This month, we are honored to host our inaugural Silent Witness Project, a powerful exhibit dedicated to:
- Remembering those who have lost their lives in acts of domestic violence;
- Raising awareness about the extent of domestic violence in our communities;
- Advocating for and connecting people with local resources aimed at supporting victims of domestic violence; and
- Encouraging community and legislative action to address and end domestic violence.
The Silent Witness Project began in 1990, hosting community-based exhibits to make visible the tragic results of domestic violence, educate people about its prevalence, and advocate for an end to domestic violence. Today, the Project has become an international force with displays across all 50 states and 23 countries.
Our Silent Witness Silhouettes are life-sized, retractable silhouette displays representing the story of a victim who has lost their life to sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, or stalking. The individuals were members of our San Antonio community and someone’s family, friend, or co-worker.
We will begin our inaugural event with the stories of five victims. The Silent Witness display will travel around campus and be available for any group or organization interested in presenting a public program addressing the anti-domestic violence movement.
Together, we can raise our voices to honor the memories of those we have lost their lives to domestic or family violence and fight to end such violence in our community.
- Allison Cevallos and her unborn child were murdered on or about the morning of October 20, 2023, by Allison’s boyfriend, Michael Palafos. Palafos was convicted of the murder and sentenced to 50 years in prison.
- Kathleen Lipscomb was found dead on June 9, 1986. Kathleen’s murder went unsolved for three years until law enforcement charged her husband, William Lipscomb, with Kathleen’s murder in 1989. In 1990, Lipscomb was sentenced to life in prison.
- Christopher Jones was killed in 2020 by his girlfriend, Mary Diaz. Diaz is currently serving a 25 year sentence for the murder of Christopher.
- Terry Lee Etzel was murdered in his home by his spouse, Stacie Voigt Etzel, in 2011. Voigt Etzel is currently serving concurrent 10 year and 20 year sentences for tampering with evidence and for the murder of Terry.
- Domenic Aguilar-Acevedo was killed in July 2021 at the young age of 5, by Daniel Garcia, the boyfriend of his mother, Nickolle Aguilar. Garcia and Aguilar have been convicted in Domenic’s murder with Aguilar sentenced to 15 years for her role in the crime and Garcia sentenced to life in prison.