This is the makeshift memorial outside the apartment building where Sammantha Salas, 16, was shot to death Saturday night. The building itself is pockmarked with bullet holes. The owner of a nearby drive-thru dairy told me that Salas was killed in a hail of “machine gun ” fire, which he head.
WOW, This is truly sad. On the channel 7 news they spoke about it briefly, but seems to keep indicating gang involvement, however, if she was not in a gang, why the terminology by the authorities? If Day Day was not in a gang or ROllins, and the same terminology, hmm.. Are they trying to make it seem like gang work? Did she live in those apartments where the memorial is? has anyone spoke to residents in that apt?
They say it’s gang related because gangsters are doing these shootings. You don’t have to be a gang member these days to get shot at, just in the wrong place with the wrong colored skin.
It’s tragic.
Local Boy
This may sound dumb, but how do they know the shooting of Day Day, Mr. Rollins and Samantha are gang related? If there are no suspects and the victims are not gang related (Which they say they aren’t) how can they say for sure?
Mr. Rollins was standing in front of a gang house. The other two shootings are shown to be gang related simply by what the suspects did, the manner of their attacks and their ethnicity as compared to the victims.
I also talk to cops every day and know them to be gang related. How do you explain the shootings otherwise? You can’t.
Local Boy
their ethnicity as compared to the victims.
Wouldn’t that make them hate crimes? I might be naive in this matter, but killing someone of another race even if in cold blood, walking up or drive by if a girl is just standing there not throwing down gang signs I can’t make the connection. Educate me
you people dont know anything stop your judging and your talking let her rest in peace who ever did this to her and my other friend will eventually pay
In the thread below this I have a detailed account of the history of the Black/Hispanic gang problems.
I realize this is a “gang problem” and that not all Blacks and Hispanics are like this, the very vast majority are not. This gang problem is now becoming an ordinary citizen problem.
This is something that people need to admit is causing the problem and not the fairy tales spun by some city officials.
Local Boy
I feel they are hate crimes and should be prosecuted as such.
Local Boy
A friend..
Who do you feel is being judged? No one has judged Samantha, infact just the opposite, we mourn for her, her family and the community. That is what this blog is about. Feeling and stating those will get theirs, only makes the problem more forefront. Makes retaliation and a continued warfare seem never ending. If you know who did this, give the police a tip. If you really think they will get thier then they will in jail, as you might know, killing a kid is the one crime (next to pedophile) that will get you in big trouble in prison, asure you he will be no hero in state pen.
As a parent I wish this pain on no one. I am very sorry to hear about the teen Samantha and Mr Rollins may they both R.I.P. Also to Dayday and the other girl stay strong and believe in God because all things are possible.. Something has got to be done before more lives are destroyed for some peoples ignorance. What happend to the blacks and mexicans sticking together???? Who turned us against each other and why do they want us to kill each other?????
I am very sorry for the loss of Samantha and Pete may they R.I.P. Also to dayyday and the othe kid hanging on for life stay strong and believe in God because all things are possible through him if you believe…What happend to the blacks and mexicans sticking together??? Who has turned us against each other and why??? When is this going to stop? Something has got to be done!!!!!
Community Activists!
I made a note in an earlier post with regard to ‘fear’ and how this emotion may prevent folks from getting involved in making change. Here on this site is a group already VERBALLY active, seeking answers and searching for a better understanding as to the mind-set of the gangs. Although we’re ‘faceless’ as we post, I’m sure there is a diversity of races and religious each with a common bond–wanting a solution!
It only takes baby steps. Starting with your place of worship and asking the clergy to talk to the congregation, to form groups and “grapevines” of activists who are willing to be a pipe line to those in law enforcement. Meeting with trusted neighbors at church events or restaurants does not bring any unwanted attention .
We have a pipeline right here. What’s your next step.
**Due to privacy and such it’s a shame that WE here can not come together and channel our actions (?)
Berta,
Sounds to me like you are on the right track. Why not get religious and civic leaders (primarily, leaders that youth have contact with…Principals, ??) involved? Why not stage a candle light vigil for all those murdered?
Yesterday was my first move in that I went to the Mayor’s office, the Police department, submitted an article to the Tribune as well as the Star News expressing my feelings. The Mayor and Police Chief were not available however I have their cards and they know that I’m concerned; I’ll see if they get back with me…as for the article I wrote expressing my feelings it may never be put into print but it was a means in which I was able to connect with my feeling and what we as a society have given up…
Too bad that those who have created this site could not also create a means in which those of us who are willing to work as a unit can come together???
I hadn’t even thought of contacting the School Principals–thanks. I’ve expressed my feelings to family and some local in Monrovia. I considered a march and/or vigil but my gut feelings tell me that at this point in time productivity would best be handled in the foreground..the footwork, gathering the ‘flock’ so to speak!
the reason its all gang involvement is because its retaliation. samantha was innocent but her dad is involved with gang activity. day day is black so they thought he was involved with gang activity.