Family and friends of Deanna Cremin, along with those who mourn the deaths of 65 other victims of violence, gathered at the Garden Of Peace memorial last Thursday to remember the loved ones they have lost.

By Jim Clark

Hundreds of people gathered on Thursday to honor the memories of those who have fallen victim to violence as 66 names were added to the others etched in stone at the Garden Of Peace memorial on Beacon Hill.

One of the names read aloud at the ceremony was Deanna Cremin’s, a Somerville native who was brutally slain in 1995, and whose murderer was never found. Her mother, Katherine Cremin, participated in the reading of the names and also let those in attendance know that her resolve to find her daughter’s killer will not be deterred. The Cremin family, as well as many friends and supporters, have vowed to continue their search for Deanna’s killer. They believe that justice will one day be served.

The emotionally charged ceremony was presided over by Attorney General Martha Coakley and was also attended by Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Andrea Cabral, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

The Garden Of Peace stands a memorial to some 860 victims of violent crime, 66 of which were added to the number on Thursday.

Deanna Cremin was slain on March 30, 1995 while walking home. Her murder has yet to be solved. Family and friends of Deanna faithfully hold out hope that her murderer will be found. They organize marches and vigils every March hoping that someone with information will speak up.

Katherine Cremin had waited until this year’s ceremony to add her daughter’s name to the memorial. It was her hope that she could do this after attaining some closure by seeing Deanna’s killer caught and brought to justice. This wish has not yet been fulfilled, and Katherine Cremin bitterly added her daughter’s name to the others’, knowing that the work of seeking justice has not yet been completed.

An ongoing investigation into the facts surrounding Cremin’s murder, and an active hunt for her killer, are still underway by law enforcement authorities. Anyone who may have any information that may be helpful in the investigation is urged to contact the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office at 617-679-6660, the Somerville Police at 617-625-1600 or anonymously text a tip to the police at TIP411 with subject 617SPD.