Remembering Lilian Verdonkschot and other Denver murder victims

Denver may not be the nationwide leader in homicides, thank goodness. But as demonstrated by our Mile High Murder archive, which has documented forty murders since the project was launched in late May, there's plenty of violence to go around in these parts. Witness the story of 49-year-old Lilian Verdonkschot,...

By Michael Roberts

September 25, 2009

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Denver may not be the nationwide leader in homicides, thank goodness. But as demonstrated by our Mile High Murder archive, which has documented forty murders since the project was launched in late May, there's plenty of violence to go around in these parts. Witness the story of 49-year-old Lilian Verdonkschot, who was run down in a Burger King parking lot following one of the most unnecessary verbal altercations in the history of human speech.

People like Verdonkschot are the focus of a day of remembrance for murder victims, which is being marked all over the country today. The main local event takes place at noon today at the Highlands Masonic Temple, with speaks including Denver DA Mitch Morrissey. Look below to get the details.

NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR MURDER VICTIMS

The Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance is hosting a local ceremony to mark our country's formal observance of National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

Where: Highlands Masonic Temple, 3550 N. Federal Boulevard, Denver When: Friday, September 25, 2009 at Noon

Families and friends of murder victims are encouraged to bring a picture of their loved one to display and a representative of each family may present the name, date of birth and date of death of the victim.

Mistress of ceremonies is Rebecca Gershten. Guest speakers include Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey and Victim Activist Pat Tuthill with the Peyton Tuthill Foundation.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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