Victim Witness Advocate Provides Critical Support to Families Navigating Tragedy

Alexa Leduc helps guide victims and their loved ones through the legal system after acts of violence and crime.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:38pm

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Alexa Leduc, a 26-year-old victim witness advocate at the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, plays a vital role in providing information, resources, and emotional support to families affected by homicide and other violent crimes. Her job requires responding to emergencies at all hours and guiding up to 20 families at a time through the unimaginable aftermath of tragedy.

Why it matters

Victim witness advocates like Leduc serve as a critical bridge between law enforcement, the legal system, and the families impacted by violent crimes. They help ensure that victims and their loved ones receive the assistance and guidance they need to navigate the complex and often overwhelming judicial process during the most difficult times in their lives.

The details

Leduc, who studied emergency and disaster management in college, previously worked for FEMA before transitioning to victim advocacy, a role she felt was better suited to her passion for directly helping people in crisis. In her current position, Leduc responds to emergencies at all hours, meeting with families to provide information, resources, and emotional support as they grapple with the aftermath of losing a loved one or experiencing a violent crime. She often works with up to 20 families at a time, guiding them through the legal system and ensuring their voices are heard.

  • Leduc has been a victim witness advocate at the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office for nearly four years.
  • In 1995, the defendant in the Commonwealth v. John Evans case, who shot and killed Lyle Jackson, was recently released from his life sentence to live out the rest of his cancer-stricken years at home, over a year after being given just 5 months to live.

The players

Alexa Leduc

A 26-year-old victim witness advocate at the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office who has been in the role for nearly four years, responding to emergencies and guiding families through the aftermath of tragedy.

John Evans

The defendant in the Commonwealth v. John Evans case, who shot and killed Lyle Jackson in 1995 and was recently released from his life sentence to live out the rest of his cancer-stricken years at home, over a year after being given just 5 months to live.

Lyle Jackson

The victim who was shot and killed by John Evans in 1995.

Lyle Jackson Jr.

The son of Lyle Jackson, who runs a basketball nonprofit in honor of his father and works with kids every day.

Ms. Jackson

Lyle Jackson's 82-year-old mother, who is still seeking closure and constantly reminded that the defendant is still alive while her son is not.

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What they’re saying

“The cases that stick with me are usually the most horrific, unwarranted acts of violence. The one that means the most to me is Commonwealth v. John Evans. Evans shot two people, Lyle Jackson and a woman, outside of a bar in 1995. Ms. Jackson, Lyle's mother, is 82 now. The defendant was released from his life sentence so that he could live out the rest of his cancer years at home. He was given five months to live, but it's been over a year and he's still out with his family. Lyle's son, Lyle Jr., has grown into an amazing man. He runs a basketball nonprofit in honor of his dad and works with kids every day. The family is just so loving, and I talk to Ms. Jackson every week. They are without closure, and constantly reminded that the defendant is still alive and Lyle is not.”

— Alexa Leduc, Victim Witness Advocate

“Having strong relationships with people in your office is important. I wouldn't be able to live my life at home without bouncing my thoughts off my friends both here and at past jobs. It's hard to think about yourself when your job is to help people navigate difficult situations. It can be tough to flip the switch and realize, 'Wait a minute. I'm feeling sick. I need to take care of myself.' But then you remember, 'I have court tomorrow, and they need someone there, whether it's a trial or an arraignment today.' I hate to say this, but I would feel guilty taking a sick day. I definitely struggle to put myself first.”

— Alexa Leduc, Victim Witness Advocate

What’s next

The defendant, Anthony Chester, who is accused of shooting and killing Earnest Sims Jr. after Earnest confronted him for snooping around a neighbor's bike, is still on the run. Boston police officials say he was identified through facial recognition and they suspect he is overseas, but the case is still active and they are close to catching him.

The takeaway

Victim witness advocates like Alexa Leduc play a vital yet often unsung role in supporting families navigating the legal system after experiencing unimaginable tragedy. Their work, while emotionally taxing, provides a critical lifeline to victims and their loved ones, ensuring they receive the information, resources, and emotional support they need during the most difficult times.