County of Monterey National Commemoration of 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week; “Connecting, Kinship, and Healing” is April 11 at the Monterey County Courthouse Courtyard in Salinas

SALINAS, California - Please join members of our community in honoring victims of crime on Friday, April 11,

2025, at the Monterey County Courthouse courtyard, located at 142 W. Alisal Street, Salinas. The event will

feature Maria Alcantar as our Inspirational Speaker. She is the mother of Azahel Cruz, an innocent 6-year-old

child who was murdered in 2010 resulting from gang violence.

Additionally, the ceremony will invite survivors to announce the names of their loved ones lost to homicide.

Doves will be released in memory of all victims of crime.

A special video presentation honoring victims of homicide in Monterey County will also be available on our

Facebook page at https//www.facebook.com/montereyda.

During the week of April 6 through April 12, 2025, crime victims, survivors, and those who serve them will join

across the United States to promote victims’ rights and services, and to educate our communities about the

devastating impact crime has on victims, neighborhoods, schools, and our nation.

Since 1978, the Monterey District Attorney’s Office Victims of Crime Unit has worked diligently with victims to

uphold their rights, assist them with the court process, and help them access compensation programs so they can

better cope with the aftermath of crime. In 2024, the unit provided over 31,214 mandated services to over 3,659

new crime victims.

The 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week not only honors victims of crime but the many agencies that

assist them.

For additional information, please contact Victim Witness Program Manager Alma Sanchez at (831) 755-

5072.

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