Miriam Shehane passed away on Monday afternoon. She was 91 years old.
Shehane became Alabama's crime victims' advocate following the brutal murder of her daughter, Quenette, in 1976. She was a student at Birmingham-Southern College.
Shehane served as a commissioner for the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission for 37 years and was instrumental in its founding in 1984.
Darlene Hutchinson Biehl, an Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commissioner, told 1819 News, "Alabama lost a giant today. Miriam Shehane was the definition of a trailblazer. Her dedication in fighting for the rights of crime victims was unrivaled – in Alabama and nationally."
He added, "I am blessed that Miriam and I crossed paths in 1989, just two years after I had been kidnapped when my life was still in pieces. Over the past 35 years, she inspired me in numerous ways.
"After the brutal 1976 murder of her daughter, Quenette, and a painstaking string of trials to convict the three killers, Miriam and a small group of determined and frustrated crime victims founded the nonprofit group VOCAL in 1982 (Victims of Crime and Leniency)," Biehl said. "They created a network of support to help other victims traveling a similar path, and collectively, they made tremendous inroads changing the state's laws to better balance the scales of justice."
"Over the years, it was a treat traveling with Miriam, crisscrossing the state building VOCAL chapters, and walking the halls of the legislature. We made many memories, shared many laughs, and impacted many lives. Miriam turned anguish into advocacy, and offered enormous comfort to many survivors, while making the criminal justice system -- and its officials -- more sensitive to victims. She was tenacious, compassionate, savvy, indomitable, pioneering, and loving."
Biehl continued, "Miriam received the nation's highest honor given to crime victim advocates from US DOJ's Office for Victims of Crime in 1994. The well-deserved award was presented by President Bill Clinton in the Rose Garden during National Crime Victims Rights Week.
"In June 2022, I was incredibly honored when Governor Ivey appointed me as a Commissioner for the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission – the position Miriam held for 37 years to assist victims with the financial reimbursement of crime-related expenses," Biehl said. "My heart aches for Miriam's daughter Sonya, the grandchildren, extended family and all who loved our dear friend."
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement on social media, "Miriam Shehane was a true force of nature."
"A mother who experienced a devastating loss, she turned pain into passion & tirelessly advocated for crime victims. Because of Miriam, Alabama's crime victims found their voice with VOCAL. Tonight, we mourn her loss, but celebrate her legacy," Marshall said.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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