Grieving families gather in Hanford in hope of changing California Proposition 57

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dozens of mothers gathered outside the Kings County Superior Courthouse in Hanford on Monday. They have all lost a loved one in crimes that involved a juvenile.

"You can honestly feel the emotion behind you," Stephanie Tellez said. "There's an energy. It's a sad energy, but I think we all have that commonality that we are fighting. We are not going to let this ride out the way it has been."

Grieving mothers say their goal is to pressure lawmakers to change California Proposition 57.

"I feel with us being together as one voice together for our families that we can make a change, we will make a change, we will get justice for our families," Susan Grote said.

Proposition 57 was a ballot measure approved by California voters in 2016. Proponents argue it increases public safety through rehabilitation and saves taxpayer money by reducing the prison population.

Kings County District Attorney Sarah Hacker says Prop 57 has made it more difficult for DAs to charge juveniles who commit violent crimes as adults.

Additionally, laws exist to keep juvenile files private.

"So the public will see these horrible events, but they will not know what the outcome is. That also needs to change. We need more transparency in juvenile court because our community sees the violence, and they also need to see the consequences," Hacker said.

While dozens showed up in support of change outside the courthouse, the mother of a young victim was inside facing the teen accused of taking her son's life.

"You try to live with the pain every day, and the reality is that it's never going to get better. It's been a rollercoaster ride to know that I am not going to get justice," Julia Sanchez said. "These mothers didn't get justice. It's very stressful -- very disappointed in the laws, and I haven't even grieved the correct way."

RELATED: Mother of teen killed at Hanford Mall fears a state law could 'rob' them of justice

Families are doing what they can to ensure their loved ones didn't die in vain.

"It makes me feel like there is some type of hope in humanity because I did feel alone at some point and now that others are speaking, it gives me hope," Samantha Bautista said.

Families say they will continue fighting for justice and for their loved ones who were taken too soon.

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