Director’s Corner — Honoring a Legacy, Upholding Justice

March has been a month of purpose, progress, and powerful reminders of why our work matters.

We also took time during International Women’s Day to reflect on the extraordinary legacy of our founder, Roberta Roper. In the face of unimaginable loss, she transformed grief into action, helping to reshape how the justice system recognizes and respects the rights of crime victims. Her leadership and determination laid the foundation for MCVRC’s work, and her impact continues to be felt not only in Maryland, but across the nation.

This month also brought an important legal victory that affirms the enduring power of accountability. The court denied Jerry Beatty’s request for a sentence reduction in the murder of Stephanie Roper, recognizing the brutal nature of the crime and the continuing need for justice. Beatty, convicted in the 1982 rape and murder of 22-year-old college student Stephanie Roper, sought relief under Maryland’s Juvenile Restoration Act. The court’s decision confirms what victims’ families and advocates have long known: justice must remain grounded in the full weight and reality of the harm caused. We are deeply grateful to all who worked tirelessly on this case and to the court for recognizing the lasting impact of this tragedy.

It was a great month filled with progress, purpose, and renewed commitment to the work ahead. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to advocate for justice, healing, and lasting change.

MCVRC Employee of the Month Award "Journey to Justice"-- a monthly recognition to celebrate team members who go above and beyond in their role. This initiative is designed to foster a culture of appreciation, collaboration, and excellence across all departments.

Congratulations to our March awardee: Brayan Blandin🎉

Brayan was nominated by Pauline M., our February Journey to Justice recipient, for his outstanding work on the legislative committee. His efforts in organizing and supporting MCVRC speakers on key bills, as well as diligently tracking bill dates and committee hearings each day, have been truly exceptional.

We’re less than ONE MONTH away and we can’t wait to see you there! 💜

Join us for our 5th Annual Walk & Resource Fair on April 18, 2026 at 8:00 A.M.

This event is all about coming together as a community to honor, remember, and support. Whether you’re walking for yourself, a loved one, or simply to stand in solidarity, there’s a place for you here.

Choose the route that works best for you:

• 3.1-mile walk
• 1-mile walk
• Onsite art therapy (for those who are unable to walk)

Make your impact even more meaningful!
Earn a custom tribute sign in memory or in honor of your loved one by raising $250 by April 7.

Even more special-- your sign will also be displayed at our Ceremony of Remembrance on October 3, 2026.

There’s so much to experience beyond the walk:

• Connect with incredible local resources
• Meet and engage with community partners
• Leave a message or tribute on our Memory Wall

This event is a powerful part of our victim-centered programs, bringing hope, healing, and support to those who need it most. When you participate or sponsor, you’re making a real difference.

Want to get involved as a sponsor or partner?
Reach out to SSannaBuckles@mdcrimevictims.org

Let’s show up, walk together, and make this our most impactful year yet! 💜

Tune in here: HERE.

Frostburg State University is featuring several works of art by Stephanie Ann Roper. Please join us for the Opening Reception for Retrospective!

Several pieces of Stephanie's work, selected by Roberta Roper, will be on display in the gallery named in Stephanie's memory. If you plan on attending, please click here to RSVP - https://give.frostburg.edu/events/reception-retrospective/?a=12324943

We look forward to seeing you there! In the link above, you can find more detailed info.
*Please note this is a free event*

Our monthly homicide survivors' support group meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month. The next meeting will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026. 

It is held in a hybrid format, both virtually and in person at the Upper Marlboro Office (1001 Prince George’s Blvd, Suite 750, Upper Marlboro, MD).

The Support Group is a safe place for friends and family members of victims of homicide to meet, discuss, and support each other. All participants need to call us and request a referral to the homicide support group only (if you prefer individual counseling, we offer that too). 

Spanish Speaking Support Group will be held the first Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will take place Wednesday, April 1. These are held virtually only.

Individual Counseling is also available for individuals that prefer one on one sessions. Services are available virtually and in person. It may take 1-2 weeks to be seen with an in- person counselor depending on client’s needs and location. Virtual counseling is available within a week.

You can reach MCVRC at 877-VICTIM1 for scheduling and more information. 

*Limited spots open* Reserve your spot now! Click here to reserve your spot.

For information on Common Grounds and the work that they do, click here.

Our Annual Ceremony of Remembrance is an event to honor the lives of those taken by criminal violence. The Garden of Remembrance is a sacred space– a place for healing, reflection, and remembrance.

During the ceremony, we gather to honor the memory of our loved ones and stand in support of one another.

To help preserve these memories, we invite you to purchase a personalized memorial brick, which will be placed in the Garden. The cost to purchase a brick is $100. Click HERE to order your brick. Deadline is July 15, 2025

Families and Friends who have purchased a brick are welcome to visit the courthouse anytime throughout the year.

Each day we find motivation to continue to be a voice for those who need one.

These are a small fraction of the faces that motivate us. Their names and photos are taken from our Ceremony of Remembrance event slideshow. Each Wednesday, we share a life taken on that date and we celebrate them to remind us that crime is not victimless. These people are real, and their families miss them. These faces are "why we fight."

This work is only possible because of supporters like you. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help us continue showing up for victims across Maryland.

MCVRC is a non-profit organization funded by government and community grants, and generous contributions from former clients and the public who believe in our cause.