Community gathers to honor 15-year-old killed 1 year ago in Crown Heights
A crowd formed around candles, balloons and photos of Tristan Sanders, who was fatally shot in the chest in a stairwell last October.
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One day before the one-year anniversary of Tristan Sanders' death, family members and community advocates gathered outside the Albany Homes NYCHA buildings in Crown Heights Sunday to honor the 15-year-old and demand justice.
A crowd formed around candles, balloons and photos of Sanders, who was fatally shot in the chest in a stairwell last October. Members of Not Another Child, a support group of mothers who have lost children to gun violence, joined Sanders' family.
“I appreciate you all so much for being here with me,” said Shanae Sanders, Tristan’s mother, as she addressed the crowd.
Peggy Herrera, organizer of Not Another Child, helped organize the event, telling News 12 they are still demanding answers.
“We are a member of a club no one wants to be a part of, but we are here together. We stick together,” she said.
The group released balloons into the sky and announced a reward for information that will lead to an arrest. Sanders’ family continues to plead for closure.
“We still don't know who pulled the trigger,” said Shanae Sanders. “These people are still out here. They took my son away from his family, his friends. We just need answers.”
Sanders said she has been asking to see the security footage from the lobby where her son was killed but has yet to receive it. She believes the footage could help identify the suspects.
The NYPD says it is still searching for two individuals connected to the shooting. Tristan’s family hopes their day in court will come soon.
“My son didn't deserve this, he was rough around the edges, but he was my son,” said Timothy Carter, Tristan’s father. “Just do your time.”
Yvette Ovario, Tristan’s grandmother, urged the community to take action.
“Please put the guns down and give us justice,” she said.
