LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The desire for less violence in the valley is ongoing.
However, it takes on a different meaning for those directly impacted by it like Mariah, who recently lost a loved one to violence.
“Stop the violence. We have to stop killing each other,” Mariah said. “If we could spread awareness to prevent other families from losing family members and dealing with the things that families here today have to deal with every day.”
Dozens of people came together in an effort to spread awareness through a simple message — “Stop the violence.” Sunday marked the rally’s five years. It was organized by the Funeral Directors and Morticians Association of Nevada.
“It’s one thing to deal with the death of someone who’s been in the hospital or they’re on hospice. It’s a total different scenario when it’s all of a sudden they’re just missing,” said Kyle Giddens, FDMA of Nevada secretary. “We’re just here to let them know that we’re here for them and show them some love and support and that we haven’t forgotten about them.”
Emily Dodd was there to do the same. After losing her son in 2020, Dodd has come out to every Stop the Violence rally to be a supportive presence for others still coping with their loss.
“I’ve turned my pain into purpose. I come out pretty much every year to support not only my immediate family, but all the other families who have lost their loved ones to senseless violence,,” Dodd said. “It’s given me the strength to spread the word. Let those parents, the moms, the fathers, any one of them know that they are not alone in this.”
Deadly violence has gradually gone down in the valley over the last few years.
According to statistics from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, there were 158 homicides reported in 2021, which was a 46 percent spike from 2020. Every year after 2021, the homicide totals have decreased. 2024 saw 113 homicides, 28 percent lower than in 2021.
So far, in 2025 there have been 58 homicides compared to 81 this time last year.
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