The sad, annual reminder that is supposed to provide an emotional and spiritual lift through the holiday season featured a balloon launch, vigil walk and presentation of ornaments to a special memorial tree to remember the 65 lost, the most since 69 were memorialized 14 years ago.
Throughout the years, the service has grown from a small group to an event attended by more than 500.
Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr., whose office presents the tribute, said it would be nice not to have the ceremony in 2017.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s going to happen, but I do think we can have a lot less than what we do this year.”
Heck said the county has seen an increase in the homicide rate, as well as increases in drug use, domestic violence, alcohol use and vehicular-type deaths.
“Things like that all contribute to the increase in homicides,” he said. “We’ve seen a proliferation of guns and how people are using guns to decide ridiculous arguments.”
Heck said the law enforcement is working tirelessly to try to solve every single one of the homicide cases that are pending or remain unsolved.
On that list remains Kevin Hinesman, who was slain Oct. 30, 2015, when he was shot — from behind — just outside the front door of an apartment building on Briar Place in Harrison Twp.
“It’s never ending,” his mother, Renee West, told News Center 7’s Kate Bartley on Monday night. “If you’ve ever heard the term ‘I think about you every day,’ that is so true. When somebody kills somebody, they don’t think about the family members they leave behind. All they think about is the here and now.”
If you have any information about any homicide — especially one for which there has been no arrest — you are asked to call Miami Valley Crime Stoppers, 937-222-7867, your local police department or the sheriff’s office.