The event will honor all the victims of the shooting at a Kirkersville nursing home last week in which Medrano’s ex-boyfriend Thomas Hartless killed Police Chief Steven Eric DiSario, nurses aid Cindy Krantz, Medrano and himself.

Report: Ohio chief died exiting car at nursing home shooting

The event is intended to raise awareness about domestic violence issues and give a voice to the victims.

Hartless had been convicted of domestic violence against Medrano and she’d taken out civil protection orders against him three times, including one week before her death.

He served just 20 days of a 90-day sentence after admitting to beating her on three separate occasions over six months.

The judge in his case has said there were mistakes made and a review of the case is underway.

RELATED: Judge who granted killer's early release admits 'mistakes'

"The march is intended to show our elected officials that, We the People, are not happy about the way Marlina's case was handled. We are having trouble accepting 'some mistakes were made,' and we'd like solutions. We want them to be sure that no other violent offenders in our county, or state will ever be handled in such a way to become a danger and a threat to so many," says the Facebook page for the event.

“We will be raising awareness for domestic violence victims everywhere and hopefully helping to get a law passed in Ohio that will give victims a voice, a chance, and hope.

“Make no mistake, it was domestic violence that ended all 3 of those beautiful lives,” the page says.

RELATED: Sad Mother's Day for family of slain Ohio nurse's aide

The march and rally will be held in downtown Newark, where Medrano lived, starting at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 25.

There will also be a candlelight ceremony that night to celebrate Medrano’s life on her birthday.

“To her last breath, Marlina was a lover of souls. A caretaker, who gave all of herself to lift and help others. She was one of the best. Please help us honor this beautiful woman, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, friend, nurse, and victim. Let's make sure that something positive comes from this, that our grief, and her suffering make it better for future generations,” the event page says.

COMING SUNDAY: In Sunday's Dayton Daily News we dig into civil protection orders and the impact in domestic violence cases.

READ MORE on Kirkersville shooting:

>> Officials piece together event before nursing home shooting>> 60-plus weapons seized from home of Kirkersville shooter

>> Neighbor warns of shooter months before care center attack

>> Records show violent history of Ohio nursing home gunman

>> Police memorial: 'Our hearts break'

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