Spokane, Wash. – On the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims, families gathered in Spokane to honor loved ones lost to violence.

Kandice Ayers shared memories of her sister, Shannon Lee Ayers, describing her as strong.

"Shannon was always the tougher one. The stronger one," she said. "But not against a bullet to her head." Kandice recalled the violent act that took her sister's life.

Families at the event were at different stages of grief. Some had their loved one's killer still at large, while others knew the perpetrator was in jail. Kandice's sister's murderer, who was her husband, was sentenced to 23 years in prison.

"He executed her. Our family should never have to worry about him being out free during our lifetimes," Kandice said.

The motive behind Shannon's murder re

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