PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims was commemorated on Thursday with dozens gathering at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver to remember those who lost their lives to violence.

Hosted by the National Women's Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation (NWCAVE), local leaders, lawmakers, and those close to murder and abuse victims came forward to speak.

Baylee Gonzales was at her first National Day of Remembrance for Murdered Victims event. She attended to honor her "soul sister" as she recalls the worst day of her life.

KOIN 6 News Reporter Ariel Iacobazzi spoke to her more than a year ago, just days after her best friend, Carissa Larkin, was shot and killed by Kyle Palmer. Palmer was Larkin's estranged partner against whom she had a restraining o

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