Call for change: Group in Jacksonville holds vigil for Vanessa Guillen

A group in Jacksonville held a vigil for Vanessa Guillen, a U.S. Army soldier based at Hort hood, Texas -- who was found dead after being missing for more than two months.

A picture of Vanessa Guillen, a bouquet of flowers, speakers and dozens of city residents with their masks on gathered near Memorial Park in Riverside to call for change.

Andrea Reyes is an immigration attorney in Jacksonville and president of the Northeast Florida Immigrant Resource Alliance.

“Because of the coronavirus situation we wanted to do this a little bit sooner, just logistically had not been able to,” said Reyes. We just want to be able to share a message, especially in our Hispanic community that we are here. We are listening, and this is a safe platform to speak up,” she added.

20-year-old Vanessa Guillen's case gained national attention after she vanished in April.

Police say the search ended when her remains were found last month buried in a shallow grave.

According to police the soldier they identified as a suspect in her disappearance, Aaron Robinson, killed himself after they confronted him.

Reyes says now is the time to speak up.

“Now is not the time to be silent, silence is no longer an option for victims of racism for victims of sexual assault,” said Reyes.

Organizers say they hope the vigil spreads a positive message of love even though the circumstances.

Cox Media Group