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Killed by gun August 13, 2007, at age 57

My name is Melinda Contreras. My only sister was Maria Elena Hicks. She was murdered by a tagger in August of 2007. Never in my wildest nightmares would I have imagined this horrific crime happening to my sister. She was a hard worker who worked most of her life in the medical field. She was a medical records secretary who went above and beyond for patients in her unit. She was kind, loving, and extremely creative.

Her children were her life. Her eight grandchildren held her heart.

My mother passed 6 months after my sister was murdered; it was just too much for her.

Melinda N. Contreras

Killed by gun October 4, 1998, at age 18

Mi hijo Lester era un gran hijo porque el me adoraba más que a nadie, ya que yo fui su padre y su madre. Por eso para el era todo lo más grande graduarce y ser un bombero. Pero no me lo dejaron.

En Junio 1998, se graduarse. Todo su escuela la hizo en la ciudad de Compton, CA. El queria graduarce para comenzar como principiante se bombero. Su principal hobbies era levantar pesas, hacer ejercicio, escuchar musica y jugaba baseball despues que venia de la escuela.

Su ultimo dia de clase que Jueves, 1 de Octubre 1998. El lugar donde me lo asesinaron fui en la ciudad de Lynwood, CA, en los calles Agnes y Thorson. Ellos venion en mi carro y luego otro carro blanco que venia detros de ellos, les disparo y mi hijo recibio un beloza en la cabeza, en la parte izquierda.

Mi hijo era mi esperanza y con esto es como que me hubiera matado a mi también. Mi hijo Lester no pudo conocer a su primer hijo que nocio Noviembre 24, 1998, y ese niño quedá un papá. Su hijo se llama Brian Hernández.

Killed by gun December 1, 1998, at age 31

Kevin was a food service worker at UCLA, where he started part-time and worked hard to earn himself a career position. He spent many years working as a security officer. He was honored by the Long Beach Police Department for his community service.

He was a devoted father of one daughter, Sadé. He loved music, repaired and installed radios as a hobby. He was an LA Explorer as a teen. He never raised his voice, was always quiet and low-key.

He was always trying to help someone else. And he loved his family!! He always told his friends about God. He was loved by many.

By Bettie Holden, Mother

Killed by gun May 3, 1989, at age 19

Hank was a spirited 19-year old young man who loved life. He enjoyed sports, nice clothes, and laughter. He was our family “comic” with an incredible, “infectious” smile. Like a shattered diamond, so are our lives. He is deeply missed.

He wanted to live.
He wanted to stay.
It was gun violence
that took my son away!

We love you, Hank.

Mom, Dad, Bryan, DeJeann, Shunyaa & Alex

Another senseless death that could have been prevented if it wasn’t for a gun. Whose loved one will die next? How many more must suffer? We can’t stop gun deaths, but we can minimize!!

By Joy Turner “A mother with an attitude”

Killed by gun August 25, 1999, at age 15

Andre was fifteen years old. He was liked by everyone. He enjoyed swimming, basketball, and breeding his dogs. He attended Crenshaw High School, where he had lots of friends. Although he was with us for only a short time, he left with us a lot of beautiful memories. Andrew will never be forgotten by all that knew him and loved him. He will always remain in our hearts forever. Goodbye, my love.

By Kimberly Gray, Mother

Killed by gun January 23, 1998, at age 25

We will never know what he could have achieved in life. This is what motivates me and others like myself to join Women Against Gun Violence.
My son loved to play basketball, and run track, and work out on weights. He loved his daughter, Destiny Johnson. He was a good caring family member, especially to his grandmother. He will be missed by all friends and family.

Written by someone who will always cherish the warmth of your smile and happiness in your heart.

By Dorothy and Tereese Nicholson, Mother and Sister

Killed by gun May 25, 2005, at age 30

She was shot and killed by her estranged husband.

Killed by gun October 6, 1998, at age 20

Chad was a full time student at Orange Coast College and worked full time as a carpenter and painter when he was shot to death in the streets. He had grown up in that community.

Raised by a working, single mother, he was a rebellious youth and had problems finding his way to a better way of living. But with time, he turned himself around.

He loved football and had a desire to play for his college. He also played basketball, went boogie boarding, liked to dance, and taught himself how to draw with ink, very well. Swimming and boxing interested him also.

We love and miss him very much. His memory will remain with us always. My son, Chad Anthony Huber, age 20.

By Jeanne Gambardella, Mother

Killed by gun February 6, 2005, at age 20

Biko was the son of Biko Sr. and Tina Norwood Jasper. Biko was very athletic and traveled to the most exotic places in the world as a United States Merchant Marine such as Greece, Spain, and Kuwait. Biko loved being home and spending time with family and friends.

Biko, you were my child, friend, we laughed and cried together. We had a strong mother son bond that can never be broken. Someone took you away from me, but you are always my baby, and my big boy!

Love,
Tina Norwood Jasper, Mother

Killed by gun January 20, 1998, at age 27

He was 27; a father of two babies: Mikzui, five-years old, and Yasir, one-year old. He was a devoted father and friendly person. He was my best friend more than my son. He helped anybody who needed help. He even went to bed hungry because he gave what he had to some person who needed help. He was a car mechanic…a good one.

The organized crime killed him. The police found the gun. They know the owner of the gun. Nothing happened.

This is my second son killed in two years…pray for me.

By Emerita Lopez, Mother