Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, April 21, 2018

SECTION B

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018

AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

JUSTICE FOR HOMICIDE VICTIMS’ 34TH MEMORIAL AND A BRAVE MOTHER’S MISSION


By Joan Schmidt

Recently Bob and I met the bravest woman in the world, 
Ana Estevez, who suffered horrific pain- the death of her 
beloved son, Piqui at the hands of his father. What was so 
upsetting and mind-boggling was this tragedy DIDN’T 
have to happen. There were so many red flags, ignored 
by social services and judges.

 Ana began telling us it’s so difficult just to get out of 
bed and get started, but felt “deeply honored to be here”, 
and had the “most heartfelt thank you to Chief Johnson, 
and Detectives Boisvert and Aguilera who brought my 
boy home”. 

 In 2006, Ana thought she met the man of her dreams, 
Aramazd Andressian; they dated and were married 
eight years and seven months. Half of that time she 
was praying for a child and suffered five miscarriages. 
On February 19, 2012, her son Piqui was born and she 
had such a sense of love and joy. On April 21, 1917, her 
nightmare began. Her ex-husband suffocated their son 
who was 5 years, 2 months and 2 days old. 

 Ana said “Motherhood is the greatest blessing 
bestowed on a person. My son was my world…a gifted 
child. By four, he could add and subtract, recognize 
letters of the alphabet. He was passionate about baking; 
on holidays, baked and decorated cupcakes…he had a 
vivid imagination…liked role playing…had his own 
puppet show, so full of love and brought joy to all who 
knew him.”

 On Piqui’s 4th birthday, Ana told her husband she 
wanted a divorce. She and her son had suffered. Piqui 
would return with bruises after weekends with his father 
and had been threatened. These were reported, but 
nothing done. Piqui described the abuse but Ana was 
told, “it wasn’t enough to change custody”. (Ana and 
Piqui’s father had shared custody) Also in December 
2016, a family judge was given evidence of horrible 
behavior but denied a custody change. On April 12-13, 
in court, a judge was told Piqui was afraid of his father, 
but once again, evidence ignored and his father still had 
joint custody. Eight days later Piqui was dead.

 There was not a dry eye during Ana’s story. She now is 
part of Justice for Homicide Victims and her mission is 
to help others; Piqui would want this.

 Yesterday was the 34th Memorial, and it was so 
beautiful, but heart-wrenching. Jane Bouffard, President 
of Homicide Victims Memorial Foundation and 
husband Bill, President, Justice for Homicide Victims 
(JHV) welcomed us. In addition to Ana, Rose Madsen 
spoke about surviving her daughter’s murder. Two 
awesome kids spoke, Joseph, 12 yrs., Nathalia, 9; they are 
a part of for JHV family and help at various functions. 
Both lost their fathers at an early age. 

 Also attending were LaWanda Hawkins, who 
founded Justice for Murder Children. (Her son Reginald 
was murdered.) Former Sheriff Lee Baca came, and 
many survivors sought him after the Memorial. Many 
survivors will speak of his great compassion and support. 
Baca held the 1st Crime Victims Summit in 2013; there 
I met Marsella Leach, one of JHV’s founders, and the 
late Mickey’s Thompson’s sister Colleen. It was a great 
honor to meet Alex Dunne, son of Ellen, other JHV 
founder. Past Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann and Corey 
Lutz attended.

 The Children’s International Choir performed, 
doves and balloons with special messages were 
released. Survivors lit a candle for loved ones and said 
their name. Truly a beautiful Memorial. Please visit 
justiceforhomicidevictims.com


ROCKIN’ ROLLERS IS SEEKING ROCKIN’ MOMS 
FOR MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST 

(Sierra Madre) - To announce the launch of it’s 
new Rockstar Makeover Photo Sessions Rockin’ 
Rollers is hosting a contest for local moms. Do you 
know a mom who is awesome? Does she volunteer 
in the community? Is she fighting a battle and 
still caring for her family? Does she put everyone 
before herself? Rockin’ Rollers wants to know if 
she deserves to look like a rockstar! 

 Rockin’ Rollers will be giving away a Rockstar 
Makeover Session to One Rockin’ Mom. Anyone 
can enter - one mom will win. Nominate your 
mom, nominate a friend, nominate yourself. 
All you have to do is send 3-5 sentences to 
rockinmomscontest@gmail.com and tell us why 
this mom deserves a makeover. All entries must be 
received by May 7, 2018. The winner will be chosen 
on May, 13, 2018 and announced at Rockin’ Rollers 
Open Mic. 

 One Rockin’ Mom will be treated to a salon 
styling (including hair/makeup) and a 2 hour 
rockstar photo session with Paula Morris (music 
instruments provided by Rockin’ Rollers). (Photo 
session includes 2 matted 5x7 prints and respective 
digitals of the favorite 2 photos.) Contest winner 
must reside in Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Pasadena, 
Monrovia, Duarte, Altadena, Temple City, South 
Pasadena or San Marino. 

 About Rockin Rollers ROCKIN’ ROLLERS 
began with the vision of married couple Joe Normal 
& Gigi Hutchinson to combine their two passions, 
MUSIC ENRICHMENT, and HAIRDRESSING 
in a creative atmosphere that brings together 
Music and Image. Whether you come for Music 
Lessons or for a Hair Service, you’ll be pleasantly 
surprised how these two worlds COLLIDE to bring 
enjoyment, enrichment, and well-being to our 
clients and community. 

 Available to ALL AGES , we provide a creative 
atmosphere for music exploration and artistic 
discovery. CONVENIENTLY LOCATED 
IN SIERRA MADRE VILLAGE & ARTISTS 
DISTRICT

Jan Greteman626.975.4033Jan@JanGreteman.comJanGreteman.com#01943630Judy Webb-Martin626.688.2273Judy.Webb-Martin@podley.com#00541631 
Katie Orth626.688.0418 
KatieO@podley.com#00942500 
Let Us Make Our Town, Your Town.
Kersting Court30 N. Baldwin AvenueSierra Madre 91024THE WEBB-MARTIN GROUP
What Makes A Legend?
Combined Team Stats:
• 85 Years’ Experience• 1000+ Transactions• 108 Years as Sierra Madre Residents
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com