May 21, 2013
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Miriam Shehane never intended to be a crusader. Her daughter's murder changed that.
Shehane and other crime victims will gather in Montgomery on Thursday to observe the 30th anniversary of Victims of Crimes and Leniency. The organization has helped pass laws affecting criminal trials and paroles, and it has helped crime victims understand and navigate the judicial system. Shehane served as the organization's president and executive director for nearly all of its 30 years.
Shehane, now 80, said her drive to help crime victims comes from her desire to make sure her daughter, Quenette, is not forgotten. Her daughter was abducted, raped and killed on Dec. 20, 1976, in Birmingham. Three young men were convicted after seven trials.
