Vigil Remembers Victims of Domestic Violence

The city of Dallas held a candlelight vigil Wednesday night to remember victims of domestic violence.

City leaders hosted the vigil at City Hall Plaza in memory of loved ones lost to domestic abuse.

There were roughly 50 people in attendance, including religious leaders and the Domestic Violence Task Force, to help raise awareness about the issue.

One of the attendees was Casey Cox. He lost his sister Karen Cox Smith, just weeks ago. Police say her estranged husband, Ferdinand Smith, shot her to death at a UT Southwestern parking garage.

The couple had been separated. Smith was hoping to get a divorce.

“I have found myself over the last couple of weeks asking why did this have to happen to my sister,” said Cox.

The city's Domestic Violence Task Force was formed in response to the problem of family violence.

The task force is looking into two programs, one to help religious leaders counsel victims, the other program to help children who have witnesses violence at home.

Cox said he wants to help the city as it looks to create programs to help victims dealing with abuse.

“Karen would want the woman who is here tonight going through similar situation to know you too can have the courage to change your life before it’s too late,” said Cox.

Karen Cox Smith was a mother of three children.

The vigil was held on the eve of one of the worst domestic abuse cases Dallas County prosecutors say they’ve ever seen – the trial for Jose Arreola. Arreola is accused of raping and mutilating his ex-girlfriend.