by Bobi
Two dozen people gathered on a windy spring Saturday to remember the bravery of Virginia Guiffre, the horror of what happened to her and others on a breathtakingly beautiful western ranch, and to keep speaking up for justice.
Thanks to Dr. Alisa Christopherson and New Mexico Stronger Together, a vigil on the one-year anniversary of Virginia Giuffre’s death remembered the victims, Virginia’s words, and the failure of justice to yet be served.
As a vigil, this event served as a remembrance. Two dozen mourners, under the eye of the masked watchman from the now-renamed Rancho de San Rafael property, stood in the wind on the public roadside to share stories, offer mementos, and refuse to forget.
Five four-foot tall crosses stand on public land outside the fence of the ranch, the crosses built and raised by the man who puts boxes of shelled peanuts to bring birds to the site.
Many, many small crosses fill in among the larger crosses. Flowers, candles, and stuffed animals are piled beside each one. Written prayers and calls for justice flap in the wind. Tin butterflies and painted tiles.
Designer and Artist Karen Wening created and, together with Linda Flatt, built a memorial piece with the words “Love, Hope, Peace, Justice.” The blue butterfly piece was presented here by Linda Flatt and photographed by Herb Thomas.
Please join New Mexico Stronger Together and us again on Sunday May 17th, 2026 from 2-4pm at 49 Rancho de San Rafael, Stanley, NM. This will be a protest to urge investigations and prosecutions and to remember the victims.
