Crown Heights Anti-Violence Advocate Gunned Down in Miami Beach
Early Sunday morning, Lavon Walker, a former outreach worker from Crown Heights who volunteered with a group dedicated to reducing gun violence called Save Our Streets, was shot to death on a Miami Beach street corner.
From The Miami Herald:
During an interview in 2011 on a New York cable TV program called “Inside City Hall,” Lavon Walker told of how he was using his criminal past to help kids avoid the violence that dominated his youth.
“My mindset was changed. I’m out there to let them know their mindset can be changed, too,” Walker told the host.
Early Sunday morning, Walker was shot to death on a Miami Beach street corner.
Walker, married and the father of two, an infant and an 8-year-old, was 30.
“It was the anniversary of a family member’s death. He was trying to get away for a little while,” said Amy Ellenbogen, director of the Crown Heights Mediation Center, where Walker used to work.
Mom
Condolences to his family! I don’t think Florida is safe for ch’ers! 2nd shooting of a ch’er there! This is terrible! We need Moshiach now!
chch
they shoot themselves when they shoot a pure and decent man like that. they lose, and everyone loses.
HaShem, please reveal the goodness which You have in store for us.
Responding to #1
Florida is much safer than NY. Statistically and factually speaking. Additionally, we have a lawful right to legally carry concealed weapons with a permit. This creates a deterrence factor and criminals think twice. Agree on the need for Moshiach though.
Personally know him
I have done business with him in the past, he is not a Crown Heights residence for a while but he was a nice guy, sorry to hear the terrible news
Shimonshak
So sad : / The African American community needs more people like this young man to turn them away from crime and violence. There is definitely a change for the better in the last 8 yrs but much much more to be done and leaders like this young man are needed. Didn’t know him personally but have a lot of respect for his message. Condolences to his family….
unfortunate
So unfortunate that this man who so dramatically turned his life around had it tragically taken from him. On top of that it’s unfortunate that his story will not get the media coverage or attention it deserves. Now if a cop were involved…