MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Families of homicide victims in Shelby County gathered Monday night to mourn together and acknowledge the impact of violence in the community.
The holidays are a time when some families miss their loved ones who've passed away the most. For many people, 'tis the season to be jolly. But for those like Sharon Mitchell, whose cousin was a shooting victim, that's not the case.
"We went to visit our family, and when we were driving back, we got the call," she said.
About a year and a half ago, someone killed Sharon's cousin, Darrion Robinson.
"He was just walking down the street, and they just shot him and killed him," she said. "He's always been a good boy. He's never been a bad child. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Hundreds of other families gathered to honor their loved ones. To them, this event is somber but welcomed.
"It really hurts," she said. "But I love coming here to, you know, recognize everyone that has been killed."
Now in its 14th year, the season of remembrance encourages families to bring an ornament to commemorate their loved one, which they hang on a wreath.
"This is to honor those we've lost, to try to comfort those who have lost them, and also to come together as a community to recognize that we need to work together as a community to reduce gun violence," said Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
Sharon said it's the best way to celebrate the holidays without Darrion and make the most out of a heartbreaking situation.
"This is going on every day, but we just have to keep prayed up about the situation, that it will get resolved soon," she said.
As of November, Shelby County has reported 287 homicides. This year, the main tree featured 251 ornaments representing those lives lost in the county.