Loredana Nesci Memorial 5K Honors Domestic Violence Victim

A Meriden native turned reality TV star was remembered Sunday in her hometown. Led by the local police department, they held the second annual Loredana Nesci Memorial 5K in Hubbard Park.

Among the 150 runners were her brothers, nieces, and nephews. Her father, John, cheered from the sideline.

“She was funny, she was loving, she was very very close to the family, she loved people and she was a good mother, and she was everything a father can ask for a child,” Nesci said of his daughter.

The Meriden native, a graduate of UConn and Quinnipiac Law School spent years as a Los Angeles police officer, which is why Nesci’s friends were stunned by her sudden death.

“You think that kind of thing doesn’t happen like this but it can happen to anybody anywhere,” said Captain Pat Gaynor, who has served on the Meriden Police Department with Loredana’s two brothers.

Police said the 47-year-old was stabbed by her boyfriend in their California home in 2014. Robert Reagan has pled not guilty and is awaiting trial.

Nesci herself spent years in the courtroom, as a criminal defense attorney Soon, Hollywood came calling and Nesci got her own reality show focused on her life as a lawyer.

“In life she defended the weak and in death she continues to do that as well,” said her brother Sal Nesci.

Even though Nesci had moved to California in the 90's, her family says people in Connecticut rallied around them in their time of grief.

“We could not have done without the support. So, this was very important to us,” said the elder Nesci.

“Sixteen-months ago we lost my sister to a tragedy, since then there has been thousands and thousands of victims of domestic violence and we really want to reduce those numbers of domestic violence and if we can prevent it, that’s something we’d like to do,” added his son.

Sunday, runners and walkers raised more than $5,000 for Chrysalis Domestic Violence Services, money that will be spent in the community.

“We’re there truly to support the victim and survivor and any children or other family members. We also do have a 24 hour safe house and a transitional housing program for folks who are fleeing and need a place to stay,” said Executive Director Sharlene Kerelejza.

Kerelejza added that the money would also support the organizations 24-hour hotline and court services for victims.

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