Passionate. Goofy. Loved. These were the words people used to describe Brittney Harris during a vigil Sunday evening in front of the Lesher Student Services Center at Merced College.
A week prior on Aug. 30, Harris, 38, was shot and killed in a Denny’s parking lot in Madera. Her estranged husband, David Moreno, 51, is accused of killing Harris. Moreno pleaded not guilty to murder charges at a court hearing last week. He remains in custody with no bond set, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
Harris’ death has prompted widespread discussions online and among community officials about domestic violence awareness in the San Joaquin Valley.
Harris graduated from Merced College’s nurse assistant program, ABC30 previously reported. She was working toward becoming a registered nurse.
At the vigil on the Merced College campus, pink and white roses laid on a bench above an arrangement of lit candles. Family members formed an arc around this bench – facing more than 20 community members who showed up in support.
Playing from a speaker, the sound of music filled an otherwise empty campus. The songs included “Faithfully” by Journey and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston. The music paused briefly while loved ones shared memories with the crowd.
“From what I see, she was really loved, and there was more of the world outside than just her kids, and she left an impact on really everybody that she spoke with,” said her daughter, Audrina Moreno. She held the microphone out for others to speak.
Rex Archer, spoke about his sister’s grit before she died.
“She finally started making some good choices in her life, and she was seeing progress, and I’m very proud of her. And it’s unfortunate that her time was cut short,” Archer said.
Diana Archer prayed for the group before thanking Harris for loving her as her sister-in-law.
“You know what I would want to see come out of this? I would want to see that our country begins to construct legislation that will protect women or men who are subjected to domestic violence,” Archer said.
Moreno returned to the front of the crowd, and shared some words to remember about her mom. Although she obtained a high school diploma later in life, Moreno recalled, her mother never gave up.
“Just remember that it’s never too late to do and accomplish your goals in life, and to chase them, no matter what you have going on, no matter the toughest times, and no matter when you think that you won’t be able to get out of them. You will,” Moreno said. “I hope that everybody takes my mom, Brittney, as an example to just keep going. Your life won’t end like hers. You’ll keep going, no matter what.”
Brandon Johnson, a family friend and coach to Moreno, placed his arm around Moreno’s shoulder and spoke next.
“I’m here for y’all. No matter what, I show up. If you need to sit, talk, cry, (be) angry, I’m right here in prayer. I’ll never leave y’all side,” Johnson said.
Moreno offered a closing message to the group.
“My mom’s biggest thing she always told me, ‘Don’t cry. Everything’s going to be OK. Go to bed. Be OK.’ So if you guys hear music, feel free to dance and smile and laugh because that’s what she wanted,” Moreno said.
Community members lingered in candlelight surrounding the vigil display, and the music resumed.
Resources available for domestic violence survivors
For all immediate emergencies, call 911.
Valley Crisis Center 24 Hour Hotline: 209-722-4357, info@alliance4you.org
UC Merced Campus, Advocacy, Resources and Education Office (CARE): 209-228-4717, ucmcare@ucmerced.edu
Merced College Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Program (RSVP): 209-384-6146, carissa.hansford@mccd.edu
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN): 800-656-4673, or chat with an advocate at RAINN.org/hotline
