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Killed by gun on June 28, 1999, at age 22

Yulmar A. Cardoza was born on January 17, 1977 in Guatemala. At the age of three, he arrived in Los Angeles, California, joined by his mother and older brother. He attended elementary school, junior high, and high school here in Los Angeles. His hobbies were playing basketball and rollerblading at Venice Beach. He left a young daughter in Guatemala.

At the time of his death, he was Assistant Manager for a telemarketing company in Los Angeles. He was on his way to becoming an outstanding hard worker to lead his company to great success. He was leading in the entire state of California in sales for the past year.

By Berta Cardoza, Mother

Killed by gun

Killed by gun June 3, 1998, at age 18

Randy II lived only to the age of 18. Born in Germany with Cerebral Palsy, also left deaf during infancy, he’d stop at nothing to learn and play along with others. Raised in LA, he was loved and well known in his community by many merchants and people of all ages. Randy II always found ways to communicate with others, through gestures and sign language; his heart displayed a radiant love, kindness and compassion toward everyone. He always brought home stray animals then tried to find them homes. Randy II enjoyed making people happy, he loved computers and communicating through his T.D.D. He dreamed of raising a family and being successful in life. He also enrolled himself in college and was subject to start on June 4, 1998.

On June 3, 1998, Randy II’s dreams were shattered as he was brutally gunned down while walking to a friend’s house, only two blocks from his own home. Randy II will always be loved and missed, for he continues to live, but only in our hearts and now in our dreams.

By Pat Cisneros

Killed by gun October 14, 1998, at age 31

Everyone loved Aaron, young and old. All he ever wanted to do was help people. He was in fire camp in California’s worst fires. He fought them and loved it. If someone was broken down on the freeway, he would stop and help them. He could take parts of a computer and build one,the same with cars.

He never forgot a birthday. He would just call to say, “Mom, I love you.” He would send me flowers. People say he was a light, he drew people to him. He was 6’2″, 220 pounds, worked out everyday.

I loved him. I miss him. I cry everyday.

By Gladys Scott, Mother

Killed by gun December 26, 2001 at age 17

Marco is a much missed person. He was always smiling and he loved people, young and old. He had a heart of gold with an open mind. He taught us to never have regrets and to live in the moment. He enjoyed drawing, playing footabll and all sports, dancing, rapping, boxing and playing chess. He wanted to be in the Navy. While Marco was here, he made a big impact on our lives. We love him and he will always be missed.

Written by Marco’s Mother, Alma

Killed by gun May 24, 1998, at age 20

My son, Malcom Ray Curd, Jr., had a lot of dreams. One of his dreams was for him and I to move to a larger and better place. Malcom loved his three children and spent as much time as he could with them. Malcom had a lot of friends and their memories of Malcom are the way he loved to joke around and make people laugh. Malcom spent time playing with the neighbors’ children, water gun fights and water balloon fights. The kids had fun playing with Malcom and so did Malcom.

Malcom was my only child. He would help me around the house and would like to iron my clothes for the next day. When Malcom and I would spend time together, he would like to order pizza for us.Malcom had plans to better his life, and someone came and took all of that away from him and took my son away from me.

These are just some of the memories of my son.

By Rose L. Curd, Mother

Killed by gun May 16, 1998, at age 23

My beloved son, Joseph, was my baby boy and was loved dearly by his family. He had high aspirations for life. He spoke of having a good wife and children. Sadly, all this along with his precious life was robbed from my son by a person or persons cruelly deciding otherwise for him, having no respect for precious life, they snuffed his! Not even knowing him – what cowards!

However, my Joseph, in his short time, lived a good life here on earth. Each day he spent with his family, we experienced his loving kindness, caring and supportive in every way a good, humble son could be, generous and forgiving. My beloved son, Joseph, 23-years of age, had all the qualities Jehovah God gave all humans, and he exercised them. We miss my Joe and his beautiful smile. But I have hope in the resurrection. Yes my son will live, yes, live again in better conditions, in a peaceful system forever.

Thanks, Women Against Gun Violence. Your efforts are much appreciated!

By Martha Copas, Mother

Killed by gun Sept. 22, 1998, at ages 35 & 17

On September 22, 1998, my daughter, Gloria Treval Clark, and my granddaughter, Stephanie Norris, were found in the trunk of my daughter’s car. Gloria Clark had been shot and burned up so badly that it was almost impossible to identify my daughter’s body. Stephanie Norris, my granddaughter, was shot, beaten and burned. She was also pregnant. 

Gloria once drove for the Santa Monica, CA, bus district, a job my daughter loved. Gloria’s hobby was making other people happy, giving a helping hand wherever needed. Gloria was very neat, clean and very particular concerning her family’s appearances and hers.

Stephanie was Gloria’s oldest child, a child that was always concerned in doing her best and had just enrolled in nursing school while still completing her 12th grade. She was looking for a bright future. Gloria left three children behind, ages 11,13, and 15, that just can’t understand why their mother and oldest sister are gone. They both left behind a host of family members, friends, etc., and will always be remembered by so many.

By Catherine Jackson, Mother & Grandmother

Killed by gun July 4, 1999, at age 18

Francisco was a student in high school. He was also the oldest brother of five boys, with whom he loved to wrestle and play. Francisco liked to go fishing, camping, bike riding, and to listen to music. Francisco was the comedian of the family. We all miss Francisco very, very much, especially his smile.

Thank you from Paula Ramirez, Anthony Garcia and family