Keeping 33 Year promise.
By Katie Tercek
Published: Dec. 24, 2025 at 4:58 PM EST
MENTOR, Ohio (WOIO) - Nikki Hamilton has kept a promise she made 33 years ago.
Hamilton has been advocating for her best friend, Angel Ormston, since she was murdered in 1992. Angel’s boyfriend, Mark Sotka, killed her at his parents’ home in Mentor.
“I wrote a letter to Angel that I would always come back to fight his paroles and that I would make sure that no one ever forgot her name,” Hamilton said.
Three decades later, Hamilton started a nonprofit in Angel’s honor called “A Promise Kept Foundation.” The organization provides legal help and emotional support to domestic violence victims and their families.
Filling gaps in victim support
Hamilton said she created the organization to address resource shortages in victim services.
“Crime is on the rise. There are just not enough resources in the county and city levels and the state levels to be able to walk through every victim throughout the entire journey. There are parole and court hearings that last for years,” Hamilton said.
The foundation aims to help victims navigate the legal system.
“Nobody asked them to be a victim of a crime. It’s not taught. If you are a victim of a crime, you are not going to know how to navigate the system. You’re going to need help. And we are going to be there to help,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton’s organization operates in Ohio and Florida. Her goal is to expand it nationally.
“In 10 years, I hope that we are supporting many many families,” Hamilton said.
Sotka is up for parole in 2033. Hamilton said she will attend his hearing and ask the parole board to keep him locked up.
Hamilton also started a scholarship in Angel’s name last year. It helps Florida students impacted by domestic violence pay for college.
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