Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse shared their harrowing stories of perseverance.

Heather Fordham

Apr 26, 2024, 2:24 AM

Updated 172 days ago

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Lit candles and solemn faces lined the Bronx Zoo’s Schiff Hall on Thursday night as community members and local leaders held a tribute to those who survived and those who died from some of the Bronx’s most high-profile crimes.
Survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse shared their harrowing stories of perseverance.
“I literally lost consciousness and thought I was going to die,” said domestic violence survivor Josabeth Rosario, who was almost killed by her ex-husband. “I prayed in my head, because I couldn't speak or yell in that moment, and I prayed for God to save me, and here I am.”
Families filled the seats for the losses of their loved ones. Zoila Dominci and Otoniel Feliz were present to mourn the loss of their 1-year-old son Nicholas, who died after being exposed to fentanyl at his day care last September.
“The feelings at home are still the same like this happened today, it's not easy for the family,” said Feliz. “Sharing with families going through the same situation or similar situation like us, it's helpful because we can meet families in pain too."
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark says that the tribute helped show these grieving families that the community supports them and that they are never alone.