SPOKANE, Wash. — Families and friends of homicide victims gathered at the Spokane County Courthouse on Thursday, each connected by trials that have taken place or are soon to begin for their loved ones in that same building.
The ceremony took place to honor victims of homicide, in recognition of National Remembrance Day for homicide victims held each year on September 25th.
The gathering brought together mothers and fathers who have buried their children and siblings and have testified for their lost loved ones.
“She wasn’t just another victim of domestic violence. He executed her,” said Kandice Kambitsch, whose sister was killed in 2022 by her husband.
Some of these families have already spent time in a Spokane County courtroom, waiting for a jury to decide if the accused killer will be found innocent or guilty. Many who attended Thursday were awaiting that same experience, including Justin Daniel’s family.
“He was taken from us in April of 2024. He’s a wonderful father of three girls,” said Terri Smith and Jessica Shuck, Justin’s mother and sister.
Justin’s ex-girlfriend, Cynthia Khaleel, is awaiting trial for his murder. The estranged couple shared a three-year-old child together.
“If you look up the word ‘funcle’ in the dictionary, it would have just his picture,” Smith and Shuck said, celebrating his role as a beloved uncle.
Thursday’s gathering took on special significance as it fell on Justin’s birthday.
“He would be 42 today,” his mother and sister said.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels acknowledged the limitations of the justice system while showing support for the families.
“There’s nothing that the justice system can do to reverse what was done to your families,” Nowels said.
However, those in the justice system joined these families in honoring their lost loved ones, providing a sense of community support during an incredibly difficult time.
“It feels like we’ve got a lot of support here. And we’re coming here with a lot of people behind us,” Smith and Shuck said.
Daniel’s family left the courthouse on Thursday, knowing they would return for his murder trial, but also knowing others had their back.
“Even other victims’ families. We’re here. Reach out. Come and feel the support of your community,” Smith and Shuck said.
A chaplain who spoke at the gathering offered words of hope to the assembled families.
“I come today to tell you that there may have been a horrible happening. But God is going to turn that around,” senior chaplain Garry Losey said.
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