Lubbock VOICES

10/09/2026

Nearly nine years after a young man was taken from his family, his mother faced another painful court day. Beside her was a fellow grieving mother, who had also lost her daughter to violence. The two women grew close through a grief no mother should have to know.

That friend prepared a statement to honor her son and speak to the lasting devastation, but it was not allowed to be read in court. When the victim’s mother arrived, she was told, “It will be short and sweet.”

A mother carrying a lifetime of grief deserved compassion, clear communication, time to gather support, and the chance to have her family’s voice heard.

A sentence may hold someone accountable, but it cannot bring back a child, son, or father. Behind every case is a family living with loss long after court adjourns. Victims’ families deserve dignity, support, and a voice. A life sentence does not bring back a life.

Lubbock V.O.I.C.E.S. stands with grieving families and will not be silent.

10/08/2026

We don’t have to walk alone.

09/25/2026

National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims

Today, we pause to remember the beautiful lives taken too soon by homicide. Behind every name is a life, a story, a family, and a love that will never be forgotten.

In remembrance of your loved one, share their name or a special memory in the comments. Let us honor them, speak their names, and keep their memories alive.

Gone from our sight, but forever carried in our hearts. 🕊️

Together, we remember. Together, we support. Together, we heal.

04/24/2026

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2026

Observed April 19–25, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week reminds us of the importance of supporting victims, survivors, and their families while promoting awareness of rights, healing, and justice.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was first established on April 8, 1981, when Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first national observance. He called for continued recognition and support for victims of crime, urging leaders within the justice system to prioritize victims’ needs and encouraging communities to understand that the impact of crime reaches far beyond one individual.

More than 45 years later, that message still stands strengthening support systems, ensuring victims are heard, and keeping their needs at the forefront.

Victims and survivors have rights within the legal system, and in many cases, those rights may also extend to the families of homicide victims. While these protections vary by state, they are intended to ensure individuals are treated with dignity, kept informed, and given a voice throughout the process. Rights may include:

• Being present at court proceedings
• Receiving case updates
• Seeking restitution
• Applying for victim compensation

Understanding these protections is an important step in navigating the justice system and supporting those impacted by crime.

To learn more or connect with support services, visit VictimConnect Resource Center.

Remaining Events This Week

April 24 | CommUNITY in Motion 5K (All Day)
More than a 5K — this is a celebration in motion. Walk, run, roll, bike, or dance. Every mile is a visible reminder that we show up for survivors, accessibility, and stronger, more connected communities.

April 25 | Community Healing Vigils (All Day)
Communities across the country will gather for local vigils focused on remembrance, solidarity, and healing, with events shared nationally to honor collective support.

To learn more or participate: Unite for Victims Rights



Adapted with credit to original post by Haley Gray Research.

04/24/2026

April 19–25 marks National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2026. This annual observance honors crime victims and survivors, recognizes the professionals and volunteers who provide life-changing support, and raises awareness about victims’ rights and available resources.

This year’s theme is: Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.

For 45 years, communities across the nation have come together to support healing, justice, and hope for those impacted by crime. It is a reminder that every victim deserves to be heard, respected, and connected to the help they need.

We encourage everyone to stand with survivors, support victim advocates, and help build safer communities for all.

Together, we can make a difference.

04/09/2026

Please join us on our first event. We want to help others in our shared experiences.

Lubbock V.O.I.C.E.S, which stands for Validating Our Individual Challenges and Experiences, will host its first-ever meet and greet, where the organization will lend a helping hand, be a resource a…

03/29/2026

Lubbock V.O.I.C.E.S mission, purpose and legal disclaimer

03/23/2026

Thank you, El Editor, for helping Lubbock V.O.I.C.E.S. deliver its mission and purpose.

Three Lubbock women have launched Lubbock V.O.I.C.E.S., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by violent crime through advocacy, resources, and community support.

03/05/2026

Before you listen to this episode, I want to share a little context.

My name is Isabel, and I am the grandmother of Mason Rodriguez.

In the summer of 2015, my world was turned completely upside down. At the same time, I was fighting stage 4 breast cancer, and doctors had given me six months to live.

What made my situation even more difficult was that my daughter was one of the co-defendants. I spent a long time trying to understand what had happened, searching for the truth while carrying unimaginable grief.

There were moments when I truly felt like I lost my mind trying to make sense of everything that was happening.

I wanted justice for the baby, but I also wanted the truth.

The truth is that the grief you go through after losing a child is not something you simply get over. The pain never fully leaves.

I loved my grandson very much, and I believe it is important to share my story. My hope is that by speaking about it, I can help support other families who may one day find themselves walking through unimaginable grief.

🎧 Listen to the episode here:
[Spotify link] https://open.spotify.com/episode/1sVc2BaXUoJHFT1979W2zx?si=6951XrrGRQ671to0YPdMlw

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
— Maya Angelou

This Seat's Taken · Episode