Brother of slain singer, Christina Grimmie, gathers with other victims' families to reflect on loss

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police Chief John Mina met with the relatives of homicide victims Monday morning in observance of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

Relatives of victims tied purple ribbons around the trunks of oak trees at Langford Park to honor those they have lost.

Victim advocates spoke during Monday's ceremony, as did Mina, who shared memories of slain Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton.

"Lt. Deborah Clayton's life touched so many of us," Mina said. "When you lose someone that close, it means even more when you attend these ceremonies to honor their memories."

Mark Grimmie, the brother of singer Christina Grimmie, who was shot to death in Orlando after a concert, traveled from Los Angeles to attend the vigil.

It was his first time returning to Orlando since witnessing the shooting that claimed his sister's life.

"The community in Orlando has been pretty incredible," Mark Grimmie said. "I didn't think I'd ever want to come back, but the truth is, (the) detectives have been great."

Grimmie said he wanted to be at the vigil to grieve and bond with the dozens of other families suffering after a similar situation.

"For me, it hasn't gotten any easier yet," he said. "Now, I can't imagine another family, when they lose someone close to them, I don't want to imagine what it would be like if we didn't have that outreach."

The slain singer's family has established the Christina Grimmie Foundation, which provides assistance to families that lose a loved one suddenly.

Cox Media Group