More Than 300 Families of Homicide Victims Light Candles at the 23rd Annual Memorial Service Sponsored by Justice for Homicide Victims

WHITTIER, Calif., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- As Sacramento wrestles with mandates to reduce prison crowding, early release for violent offenders and efforts to roll back California's successful Three Strikes law, more than 300 families of homicide victims gathered for the 23rd annual Memorial Service sponsored by Justice for Homicide Victims.

Families honored the memories of their loved ones who were victims not only of violent crimes but of a criminal justice system that often favors the interest of criminals over those of victims.

According to the Justice for Homicide Memorial Director, Jane Bouffard, "Today we honor three members of the community who have dedicated a portion of their lives to fighting for justice for homicide victims. Through them we have been able to advocate for our rights, and our loved ones' rights within the criminal justice system."

The group honored Steve Ipsen, President of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys, with a medal for his more than 22 years of service to the Los Angeles County's District Attorney's office and his commitment to toughening California's Three Strikes Law.

Broadcom co-founder Dr. Henry T. Nicholas III and founder of the Three Strikes Law Mike Reynolds were each presented with the Outstanding Service award. In 2004, Nicholas spoke publicly of his sister's murder in a series of highly effective television ads and contributed $4 million to a campaign to defeat Proposition 66, which would have gutted California's highly successful Three Strikes Law. After assembling a bi-partisan coalition of elected officials, rock musicians and grass roots organizations, voters responded by voting 52.7% against Prop. 66.

When their daughter was mugged and shot point blank by two men who had recently been released from prison on prior convictions in June 1992, Mike and Sharon Reynolds vowed not to let their daughter die in vain. That summer, the couple began crafting California's Three Strikes Law, which automatically requires criminals who have committed three serious felonies to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.

About Justice for Homicide Victims

Justice for Homicide Victims is a nonprofit organization comprised of volunteers dedicated to channeling their grief to fight for justice and honor their loved ones and other victims throughout the United States. The organization was started in 1983 by Ellen Griffin Dunne after her 22-year-old daughter, Dominique, was strangled to death. Her murderer received six years in prison for voluntary manslaughter and was eligible for parole after only three years.

Over the years, the group has successfully lobbied for victim's families to have the right to attend all court proceedings, tougher law enforcement and stricter sentencing. Today, the nonprofit provides a variety of resources and support to families of homicide victims, including a support hotline, and is continuously lobbying for the rights of victims and their families.

     CONTACT:
     Meg Waters: 949-461-9700, 949-584-4977
     Michele Miller: 949-951-1343, 949-285-4700
     Laura Cunningham (Espanol): 714-998-9307, 714-504-4063