Annual Tree Lighting Honors Mississippi Crime Victims

By: Heather Burke |
Published: December 08, 2009

Families from across the state gather in Jackson to remember crime victims.
This is the 6th year of the tree lighting ceremony to remember loved ones lost at the hands of crime.
Families and friends hang ornaments on the tree in honor of their loved ones.
State Attorney General Jim Hood hosts the annual event to show that victims aren't forgotten.
"It's a memory of her. Everyday is a memory of her," said Teresa Franklin.
Her sister Linda Franklin was killed in 2006 at her home in Jackson. She was shot in the back of the head. Police say she appeared to be the victim of a robbery. Family members believe Franklin knew her killer .Although no arrests have been made.
"It's tougher getting through the holidays cause you know she's not gonna walk through that door. She's not gonna call," said Franklin.
But she says hanging ornaments with other victims families helps her get through the holidays.
"It makes us feel good to be able to be here and share everything with everybody else, because we know what they're going through and how hard it is," said Franklin.
It's hard for Franklin and her mom to let go. They feel like they've been left hanging.
"Wish that the person or persons would be caught and justice will finally be served whoever murdered her," said Franklin."It's real hard cause she's not here, but you know we think about her, we got her in our hearts every year."