‘I can’t even get into the spirit’: Families of homicide victims in KCMO cope with loss during holidays

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In 2022, there have been 167 in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, in keeping with the most recent information saved by the town’s police division.

The quantity marks the second deadliest yr in KCMO’s historical past as the top of yr approaches.

A type of victims was Myana Henderson, who was 21 when she was killed again in August at a gasoline station.

Her mom, Daybreak Kopecky, says she is having a tough time with out her daughter this vacation season.

“I can’t even get into the spirit with out her,” Kopecky stated.

For the primary time, Kopecky can be holding on to the reminiscences of Henderson.

“Thats the factor about it, there can be no extra (of) what we had along with her for 21 years,” Kopecky stated. “That is all, theres no extra Myana, simply reminiscences.”

The vacations are a time of yr which might be sometimes blissful for Kopecky and her household, however she says this yr will probably be quiet with out Henderson’s smile and character.

Kopecky stated she’s had hassle placing up decorations or ornaments on her Christmas tree, as they sit in Henderson’s previous room.

“It’s empty, it’s heartbreaking,” Kopecky stated.

Kopecky stated it is exhausting to think about Henderson is a part of the 167 folks killed in KCMO thus far this yr.

That realization is one thing Rosilyn Temple, with KC Moms in Cost, says says will be exhausting for households who misplaced a cherished one to murder

“That one particular person, what that one particular person’s life meant to your loved ones, or that seat and that plate on the desk goes to be empty,” Temple stated.

As Kopecky tries to know the truth that her daughter won’t be dwelling for the vacations, she’s hoping the assist of household and reminiscences of Henderson will deliver her energy.

“I can use all of the prayers anyone may give me as a result of I would like it,” Kopecky stated. “I’m not going to get something from her, I’m not going to have the ability to hug her, I’m not going to have the ability to see her face once I purchase her one thing, it’s simply completely completely different.”

On Wednesday, KC Moms in Cost, together with the Gathering Baptist Church, can be holding a prayer service and memorial to honor the lives misplaced in KCMO this yr.

The service begins at 7 p.m on the church which is situated at 4505 S Noland Street in Independence.

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