Fayette County Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Larson honored what he called 'citizen crime fighters' at his seventh annual 'Second Class Citizen' Luncheon on Monday.
A handful of citizens were honored for their roles in helping solve some of Lexington's worse crimes. Many of the honorees were witnesses who gave police valuable information that later led to convictions.
Three women, Susan Whitney, Marcie York and Laura Hall were among those honored. They helped tip off police after their co-worker Umi Southworth went missing on her last day at work. The three went to Umi's home and confronted her husband Donald Southworth about her disappearance. Later that day Umi was found out back nearly beaten to death. She later died at the hospital. Donald Southworth was tried and convicted in her murder. He's currently serving life in prison.
The "Second Class Citizen" Luncheon is normally held every year to honor the crime victims, who, according to Larson, are treated like "second class citizens" in the Criminal Justice System.
