“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The 20th annual New Year’s Eve candlelight vigil for homicide victims will be held at 4 p.m. at Williams Temple Church of God in Christ, 1500 N. Union Blvd.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The group Families Advocating Safe Streets has held a vigil every year to read all the names of the year’s homicide victims in St. Louis City and County and to commemorate their lives and pray for the families.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>As of Dec. 29, 114 people were murdered in 2011 in the City of St. Louis. Last year there were 144 victims. “font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Community efforts have contributed to the decrease in homicides, said James Clark of Better Family Life. Two years ago, Better Family Life initiated a “Put Down the Pistols” program to get community members back into education or job training and away from violence and drugs.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Last year the service’s speakers included Fourth Ward Alderman Sam Moore, Mayor Francis G. Slay, Chief of Police of St. Louis Metropolitan department Dan Isom, Chief of Police of St. Louis County department Tim Fitch, Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce and several members of the clergy.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>In 19 years, there has never been a year that the mayor of St. Louis City and police chiefs of St. Louis City and County did not attend, said Jeanette Culpepper, the group’s founder.