The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Victim Services Unit hosted the tree dedication, creating a place for families to return and honor loved ones. Among those remembered was Journei Ross, who was 3 when she was killed in March 2025.

Ross’s mother, Phalan Whitson, traveled from Florida to attend. She recalled her daughter as a spirited child who shared her love of music.

“She’s literally everything I prayed for in a child,” Whitson said. “It was just nice to finally have a best friend.”

Whitson moved to Orlando after her daughter’s death. She said coming back for the remembrance was important to her.

Metro Deputy Chief Branden Clarkson said the department had recorded 21 domestic violence-related homicides so far in 2026, compared with 16 by the same point last year. He said officers work with victim advocates and nonprofit organizations to connect people with services and follow up to ask whether they are getting the support they need.

Ruby Blair, of Metro’s Victim Services Unit, said financial worries, responsibilities for children and pets, and fear of family shame can make it difficult for people experiencing abuse to seek help. The unit assesses needs, assists with safety planning and connects people with community organizations. It also helps families find counseling after a death.

Support can remain important long after an incident, Blair said, as grief may continue for days, weeks or months. The memorial tree and plaque are intended to offer families a lasting place to remember those they lost.

For Whitson, grief can surface without warning. She said she finds comfort in feeling that her daughter remains close to her.

“I gotta keep strong and I gotta keep living for her,” she said.

People experiencing domestic violence can call or text SafeNest’s 24-hour hotline at 702-646-4981 for safety planning, shelter and other resources. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.