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Killed by gun May 24, 1999, at age 15

Tara Monique and Terassa Nicole Butler were born October 27, 1983 in Los Angeles, California to proud parents Larry and Glenda. At an early age, the girls accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and were baptized at New Bethel Apostolic Ministries. The twins were attending Inglewood High School with great expectations of completing their education.

Tara, an active member of the track team, was also outspoken, assertive, and found joy in making others laugh. She was on the honor roll her last semester. She was dependable and would always lend a hand to others.
Terassa, the younger of the twins, was an active member of the pep squad and cheerleading team. She liked working on the computer. Her characteristics were similar to her sister’s, and she loved getting others enthusiastic.

On May 24, 1999, tragically, Tara and Terassa, born together, departed this life together. Both girls befriended many people and will be sorely missed. They leave permanent imprints of beautiful memories upon the hearts of their family and friends.

Tara and Terassa, we will miss you dearly, but we know you are with God in heaven. We are all on our way. Until then…good night, darlings.

By Glenda Bennett, Mother

Killed by gun on December 10, 1998, at age 81

My beautiful, loving, mother was 5’2′, took care of herself, and enjoyed great health. At 81 years old, she owned and maintained her home. As charity chairperson for her Bridge Club, she raised several thousands dollars to donate to charities. She was an active member of the church. She did all this and bore the pain of a crippled leg, never complaining. When called upon, she was there to help and support her family. Mom was a single parent and worked hard to support two children. She taught us to respect others’ rights, their property, and the value of an education.

Early in 1998 I recorded music on a cassette tape for my mother’s listening enjoyment. At the end of the tape, I recorded a message telling her that she is truly ‘The Wind Beneath My Wings’. Butch, Mom, and I celebrated her 81st birthday on November 30. In place of a card on her gift, I told her how much I loved her, and how I appreciated everything she has done for me. Her love, support, and guidance are more than I could ever repay. A week later I thanked God for this opportunity.

On December 7, the cowardly use of a gun started my Mother’s journey home much too early. The life support was removed on December 10th and Mom, with her crippled leg, ran home. Now, Mom is my guardian angel. Almost 200 people attended Mom’s memorial service. Many of her friends commented, ‘Your mom was a true lady; she was kind, caring, loving, and giving.’ I am so proud to be her daughter and strive to be just like her. She was a great example!

Ending the life of a law abiding, innocent person waiting for a signal to change is devastating to family members. As a mother myself, my heart goes out to the mother of the person who committed this crime.

A million thank yous for the perseverance of Detective Dan McElderly and the Sheriffs Department.

By Mary Ann Young, Mary Ann’s Daughter

Killed by gun February 9, 1998, at age 24

Kenneth was my only son. He loved to put model cars and airplanes together. He was in school, getting his high school diploma. After that, he had been accepted to attend SCROC Trade School to study aircraft mechanics, which he wanted to do very badly.

Kenneth was a person who could clean a house very well. When the kitchen needed cleaning, I would just ask him and he would clean it spotless. He was just a good kid who loved doing things and helping anyone who needed help.

We truly miss him, but we know that God loves him best.

By Ruby Bailey, Mother

Killed by gun May 14, 1998, at age 18

Arthur Andy was a good son. He went to high school. He loved to work on cars and radios. He could fix anything with his hands. He had one son he loved and he loved his father and mother, grandfather and grandmother, sister and brother, uncle and aunt.

We miss Arthur a lot.

Love always, Mom

Thank you, Women Against Gun Violence

By Avean Edwards, Mother

Killed by gun July 25, 1998, at age 29

Donterrell Berry was born on March 12, 1969, in Iowa City, IA. He was baptized at age nine after deciding that he wanted to be a Christian. At age 14, his mother moved him to the San Fernando Valley, CA. He attended Cleveland High School. He fathered two sons, Marcus Eric, now eight, and Damion Terrell, three. In his adult years, he worked a family construction business.

On July 25, 1998, while changing a tire on the 5 Freeway, he was shot in the back twice. This act devastated everyone that knew Donterrell. His family can’t recover this loss.

By Janet Berry-Pool, Mother

Killed by gun September 11, 1999, at age 22

Daniel was born in Cape Town, South Africa on June 14, 1977. His father left when Daniel was nine months old and Daniel always pined for him. When he was 7, he was assessed with an I.Q. of 160 but we were told that he needed a father figure.

In South Africa, it would have been mandatory for my son to join the army. I was against the situation in South Africa and very anti-gun. Daniel never had any play guns, nor did he play games such as cops and robbers. Daniels father was in Vancouver, so Daniel went to live there to be with his father. When I moved to America, Daniel came to live with me.

Daniel was an excellent student, very popular, outgoing and extremely kind. After high school, he traveled to India and around the world before going to college. He was a full-time student at Valley College with an apartment and a car. He worked to support himself and never asked me for anything; he was very independent and self-sufficient.

On September 11, 1999, Daniel called me and was extremely depressed. He came to my apartment and we hugged, cried and spoke for a long time. If only I knew then, what I know now: he came to say good-bye to me.

He left my apartment and went to his sisters. He took a gun from her apartment, loaded it and went to the laundry room. He put the gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger. He had been told that because the bullets were rubber bullets, he must put the gun in his mouth to ensure death.

I asked that day where Daniel got a gun and how did he know how to load it and I found out that my son-in-law had a gun. My children all knew how much I was and still am against guns and violence. I do not blame anyone but if there was no gun, who is to know if he would have taken his young life? I never knew that there was a gun in that apartment.

The United States is looked upon as the greatest nation and yet there are so many suicides involving guns. I am not saying that Daniel would not have taken his life by another method, but he knew that a gun would ensure his death.

If the United States is supposed to be civilized, why are there so many school shootings? Why do people do drive-by shootings? Why are guns so easy to obtain? Why are children playing in homes where there are guns and why do these children know where the guns are? Why are so many young people, mostly boys, being killed by guns? Why guns?