Families seek solidarity at National Day of Remembrance of Murder Victims event

SPOKANE, Wash. -- In honor of National Day of Remembrance of Murder Victims, the Spokane County Prosecutor's Office held an event Wednesday to honor victims and their families.

"One person's life was changed forever, as well as the people who loved the victim," said Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels at the event.

One of the families at the event was Justin Daniel's. Daniel was murdered in April at his home in Mead. He was stabbed 48 times and shot three times.

Daniel's ex-girlfriend Cynthia Khaleel has been accused of the murder, but that investigation is still underway.

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"Through this unimaginable tragedy, it's been a light and we are thankful to the sheriff's office, the victims' advocate, everybody," said Daniel's sister Jessica Shuck.

For Daniel's family, September 25 is more than just National Remembrance Day of Murder Victims.

"Today happens to be hist 41st birthday," Shuck said.

Shuck said this day was more therapeutic for her than she thought it would be.

"It's really special that we are here on his birthday," she said. "It is encouraging to know that there are so many people behind the scenes that have our backs and care about us."

Showing support for the families was one of the main messages of the event. Speakers said that in a justice system where it feels like the process is broken, they want victims' families to know they will do everything they can to get justice for their loved ones.

"It breaks my heart that we have to have people who lost a loved one," said Sheriff Nowels. "We will keep fighting every day to make sure justice is served to those who choose to take the life of another."

For Shuck, her family has yet to see the justice they want for Daniel. But she says honoring him and hearing from others who have been in her position was encouraging.

"My brother Justin, he was so kind and always sacrificial, giving everything he had to others whether it was his daughters or his family," Shuck said. "He was the one you could call in the middle of the night and he would show up for you."

Speakers at the event said they don't want victims to just be remembered Wednesday, but every day.

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