Religious leaders in Bridgeport are mourning those the city lost to violent crime last year.

Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders gathered on McLevy Green Wednesday to ensure the victims of Bridgeport's 17 homicides in 2019 stay alive in memory.

After a few interfaith opening prayers, the names of each of the victims were read, along with a brief bio about their life and death. Each victim was then given a long moment of silence.

Carolyn Vermont lost her niece, Sujata Lee Edwards, to a stray bullet last February. She says telling the victims' stories is important to bring an end to gun violence.

The mourners say they'll be back next year with hopefully less names to read.

The vigil comes less than two weeks after Bridgeport's first homicide of 2020.