DA's Office Celebrates Victims' Rights Week, Honors Bobby Tillman

Douglas County District Attorney David McDade and his staff attended the Douglas County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday morning, as the board unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming April 21 through 27 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Douglas County.

The proclamation, presented by Director of Victim Services Maegan Eggler-Bright, officially kicks off a string of events and activities scheduled in the coming week to bring awareness to victims’ rights and the more than 18.7 million Americans who are victimized and directly harmed by crime each year.

So often, the attention surrounding a crime stays on the defendant. That attention will shift and stay solely focused on the rights of crime victims Wednesday, April 24, when District Attorney McDade and his staff honor individuals at their annual Victims’ Rights Ceremony at 10 a.m. in . The ceremony is open to the public.

The ceremony will celebrate the life of Bobby Tillman, an 18-year-old who passed away in November 2010 after being murdered at a house party. Tillman’s mother, Monique Rivarde, and her family will be recognized with the “Victims’ Voice Award” for their unyielding support and dedication to victims’ rights.

Lt. Bruce Ferguson, who was the lead investigator on the Tillman case, will be honored for his continued effort and determination in seeking justice for crime victims. A special tribute will also be held for Rhonda Payne, the former Douglas Superior Court Clerk who was an avid supporter in the fight for victims’ rights.

District Attorney David McDade will also present awards to the finalists from this year’s Victims’ Rights Art Contest. For the second-straight year, high-school students across the Douglas County School System used their creative talents to create art that reflects their interpretation of victims’ rights. Every piece of art submitted in the contest is currently displayed in the second-floor atrium at the Douglas County Courthouse for the viewing public through April 26.

The 2013 Douglas County Crime Victims’ Rights Week coincides with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week has allowed communities across the nation an opportunity to honor, celebrate and bring awareness to victims’ rights.