Walter
11-22-2005, 05:44 AM
......what's next? Martial law, curfews, etc.? I would suggest that the black community band together and give up the perps even if it means they will have to protect each other from retaliation. That's the only way to solve the problem....Miller's promise of witness protection doesn't really impress me.
Tue, November 22, 2005
Mother of slain teen also fears gunmen
Pastor wants PM to send in army to maintain order in area
By TOM GODFREY, TORONTO SUN
The mom of latest gunshot victim Amon Beckles believes she too may be in danger from gunmen as her pastor seeks a meeting with Prime Minister Paul Martin to request the army's help in rounding up area gunmen.
A god-fearing Nadia Beckles, 35, said she can't grasp why her eldest son, Amon, 18, was gunned down outside a Rexdale church while attending Friday's funeral for buddy Jamal Hemmings, 17.
Some church leaders predict the revenge shootings will worsen and have decided to increase security, including security cameras, claiming their churches are no longer a sanctuary from gunmen.
"I am not scared but I am concerned," Beckles said yesterday as she made funeral arrangements. "I believe those coming to say goodbye to my son should feel comfortable and welcomed."
Amon leaves behind a baby daughter, Moesha. The family is setting up a trust fund to help the child.
"He was my world and now he is gone," Beckles sobbed at the Abundant Life Assembly church, where she was comforted by dad, Desmond, and his wife, Angela.
"He is my baby and I believe he went peacefully."
She said Amon, the eldest of five, was a happy-go-lucky child who enjoyed dancing, music and basketball.
Abundant Life Pastor Allan Bowen said he's trying to meet with Martin, who is returning to the neighbourhood soon, to ask for the military's help in cleaning up the guns.
"Something has to be done," he said. "Soldiers can be brought into this community to help get the gun dealers and shooters."
Toronto Police Supt. Ron Taverner said there will be a beefed-up police presence at the funeral. He once again asked for witnesses to come forward.
"We are 100% convinced there are people out there who know who the shooters are," Taverner said, adding police are trying to organize a town hall meeting and a coalition of church leaders and others to develop solutions.
Visitation for Beckles will be Thursday and Friday at Ward's Funeral Home on Weston Rd. The funeral is Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Abundant Life Assembly church on Dixon Rd.
Tue, November 22, 2005
Mother of slain teen also fears gunmen
Pastor wants PM to send in army to maintain order in area
By TOM GODFREY, TORONTO SUN
The mom of latest gunshot victim Amon Beckles believes she too may be in danger from gunmen as her pastor seeks a meeting with Prime Minister Paul Martin to request the army's help in rounding up area gunmen.
A god-fearing Nadia Beckles, 35, said she can't grasp why her eldest son, Amon, 18, was gunned down outside a Rexdale church while attending Friday's funeral for buddy Jamal Hemmings, 17.
Some church leaders predict the revenge shootings will worsen and have decided to increase security, including security cameras, claiming their churches are no longer a sanctuary from gunmen.
"I am not scared but I am concerned," Beckles said yesterday as she made funeral arrangements. "I believe those coming to say goodbye to my son should feel comfortable and welcomed."
Amon leaves behind a baby daughter, Moesha. The family is setting up a trust fund to help the child.
"He was my world and now he is gone," Beckles sobbed at the Abundant Life Assembly church, where she was comforted by dad, Desmond, and his wife, Angela.
"He is my baby and I believe he went peacefully."
She said Amon, the eldest of five, was a happy-go-lucky child who enjoyed dancing, music and basketball.
Abundant Life Pastor Allan Bowen said he's trying to meet with Martin, who is returning to the neighbourhood soon, to ask for the military's help in cleaning up the guns.
"Something has to be done," he said. "Soldiers can be brought into this community to help get the gun dealers and shooters."
Toronto Police Supt. Ron Taverner said there will be a beefed-up police presence at the funeral. He once again asked for witnesses to come forward.
"We are 100% convinced there are people out there who know who the shooters are," Taverner said, adding police are trying to organize a town hall meeting and a coalition of church leaders and others to develop solutions.
Visitation for Beckles will be Thursday and Friday at Ward's Funeral Home on Weston Rd. The funeral is Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Abundant Life Assembly church on Dixon Rd.