Shelby Co. Prosecutors Office honors victims and their families

Edisa Keller speaks during the vigil

(SHELBYVILLE, Ind.) – The Shelby County Prosecutor’s Office continued a longstanding tradition of honoring victims of violent crimes as well as their loved ones. 

The agency held the 25th annual Victims Vigil at On The Hill Events on Sunday night.

The initiative was created by Connie Sutton in 1997. Her daughter, Kelly Eckart, was a Franklin College student who was abducted, raped and murdered. Her killer is currently on Death Row.

Sutton came up with the idea of an annual vigil for all victims and the prosecutor at the time made it a reality. 

Edisa Keller now serves as the Victims Assistance Coordinator for the Shelby County Prosecutors Office and organized the event this year. 

“I think that sometimes we forget that crimes like these don’t just happen to the

victim. It is something that impacts the entire family. They have to continue to live the

tragedy and aftermath of these senseless crimes,” Keller told The 812. 

Keller added that the event has led to lasting connections among the families of the victims. 

“We want to continue to honor their loved ones, and let them know that they have not been forgotten, that we remember them, and that they have left a lasting impact on others in the community,” she said. 

This annual Victim's Vigil coincides with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week which is from April 19-25.

Keller works throughout the year to assist victims through the legal process and sometimes even accompanies victims to court. 

She also connects victims with community resources, safe shelters, counseling services, and other needs that arise.

“Even more importantly, I am there through the emotions, the frustrations, and any questions they may have,” she said. 

Another unique initiative the prosecutor's office oversees is an annual student Art Drawing Contest where 5th-8th graders share impactful messages for an Anti-Drug calendar.

Here are some other photos provided by Small Creations Photography:

1) The first photo are members of the Shelby County Prosecutors Office.

2) The second photo is of Ahmad Perry who was a guest speaker and relative of victim Keemo Beard.