Remembering victims of crime - Times Daily

FLORENCE – It’s been nearly 10 years since Rusty Earnest was killed inside his house on Wheeler Lake in Rogersville.

Family members said the years haven't eased the pain of the experience.

“Not a day goes by Rusty is not thought of and how his life was taken so violently,” said his sister, Patsy Earnest Michael.

In 2008, a former next door neighbor, Kenny Strickland, pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison.

“The terrible loss still hurts,” Michael said. “As we continue on with life, with God’s help, I have found trying to help others through our experiences, through a tough time in life, honors Rusty’s memory.”

She said her brother, who was two and a half years older than her, was known for his “encouragement and helping others.”

“He would do the same for me,” she said.

Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly said this week’s National Crime Victims’ Week and annual candlelight vigil is about helping families deal with the loss of a loved one.

Connolly said the annual event is always a somber one.

“But it’s important that we remember our victims, and remember the families of the victims,” he said.

Rachel Hackworth, executive director of Safeplace, a comprehensive domestic violence program providing shelter for victims of abuse and their children, said the annual vigil is a chance to bring the community together to give “victims a voice.”

“We have so many people in our communities that have been affected by these violent acts,” Hackworth said. “That’s why it's important to have events like this.

“Our criminal justice system is not based on the rights of victims — it’s based on the rights of criminals. So more attention must be brought to the rights of victims.”

Michael, who has gotten involved with the Shoals Chapter of Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL), said a memorial of those in the area who have been victims of crimes will be on display this week outside the Lauderdale County Courthouse.

Guest speakers will be representatives from the Cramer Center, Shoals Crisis Center, Safeplace, The Healing Place, One Place of the Shoals, and VOCAL.

In case of rain, the event will be moved to First Baptist Church of Florence, which is across from Wilson Park.

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