Raleigh moms plead for end to senseless violence
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Angela Anderson broke down in a tearful outburst Monday evening in front of dozens gathered at State Street Community Church.
She begged for an end to the violence days after her son, LaQuan Anderson, 23, was found dead on a southeast Raleigh street.
"I can't even hold my baby. I can't even see his face," she yelled. "We've got to stop this violence today!"
Anderson's death was the first deadly shooting in the area since a gang truce last month in Raleigh.
Friends say the former gang member was turning his life around.
"Laying down his flag, no longer wanting to do the banging which they call it and just really trying to be there for his kids," said Diana Powell, executive director of Justice Served NC.
Powell said she believes Raleigh's streets are safer since the truce, and she is working to keep the peace.
The community advocate called a meeting Monday night with police and mothers like Anderson.
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Rolanda Byrd's son, Akiel Denkins, knew Anderson.
Denkins was shot and killed by a Raleigh police officer in February.
"It's just sad to keep seeing these things happen whether it's police accountability or black-on-black crime. It's two issues that we need to get a grip on in our community," Byrd said.
"We have to stay united. If we ever fall apart we might as well just give up, but we can't give up. We've got to keep pressing forward," Powell said.
Police are not saying whether Anderson's death was gang-related.
So far, no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information that might assist that investigation is asked to call Raleigh CrimeStoppers at (919) 834-HELP or visit raleighcrimestoppers.org for text and email reporting options. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for anonymous tips that help solve cases.
