‘Stay strong’: Cape event honors crime victims

CAPE CORAL, Fla. Neighbors comforted each other and doves flew free after a staged release Sunday during a gathering in honor of crime victims.

More than four dozen turned out at Rotary Park to heal emotional wounds and to hear from people who’ve lived out their worst fears, like the mother of Marcus Hood, a 28-year-old gunned down in November at Gulf Coast Town Center. That case remains unsolved.

“No one has been picked up for his murder, but I’m not giving up and coming here today has really helped me,” she said as she addressed the crowd while wearing a yellow T-shirt with the hashtag #iamyourvoice. “And I pray for all you mothers and fathers, just do not give up. Stand up and stay strong.”

The Cape Coral Police Department organized the event for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which runs through April 8.