Families of Stanislaus County homicide victims invited to Modesto candlelight vigil

The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office is inviting family and friends of homicide victims to attend a candlelight vigil Thursday evening to honor their loved ones.

The 22nd annual lighting of the homicide victims’ memorial tree and candlelight vigil are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on the Stanislaus County Courthouse lawn, 1100 I St. in downtown Modesto, the District Attorney’s Office announced in a news release Wednesday.

The Victim Services Program is sponsoring the ceremony, which will open with remarks from District Attorney Birgit Fladager, followed by guest speaker Maria Coberly in memory of her grandson.

Organizers ask attendees to bring a nonbreakable ornament to hang on the memorial tree to remember their loved ones victimized in violent crimes.

There also will be musical performances by Tanya De la Puente and the River Lights Choir.

If there is rain, the ceremony will be moved to the parking garage at 832 12th St., just east of the downtown courthouse. For more information, call the Victim Services Program at (209) 525-5541.

This story was originally published December 4, 2019 at 12:53 PM.