Killeen Community Honors Crime Victims During National Crime Victims' Rights Week
According to Killeen Chief of Police Pedro Lopez, the department's Victim Services Unit supported over 1,700 crime victims in 2024 alone. To mark the occasion, the department invited community members to participate in a symbolic act of solidarity—placing ribbons along the streets in support of victims. Each ribbon's color represents a different crime victim.
Attendee Lisa Hatfield expressed her appreciation for the turnout: 'It's wonderful to see all of these people, many of them from different disciplines within Bell County, but also the community coming out of support to show that they understand the need for these services and why it is so important to support victims, to help them throughout the healing process.'
Among those showing support was domestic violence survivor Chicara Wheeler, who attended the ribbon event for the second consecutive year. 'Coming out here is a way to show my support of the other victims who didn't make it, are surviving. Still trying to survive through this.'
Wheeler shared that the act of placing the ribbons in the trees made her feel empowered and visible. 'My life was completely, almost taken, and to experienced the homelessness that we had to endure. But I know God turns things around for a reason and there's a reason and a purpose why I'm still here, and why other survivors are here.'
Kimberly Isette, the Crime Victim Liaison at Killeen PD, stressed the importance of raising awareness about available resources for victims. 'If anyone has questions about their rights as a victim of crime, or as a survivor or family member of a crime victim, they can reach out to their local law enforcement agency to get those rights. We can support them throughout the entire process, including prosecution and court.'
The ribbons placed along Killeen's streets will remain throughout National Crime Victims' Rights Week, symbolizing the community's commitment to honoring victims and ensuring they are not alone in their journey.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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