Annapolis, MD -- In honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess and the Office of the State’s Attorney are honored to host the 30th Annual Statewide Memorial Service on Sunday, April 7, as well as the 40th Annual Anne Arundel County Awards Ceremony & Luncheon on Wednesday, April 10.
National Crime Victims' Rights Week will be observed April 7 - 13. This year’s theme—Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.—celebrates the progress made by those before us as we look to a future of crime victim services that is even more inclusive, accessible, and trauma-informed.
Anne Arundel County is hosting the Statewide Memorial Service for the Northern region, which includes Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Cecil County, Harford County, and Howard County.
Families and friends of crime victims, victim service professionals, and public officials unite during this service of hope and remembrance to honor Maryland’s murdered and missing crime victims. The keynote speaker will be Sharon Love, cofounder of One Love, a foundation that works to ensure everyone understands the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. One Love was founded in honor of Sharon Love’s daughter, Yeardley, who was the victim of murder in 2010.
The service will begin at 1:00 pm at Arundel High School located at 1001 Annapolis Rd, Gambrills, MD 21054. A reception will immediately follow the service. All media are invited to attend.
In addition to the Statewide Memorial Service, The Office of the State’s Attorney will also host the 40th Annual Awards Ceremony & Luncheon. Each year, this moving event acknowledges the strength of victims and survivors of crime in Anne Arundel County, and celebrates the heroic work of those who serve them. The following awards will be presented to members of our community who do an exemplary job of upholding these values:
Victims' Rights Week Award
The Victims' Rights Week Awards are given to people who have stepped forward to help crime victims in time of need. We are grateful to have courageous citizens who go above and beyond to demonstrate such tremendous compassion and integrity.
Recipients: Detective Tracy Morgan, Tanya Cooper-Johnson, Sharon Kelly, and Nabila Larfa
Warren B. Duckett Jr. Memorial Commitment to Justice Award
The Warren B. Duckett Jr. Memorial Commitment to Justice Award is named after the former State's Attorney who worked to establish the Victims' Services Unit in Anne Arundel County. This prestigious award is presented to professionals in the victim services community who have worked to preserve and protect the rights of victims.
Recipient: David McDonald and Jeffrey Hartlove
The ceremony will begin at 12:00 pm in the Historic Courtroom of the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court House located at 8 Church Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401. A luncheon will immediately follow the awards ceremony. Food will be provided by local restaurants and businesses that support this worthy cause with generous donations.
All media are invited to attend. TV cameras are allowed in the courtroom.
###