By Morgan Montalvo
WOAI News
Families of children murdered in the San Antonio area last evening gathered for a candle and photo remembrance at a northwest side worship center, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
About 30 members and supporters of the organization Parents of Murdered Children met in the parish hall of St. Luke’s Catholic Church near Loop 410 and Callaghan Road to share their memories of the victims and updates on what, for some, remain unsolved cases.
Spokeswoman Aurora Valek’s son was murdered more than a decade ago and it took years for detectives to develop a break in the case. During that time she raised her grandson, and became involved with the organization.
“When it happened to me, I didn’t know where to turn. And somebody told me about Parents of Murdered Children. I came here and they helped me a lot.
“They guided me through all the process,” Valek says. “And eventually, my case was solved.”
Longtime members of the group, she says, are lifelines for parents of children murdered more recently, and helping new members navigate the investigatory process and difficult days in a courtroom when a suspect stands trial.
“They’re suffering a lot. They cannot move to the next step. They can hardly take a step,” Valek says.
Area law enforcement agencies, she say, maintain close ties to the group, offering case updates at meetings and making support visits throughout the year.
PHOTO: Photos, candles and flowers adorn a table at last night's Parents of Murdered Children annual victims vigil at St. Luke's Catholic Church. Photo by Morgan Montalvo