GASTONIA, N.C. — September 25 is Homicide Victims Remembrance Day in the United States. It's a chance for those who lost loved ones to a violent crime to reflect on the memories made and acknowledge the grief they live with.
Renee Thomas was one of the people who showed up to a remembrance event in Gaston County on Wednesday. She lost her son, Austin, in June 2024.
"This is going to be with me the rest of my life," she told WCNC Charlotte.
Thomas said losing her son changed her forever. She says the suspect accused of killing him "killed a part of me, so a part of me is dead."
Candles surrounded Thomas, a reminder that she is not alone in this unique kind of grief. Other families had their own stories, all ending in the same tragic way. Tears were shed and prayers were shared. Thomas' prayer was simple: peace for herself.
"It's a struggle. Every day is a struggle," she said.
In that struggle, she carries a constant reminder of Austin with her, a reminder of what can't be stolen from her.
"I got his name tattooed," she said, "with his ashes in it."
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.