District Attorney Rollins Unveils Mural Commemorating Homicide Survivors
Work was created by teenage artists
BOSTON, April 29, 2021 — Suffolk County District
Attorney Rachael Rollins today unveiled a mural at the DA’s Offices at One Bulfinch Place.
“We announced the commissioning of this work at the 10th Annual Survivors of Homicide Breakfast and we are amazed by its power, beauty and hope it will be a source of reflection for everyone,’’ DA Rollins said. “This mural represents and reminds us that the lives lost were members of Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop, who lived, worked, played, and were important parts of our community. It highlights mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and everyday people who are deeply loved, valued, missed, and never forgotten,’’ said DA Rollins. “They are individuals who are so much more than the label of homicide victim.”
The work was created by some 20 teenage artists working with Artists for Humanity’s 3d Design Studio. The mural is portable and will be taken to the annual Survivor of Homicide Breakfast held each December. The mural, which features landmarks from around the county representative of the communities in which victims, survivors, and their loved ones live, will be housed in the homicide unit.
“After meeting with families, I often reflect on the damage and impact of homicide,’’ said DA Rollins. “It tends to take over the narrative of who a person was and the people that loved them. A homicide is not just a life cut short, it is a life stolen. It’s an act that has a ripple effect far beyond the act itself. It is trauma, it is pain, it is grief, and it is devastation felt by loved ones and communities.”
Assistant District Attorneys, victim witness advocates, detectives, and families will be reminded of the commitment, and dedication to families of homicide victims by SCDAO. They will also remember that behind every name is a person that is loved and a part of the community we serve.
“What I can say and promise is that we will try our best to show up – not just in that horrific moment; not just at the Mother’s Day Walk for Peace, not just during National Crime Victims’ Rights Month, or the annual Survivors of Homicide Breakfast,’’ DA Rollins said. “We will show up every night and every day. We will honor the legacies of those lost by attempting to ensure accountability. This mural will remind us, focus us to continue to do everything in our power to help on the journey towards healing.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.