| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 23, 2025
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MEDIA ADVISORY
2025 Orange County Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony
Combating Revictimization:
Rebalancing the Scales of Justice and Restoring Hope
The 2024 Orange County Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony, held as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, is an annual gathering to honor victims and listen to survivors tell their stories of overcoming and reshaping their lives – and how the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, alongside our law enforcement partners and victim advocates continues to fight for victims’ rights.
2025 Orange County Crime Victims’ Ceremony
Combating Revictimization:
Rebalancing the Scales of Justice and Restoring Hope
Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Orange County Crime Victims Monument
District Attorney’s Office Courtyard
300 North Flower Street
Santa Ana, CA 92703
This year’s speakers include:
• Jacki Chalabian Jernigan, sister of Dr. Janine Rose Chalabian who was murdered by her husband. Dr. Chalabian left behind a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old.
• Susan Montemayor Gutierrez, widow of David Montemayor, who was kidnapped and killed in a plot orchestrated by six defendants to steal money from the Buena Park businessman. He left behind a wife and three children, 7, 9, and 11.
• Kate, mother of John Doe #3 of 17 John Does who were sexually abused by their male babysitter. Their abuser was sentenced to 707 years to life. Current law would allow him to be eligible for parole at the age of 50 years old after serving 20 years in custody.
• Patricia Wenskunas, Founder/CEO of Crime Survivors, Inc.
• Lita Mercado, Waymakers
• Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent, President of the Orange County Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs Association
• Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer
Orange Police Department Officer Lavance Redd will perform the National Anthem and the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs Pipes & Drums Band will perform Amazing Grace.
Any person who may protest the Crime Victims’ Rally in person will be directed to a designated public space where true expression is welcome.
Media interviews can be arranged immediately following the ceremony.
Facebook Live Stream will be available at https://www.facebook.com/OCDAToddSpitzer
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