Woman Turns Tragedy into Support for Domestic Violence Victims

More than 30 years ago, 17-year-old Angel Ormston was killed by her boyfriend, Mark Sotka, at his parents’ home in Mentor. Her body was later found in a ditch near Lake Erie Bluffs Metropark in Perry. The crime devastated her family and friends, including Nikki Hamilton, who made a lifelong commitment to advocating for domestic violence victims.

Over the years, Hamilton has actively fought against Sotka’s parole. In 2013, she successfully opposed his release, securing a 10-year extension. In 2023, she once again petitioned against his parole, and authorities upheld their decision, keeping him behind bars for another decade.

Now living in Florida with her two sons, Hamilton continues to honor Angel’s memory. In 2024, she took a job with The George Snow Scholarship Fund in Boca Raton, where she was inspired to create the Angel Ormston Memorial Scholarship. This initiative provides financial assistance to Palm Beach County high school students affected by domestic violence, as well as those pursuing careers in criminal justice or law.

By supporting this scholarship, donors can help students who exemplify Angel’s strength, resilience, and kindness while raising awareness about the lasting impact of domestic violence. Hamilton hopes that through education and advocacy, young people will understand that there are alternatives to violence—choices that could prevent tragedies like the one that changed her community forever.

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