A bell tolled for each victim of crime, their names were read in commemoration

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) - The community gathered early Sunday morning to hear the names of 1,847 victims of crimes. A bell was rung after each name was read.

Every year "Reading of the Names" ceremony is observed by the District Attorney's Office and is part of honoring National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

District Attorney Bill Hicks along with help from other community leaders read the names of the victims of crime, drunk driving crashes, and fallen law enforcers from the last two years.

“They believe the victims should be heard. They believe in the power of joining together in love to seek health and support for the tragedies that each of you are going through," said Hicks.

Erika Andrea Gaytan's name was called out, she went missing in July 2019 after a date. The man she was with that night, Ricardo Martinez, was later convicted of her killing her in 2022. Her body has still not be found.

The current Crime Victims' Memorial does not have space to add all of the new names of victims, according to the District Attorney.

A temporary remembrance flag bearing the names will be on display at the district attorney's office.