Kansas City homicide victims honored during 2024 year-end prayer vigil

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Dozens of people gathered at the Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ in Kansas City to loved ones they’ve lost to homicide in 2024.

A prayer service honored each of the 190 people who were killed this year with their names read aloud.

“This is an opportunity for us to pray for hope, really just try to be an example of hope, and pray for healing and justice for all of Kansas City,” Damon Daniel, AdHoc Group Against Crime president, said.

Family and friends of those killed ed of the church for moments of silence, prayer, and praise. Those who lost a loved one before 2024 also attended and were given a moment to say the name of their loved one during the service.

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“I lost my niece, Annetreuna Bowden, in 2021,” Messia Releford said. “She was a 17-year-old, youthful, vibrant , had a full life ahead of her and her life was just cut too short.”

Several organizations, like AdHoc Group Against Crime and KC Mothers in Charge also set up tables in the lobby to provide services and help to those grieving.

“Tonight, I found myself in a vulnerable, tender place,” Releford said. “It’s as if it was yesterday. I reflected on the night that it happened, when I got the phone call. The grief is a process. Having opportunities and moments like this provides us an opportunity to have an outlet to express that grief.”

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As we look to a new year, those who attended pray for a more peaceful 2025.

“I want people to show up as love,” Daniel said. “I want people to practice more kindness and forgiveness. That is my hope for Kansas City.”

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