'This is our city' | Linkin' Bridge members among the mourning at Louisville's Night of Remembrance | Local News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- 150 candles were laid down Friday night to represent Louisville's 150 homicide victims in 2023.

One of the first victims of the past year was Jeremiah Buckner. He's also known as Ekoe, and a founding member of the local singing group, Linkin' Bridge.

His remaining band members took the stage Friday night in his memory at the annual Night of Remembrance at Louisville's Bates Memorial Baptist Church in the Smoketown Jackson neighborhood.

"Somebody murdered Ekoe, and we still don't know who did it," Montre Davis, from Linkin Bridge, said.

Even after Ekoe was killed, more than 140 other people were victims of violence over the next 11 months.

"This is our city," James Crawford, from Linkin Bridge, said. "This is where we grew up at."

That list of victims includes Nachand Trabue's son, who was shot and killed in July at this own home. As she spoke passionately, she pleaded for better communication from LMPD investigators who are still looking into his case.

"We need each other," Trabue said. "We cannot fight this alone."

Leaders from Metro Hall and houses of worship pleaded for more unity and an end to the pain.

Pastor Alvena Tunstill-Smith lost her brother years ago and spoke about how his death impacted her family.

"Don't tear yourself down on what you could've done, and you should've done," Tunstill-Smith said.

For those who have lost a child, she's reminding grieving parents to focus on the others that remain at home.

"Help them get right, that's what we need to do," Tunstill-Smith said.

Linkin' Bridge is back in the studio working on future releases, and will continue on in memory of Ekoe.

"That's what he would want us to do," Crawford said.

Crawford said they will continue doing what they do best, to let their harmonies raise spirits in hopes that others will take their message to create a more loving Louisville.

"We just gotta keep fighting, and hope for the best, and pray," Crawford said. "We gotta put God first. That's what I believe in."