OLYMPIA - Grief-stricken families filled the Capitol steps in Olympia Tuesday, asking that their loved ones never be forgotten. They came together on the first ever National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

"This is why I'm here today," murder victim Levi Wren's mother, Terrie Noble, said while showing her son's photo to the crowd.

They come clutching photos. They come clutching memories.

“Because I will never let my son Levi be forgotten," says Noble. Memories of what could have been. “There's so much that we've lost."

At this first National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, the families and friends take comfort in knowing they're not alone in their pain and anguish.

"It's ugly and it follows you all day long every day," said murder victim Rachel Burkheimer's father, Bill.

Rebecca Lambert knows that all too well. Her son Cliff Nelson was murdered more than two years ago and still there has not been a trial.

"I'm disheartened by the length of time it's taken to bring my son's case to trial," she said.

It was July 20, 2005 when Cliff was killed at a climbing rock in Spanaway. His friends believe Cliff was the innocent victim of a gang initiation.

"It's definitely taken its toll," Lambert said. "Our family is not the same. It's been devastating."

Three teens have been sent to state juvenile hall. Three adult suspects have yet to go to trial.

"I feel like so much time has gone by that people have forgotten," said Lambert.

The prosecutors tell us the delays are simply due to having so many defendants and attorneys and fitting in everyone's schedule. Trial is on for January 28th.

"That's why I'm here today," Lambert said. "Because I want people to remember him and remember what happened to him."

That's why they've all come to these Capitol steps hugging their photos because that's all they can grasp of their loved one.

"And may they never be forgotten," Noble said.

For More Information:

www.fnfvcv.org