Remembering victims of violence

RIVERSIDE, Ohio (WDTN) - Anthony Dukes was hit and killed exactly one year ago.

So, loved ones gathered Saturday to remember his life.

Riverside Police say the 23-year-old was trying to cross the street when he was struck by a van last December 15th.  Anthony was taken to Miami Valley Hospital but died a short time later. 

Gold and black balloons were released in his memory.

But, loved ones also wanted to do something to honor the victims of Friday's school shooting massacre in Connecticut , so white balloons were released for the 27 people who were killed in that tragedy.

Anthony's mother knows first-hand, what it's like to lose a child. She tells me the pain is unbearable.

"27 times over, my heart was hurting yesterday.  It's just unimaginable what people in this world are doing.  Innocent, baby children.  Babies, babies taken away from their families.  I don't know what this world is coming to," says Linette Cruz.

Everyone who gathered here also had a moment of silence and then prayed for all victims of violence.