Southern Phoenix families hold Vigil, Community meeting for victims of weapon violence

Families seeking justice, from just a few weeks to many decades, met in South Phoenix on Wednesday night to combat violence in their neighborhoods.

People have packed the missionary Baptist Church on Broadway to create a dialogue between victims of violence, Phoenix Police Department, Maricopa County Prosecutor’s Office, community lawyers and local pastors.

“Our blood is just like everyone else. Screams from the ground and we have to have some of these closed cases, “said Roland Pierce Revere.

Bruce Hamilton lost his little brother Walter “Salt” Morrison, who was only 16 years old at that time. For more than 30 years, he has sought answers in case he has cooled.

“It hurts me, you know,” Hamilton said. “Someone comes before and only, you know, it has been many years. It’s time for justice. “

Thomas Smith also participated in Vigil. Police still looking for the person who shot and killed his 72-year-old mother Joanne Smith while sitting on the front porch earlier this month.

Smith said that community vigilance meant even more to see the presentation of the support of local officials and law enforcement.

“Helps with pain and evil. It shows that I am doing something, ”said Smith.

Organizer Dana Burns said her mission is to be a voice for her community in South Phoenix and opening conversations between the public and the justice system.

“It is important for us to work together as one, because you divide, we do not get anything done, but together, we can do everything,” Burns said.