CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — The State’s Attorney’s Office for Charles County hosted the 35th Annual Maryland Statewide Memorial Services for Crime Victims and Their Families of the Southern Region on Sunday, April 6, 2025. The event, held at Graces Event Center, brought together families, advocates, and officials to honor victims of violent crime and provide a space for reflection and support.
The ceremony paid tribute to those lost to violent crime while offering a compassionate environment for loved ones to share their experiences. A key highlight was the recognition of Roberta Roper, a prominent advocate for victims’ rights. Roper, whose work has significantly shaped the victims’ rights movement in Maryland, was presented with flowers to acknowledge her decades of dedication. Her advocacy began in 1982 following the murder of her daughter, Stephanie, and led to the founding of the Stephanie Roper Committee, now part of the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center.
The event featured contributions from multiple organizations and individuals. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard performed the presentation of colors, while Pastor Cynthia Baker delivered the invocation. Melissa Youseff sang the national anthem, and David Hamner provided musical selections throughout the ceremony. Dean Craft managed the event’s audio, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.
Several state and local entities supported the memorial, including the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, the Maryland State Board of Victim Services, and the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. Victim Witness Divisions from the State’s Attorney’s Offices of Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties also participated. REAL Church, led by Pastors Colby and Marcus, collaborated with Graces Event Center to host the gathering.
In a statement, the State’s Attorney’s Office expressed gratitude to all who attended and contributed. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who offered support to the families,” the office said, emphasizing the collective effort to honor victims and stand with their loved ones.
The annual memorial service, now in its 35th year, reflects Maryland’s ongoing commitment to supporting crime victims and their families. According to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the state has bolstered victim services in recent years, with programs aimed at providing emotional and legal assistance. Events like this one underscore the importance of community solidarity in the aftermath of violence.
Roberta Roper’s recognition highlighted her lasting legacy. Her efforts have influenced legislation, including the 1984 Maryland Victims’ Rights Act, which expanded protections and resources for victims. Sunday’s tribute served as a reminder of the progress made and the work still ahead.
The Charles County event was one of several regional memorials held across Maryland, each designed to offer solace and remembrance. Organizers emphasized the importance of creating a “safe, compassionate space” for grieving families, a goal echoed by attendees who gathered to reflect on their shared loss.
As the ceremony concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of unity, honoring the memories of those lost while recognizing the resilience of those who remain.
