Advocates plant trees in Jackson for crime victims

JACKSON, Tenn. — Dozens gathered Tuesday in Jackson to honor victims of crime along with those who fight for them. The special ceremony of hope is part of National Crime Victim’s Rights Week.

“I was 11 years old when I watched my uncle, their son, kill them in cold blood on July the 19th in 1991,” crime victim Shanna Ambrose recalled as she shared her tragic story of being held hostage as her grandparents were brutally murdered. “It was very humbling to be able to share that experience. I’m hoping that I encourage someone to have hope when they’re struggling.”

“This gives us an opportunity to honor crime victims in Jackson,” Tina Fox with the Tennessee Board of Parole said of the annual tree planting ceremony.

This week, the Board of Parole, the TBI, TRICOR and the Department of Corrections are planting 11 trees across the state in honor of crime victims.

“We believe that victims can be able to overcome some of the tragedies that are placed in our lives by drawing strength from trees,” Fox said.

One of Shanna’s advocates, Sandi Hendren, was honored during the ceremony with the Voice For Victims Award.

“I have walked with them through parole hearings and answered questions for them, laughed with them about some funny things, but cried with them more often than not,” Hendren said. “They have been a huge part of my life.”

Ambrose said she is no longer a victim.

“I am strong today. It’s a moment of reflection, and it feels good,” she said after the ceremony.

This is the eighth year the state has held these tree-planting ceremonies for crime victims and their advocates.

WBBJ’s own Tom Britt emceed the event.