Butterfly release memorializes late Yanulavich

Luca Gross, The Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
·2 min read

SUSPECT SOUGHT: Monique Yanulavich died 2 years ago; search for Larry M. Hicks continues

PLATTSBURGH — More than 60 butterflies were released in Trinity Park on July 14 to memorialize Monique Yanulavich on the two-year anniversary of her murder in July 2022.

Yanulavich was found deceased in her vehicle in the parking lot of Champlain National Bank on Route 3 in Plattsburgh around 5:45 p.m. July 14, 2022.

An autopsy was performed on Yanulavich by Forensic Pathologist Doctor Michael Sikirica at Glens Falls Hospital. The cause of death was determined to be multiple stab wounds and the manner of death was ruled a homicide, police said.

POLICE SEEKING SUSPECT

A multi-agency investigation led by the State Police determined that Larry M. Hicks was responsible for the murder of Yanulavich.

Based on evidence, State Police determined that Hicks fled New York.

Hicks is a white male, 6’7” in height, weighs approximately 300 pounds, has blue eyes, and brown and gray hair, police said.

State Police continue to actively search for Hicks, and continue to ask the public for assistance regarding the whereabouts of him.

If anyone has information, they are asked to contact the New York State Police at 518-563-3761.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Two years later, STOP Domestic and Sexual Violence, a Behavioral Health Services North program, hosted the butterfly release to honor both Yanulavich’s memory and that of all victims who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

“We do this to remember her name, and those lost to domestic violence,” Reece Sharron, Children Service Coordinator and in-person support advocate, said.

This event was organized by STOP Domestic and Sexual Violence and several local organizations participated offering information and resources.

STOP Domestic & Sexual Violence is a state-certified program focused on assisting victims of domestic and sexual violence, educating the community, and building community collaborations to create safer communities.

According to Sharron, STOP chose butterflies to memorialize Yanulavich, and others, because she loved them and her family knows its her when they see butterflies.

“The butterflies symbolize change and transition,” she said.

RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS

Alongside honoring Yanulavich, STOP’s goal with this event was to raise awareness, for those lost, those suffering, and to raise awareness of the resources offered by STOP and other local organizations and programs.

“We have been seeing an increase in deadly domestic violence,” Sharron said.

“We want to get the community more aware that there are resources. Some people might not feel comfortable or safe looking for these resources, so we want to get that out there.”

The STOP program offers safe housing, assistance with orders of protection and more, several new programs are in the works to increase awareness and resources offered.

A vigil for Yanulavich will be held in October; a date, time and location has yet to be set.

For more information visit https://bhsn.org/social-services/stopdvappointment/.