CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department held its annual tree-lighting ceremony Tuesday night to honor victims of homicides and deadly car crashes.
Families at the annual event at the Freedom Division on Wilkinson Boulevard said it’s vital for them to lean on each other during what can be a difficult time of year.
Jacqueline Lewis said she can’t help but smile when she shares memories of her grandson and son.
“My grandson and my son were actually killed three months apart, 35 feet away from each other,” Lewis told Channel 9.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they found her son, Cinquay Farrer shot to death in December 2020.
Her grandson, Davyon Farrer, was also shot and killed three months after that.
“This will be my third holiday without my son,” Lewis said. “This will be my second holiday without my grandson.”
Lewis said it’s bittersweet sharing memories with strangers who have walked the same path.
“It’s important to show other people that even though we’ve lost our loved ones, we’re connected now, and we can all come together during the holidays,” Lewis said.
This is the first holiday season for many families who have lost someone close to them.
“These are people who are missing someone at the table, to be able to see they are here to support each other and help each other get through it,” said CMPD Chief Johnnie Jennings said. “It means a lot to me.”
The ceremony was put on hold for two years due to the pandemic.
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