GOSHEN – Megan McDonald’s family will not attend Tuesday night’s Orange County Crime Victims’ Vigil at the Orange County Government Center in Goshen in protest of District Attorney David Hoovler serving as emcee.
The McDonald family has also asked that Megan’s name be removed from the roll call of victims at the annual event. Her family earlier this month wrote letters to County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Sheriff Paul Arteta and Probation Director Timothy Davidian, asking to find another master of ceremonies for the vigil.
“The decision to permit David Hoovler to emcee the vigil is a clear error of judgment by the organizers of the event and speaks more about political alliances in Orange County than it does about true victims of crime there,” said John Beatty, an attorney who represents the McDonald family. “It appears now more than ever, that David Hoovler is incapable of recusing himself where appropriate and necessary.”
Hoovler intends on participating in the vigil.
“Every year for the last decade, I have proudly stood in solidarity with other government and law enforcement officials, service providers, and community members to honor all crime victims and surviving families,” Hoovler said. “As Orange County’s top law enforcement officer, it’s not only my obligation, but my privilege. Everyone in my office strives every day to prevent people from being victimized, to protect them after they are victimized, and to assist, however we can in getting them the right compensation and services. Showing support through this vigil is one small but important part of that commitment.”
The Crime Victims vigil begins at 6 p.m. and coincides with National Crime Victims’ Week. The event is open to the public.
