District Attorney’s Office, Mural Arts unveil artwork memorializing Philly homicide victims

Laura Ortiz (at podium) shares memories of her slain 15-year-old daughter, memorialized by artist Russell Craig for the District Attorney's Office and Mural Arts Philadelphia.
Laura Ortiz (at podium) shares memories of her 15-year-old daughter, a gun violence victim memorialized by artist Russell Craig for the District Attorney's Office and Mural Arts Philadelphia. Photo credit Racquel Williams/KYW Newsradio

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, Mural Arts Philadelphia and families who lost loved ones to gun violence gathered Wednesday to present new artwork from the District Attorney's Office Artist-in-Residence, Russell Craig.

The murals were unveiled at the District Attorney's Office to a group of families who still feel the pain from their loss. One by one, each family shared memories of their lost loved one as each mural was revealed.

“To have this beautiful artwork raised on a flag over our city will serve as a reminder and a message to all that people lost to violence are still speaking and crying,” said Eric Smith, whose son Eric Jr. died as a result of gun violence.

Cynthia Sawyer’s 16-year-old grandson lost his life to gun violence in 2017. “I struggle every day. It's hard, but I have the support of my neighbors and my family, and I don't want anyone else to go through this,” she said. “We have to do something.”

Banners featuring depictions of people whose lives were claimed by gun violence, painted by artist Russell Craig and hanging in Center City.
Photo credit Russell Craig for Mural Arts Philadelphia

Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, says Craig’s artwork gives people pause as the victims are displayed, giving them the dignity and respect they deserve, not just listed as statistics.

“Murals are larger than life. They surprise us when we turn the corner of a city street,” Golden said. “Their boldness and their content sweeps us away.”

The banners will be on display at various sites around the city, including LOVE Park, Philadelphia Family Court, the Municipal Services Building, the DAO, City Hall, and the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice. The unveiling also concludes the self-taught Craig’s two-year residency with the DAO's CARES unit, which provides trauma-informed support and resources to loved ones of homicide victims.

Laura Ortiz struggled after her 15-year-old daughter was killed. She says the CARES unit and Northwest Victims Services were ports in the storm. “They have helped me and my family in this hard time,” she said. “We appreciate it and I stand here with joy that she will live on through us through the memories.”

Featured Image Photo Credit: Racquel Williams/KYW Newsradio