Victims of violent crimes remembered at candlelight memorial

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It was a solemn Friday for some in the Cape Fear.

Two years ago a New Hanover County man was shot and killed during an argument. Gilbert McClammy was one of many victims of violent crime in our area who people remembered tonight.

Dozens of families gathered downtown Wilmington to remember more than 100 victims from five counties. Some of the families say this ceremony is a way for them to find peace. There was music, flowers, and a sense of togetherness.

“Even though the tragedies are different, we all come together with a common goal,” guest Carol Benino said.

Benino says that goal is to remember their loved ones. The loved ones taken by murder, drunk driving, car crashes and domestic violence.

“When you suffer a tragedy like we have, you feel like you’re all alone in the world” Benino said.

Benino says her sister and brother in law were murdered 16 years ago. This ceremony brings her a little more peace every year.

“You see these other people that have lost too and you know it’s not just you,” Benino said. “There are other people going through the same thing you’re going through.”

So, Benino sat with the families of 117 other victims as they honored each and every one.

Each year they bring forward the voice of a victim. This year that voice was Bathsheba McClammy who’s husband gilbert was shot and killed by Shannon Mitchell in April 2013. She read a poem written by their son.

“Daddy, can you hear me?” McClammy said. “Daddy, can you hear me? I wish that you were here to tell me that you love me.”

The families sat together and cried together. Benino says it’s a way of finding encouragement to move on, but always remember.

“Not just for them dying, but for their lives and for what they meant to us in our lives and for the things we’ve lost with them also,” Benino said.

The community also lit three candles in honor of fallen law enforcement, military and firefighters. This was the 19th year for the candlelight service.