Tree of Angels Remembers Crime Victims
Cameron Lieck McCrary sings “Over the Rainbow” while Todd Swonke plays the guitar.
Chambers County District Attorney Cheryl Lieck Henry speaks about the importance of remembering victims of violent crimes at the Chambers County Angel Tree program.
Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia places an ornament on the tree in memory of Cheryl Congleton.
The brothers of Cameron Norton place an ornament on the tree in his memory.
Deputy Shane Detwiler is remembered as his parents add his ornament to the tree.
Family members remember David Davis with an ornament in his name.
Aracely Benavides and Victoria Gomez, officers with the Mont Belvieu Police Department, join Chris Jircik, retired officer, at the Chambers County Angel Tree program.
ANAHUAC – Members of the community, along with law enforcement officers and county officials, gathered Dec. 10 to remember victims of crime in a somber yet uplifting ceremony.
Family members, friends and others placed ornaments on the tree in the 344th District Courtroom in memory of local persons lost to crime.
“This is an especially hard time of year for those who have lost loved ones to crime,” said District Attorney Chery Lieck whose office has held the ceremony for 14 years.
Mercy Gate Church Pastor Don Gibson spoke of Immanuel – God with us – as told in the Biblical account of Christ’s birth.
“The totality of who God is wrapped up in that one name – Immanuel,” he said.
“Jesus’ last words on this earth were ‘I’ll never leave you nor forsake you.’ God is with you. I want to encourage you that He has not left us or ever will.”
“We ask that you bring peace and joy to these families and that your Holy Spirit will bring comfort,” Pastor Gibson prayed.
Cameron Lieck McCreary and Todd Swonke provided song and music to honor the victims and comfort the families.
Lieck also commended the Chambers County Explorers Post 1858 who presented the flags during the ceremony.
“The Sheriff’s Department has hired officers who began in our Explorers program,” she added.
Lieck also commended the county’s Victims’ Assistance program “who do so much for the families of crime victims,” she said.
“Even when the case s over, we don’t forget – we know many of these crime victims and we become friends with the families.”
Those remembered with an Angel Tree ornament are:
Deputy Shane Detwiler
Jessica Cain
Krystal Baker
Larry James Henderson
Mayson Lewis
Daniel Burrell
Jonathan Castillo
Nelson Redmon, Jr.
Cheryl Congleton
April Forney
Alex Chavez
Jarvis Morgan
Jeremy Christ
Leslie “Bubby” Larrison
Daisie Poole
Lillian Poole
Melba Jean Dockens Campbell
Tyler Enderli
Damon Miller
Justin Stasny
Cameron Norton
Ronnie McGhee
Larry Smith
David Davis
Christopher Pate
Denroy Virgil
Dereck Munoz
Jackie Dubendorf
Joseph LaDay
Nicol Campise
Kameron Shinner
Robert Leger, Jr.
Demarcus Wilson
Crystal McDowell
Betty Blaire
Justin Berry
Xicotencatl Vega
Gregory Kenard
Dominque “Nikki” Schliske
Scott Privat
Michael Counce
Kristina Payne
Laura Grant
Chelsea Grant
Zach Miles
Will Bowles
Jared Alphonso
Willie Woolridge
Gregory Galomo
Joseph Hartsfield
Ja’Vion West
Treveyn Williams
Kailei Rhodes
Presley Cauthen
Daniel Howey
Romeo Jimerson
Robyn Stanley
Ginny Bagby
Adrian Combs
Unknown Victims.