2009 Junny Award
Credit: CAN | ©Child AbuseWatch
On Saturday, November 21, 2009 there was a celebration in a park in Cocoa, Florida. A celebration of remembrance for a local boy whose life was taken on an April day in 1991. The park was named after that child; Junny Rios-Martinez Park.
Junny Rios-Martinez Jr., (11) was abducted, raped and murdered by Mark Schwab in April 1991, a convicted child rapist, who had been released from prison (early) some 6 weeks before. Schwab was subsequently executed for the offense by the State of Florida on July 1, 2008, 17 years and three months after the crime.
The case led to the passage of the Junny Rios-Martinez, Jr., Act of 1992, which prohibits those convicted of sexual battery from receiving early release from prison in the state of Florida. A link to a case file (an appeal) is at the end of this article, that tells the story fully. Junny's is no isolated incident. It happens all over this country on a near-daily basis. And it will continue while good people do nothing. A small determined few however do take a stand to help protect our children.
Much time has passed since Junny played in this park which was a sand lot when he lived here. The park is still full of children, on this festive, sunny, warm, Saturday. Boisterous children; singing, dancing, playing. The sheriff's office was attended along with their dutiful K-9's. Children were fingerprinted and photographed as a service for parents, while an abundance of food and beverages were served.
Junny's parents, Vicki and Junny Sr., were central to this event both well known for their tireless child-protection efforts. Time may have dulled the pain of their loss but it is still very much present. Pictures of their son were placed on a table in the center of the event depicting a handsome child full of the joys of life. A boy and his kite.
Junny Rios-Martinez Jr., (11) was abducted, raped and murdered by Mark Schwab in April 1991, a convicted child rapist, who had been released from prison (early) some 6 weeks before. Schwab was subsequently executed for the offense by the State of Florida on July 1, 2008, 17 years and three months after the crime.
The case led to the passage of the Junny Rios-Martinez, Jr., Act of 1992, which prohibits those convicted of sexual battery from receiving early release from prison in the state of Florida. A link to a case file (an appeal) is at the end of this article, that tells the story fully. Junny's is no isolated incident. It happens all over this country on a near-daily basis. And it will continue while good people do nothing. A small determined few however do take a stand to help protect our children.
Much time has passed since Junny played in this park which was a sand lot when he lived here. The park is still full of children, on this festive, sunny, warm, Saturday. Boisterous children; singing, dancing, playing. The sheriff's office was attended along with their dutiful K-9's. Children were fingerprinted and photographed as a service for parents, while an abundance of food and beverages were served.
Junny's parents, Vicki and Junny Sr., were central to this event both well known for their tireless child-protection efforts. Time may have dulled the pain of their loss but it is still very much present. Pictures of their son were placed on a table in the center of the event depicting a handsome child full of the joys of life. A boy and his kite.
Comments
Junny, reminds me of the latest with McNeill and Shaniya. McNeill has that rap sheet, was on probation when Shaniya was murdered. Terrible indeed what happened to Junny. Nice to know that a park was named after them. Very nice to know. Thank you Evin. What a touching story.
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