News
Many California parents are unaware of the identity of their children’s killer.
As a parent, the pain of losing a child is unimaginable. The sorrow of not knowing who took away your precious loved one adds another layer of anguish. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many California parents who have lost children to senseless violence.
For me, the memory of my son George, who was tragically shot and killed in 1996, is a constant presence in my life. The unanswered question of who took his life haunts me every day. I am not alone in this heartache; many families in California are left with unresolved cases of homicide, never knowing who was responsible for their child’s death.
The statistics are grim. California’s clearance rate for homicides has been consistently low, hovering near or below 65% for the past decade. This means that more than a third of murders in the state go unsolved, leaving families in a state of limbo, unable to find closure or justice for their loved ones.
As the president of Brady California, an anti-gun violence organization, I have dedicated my life to advocating for justice for victims and their families. But the lack of resolution in so many cases is a stark reality that we must confront.
When a murder goes unsolved, it not only leaves families in a state of turmoil but also perpetuates a cycle of fear and violence in communities. The lack of trust in law enforcement to solve these crimes can lead to further harm as some individuals may feel compelled to take their safety into their own hands, risking further tragedy.
The impact of unsolved murders is particularly acute in Black and brown communities, where the rates of gun violence are disproportionately high. Research shows that cases involving Black victims are even less likely to be solved, exacerbating the pain and trauma experienced by families in these communities.
Thankfully, there are efforts being made to address this crisis. Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement of rewards for unsolved murders is a step in the right direction. However, more can and should be done to ensure that families do not have to endure the agony of not knowing who took their loved one’s life.
One such initiative is Assembly Bill 2913, proposed by Assemblymember Mike Gipson, which aims to provide more transparency and justice for families of homicide victims. The bill would create a process for families to request reviews of unsolved cases, offering hope for some closure and accountability.
By solving more homicide cases, we can not only bring justice to victims and their families but also work towards preventing future tragedies. By holding accountable those responsible for illegal firearm sales and addressing the root causes of gun violence, we can create safer communities for all.
As a mother, grandmother, and advocate for gun violence prevention, I carry the weight of my son’s unresolved case with me every day. But I remain hopeful that with continued advocacy and legislative action, we can bring about the change needed to ensure that no parent has to endure the pain of not knowing who took their child’s life.
Together, we can work towards a future free from senseless violence, where every family can find the peace and closure they deserve.
Mattie Scott is the president of Brady California and the founder of Healing 4 Our Families & Our Nation.
News
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Protesters reach an agreement to dismantle encampment
Protesters at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have agreed to end their pro-Palestinian encampment following an agreement reached with the school, university officials announced on Sunday. The encampment, which had been in place for two weeks, will be dismantled by Tuesday, marking the end of what was believed to be the last standing encampment at a Wisconsin college.
University officials had allowed the encampment to remain on a patch of lawn between Mitchell Hall and a busy thoroughfare on the campus’s southern boundary, opting not to involve law enforcement. This approach differed from the response at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where police were called in to remove tents after negotiations fell through. Despite initial efforts to disband the encampment, Wisconsin-Madison eventually reached an agreement with protesters to voluntarily dismantle the camp prior to commencement ceremonies.
Chancellor Mark Mone of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stated last Wednesday that the university had exhibited “the widest possible amount of patience and restraint.” However, he also cautioned that patience was wearing thin and hinted at potential action by the school. Following discussions with the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition, the university agreed to advocate for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, condemn the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza by Israeli forces, and hold meetings with protest leaders regarding university investments.
Additionally, the university pledged to urge the Water Council, a Milwaukee organization of water technology companies, to sever connections with two Israeli government-owned entities, Mekorot and the Israel Innovation Authority. Chancellor Mone serves as the treasurer on the Water Council’s board of directors.
In return for these commitments, the protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment beginning on Sunday and completing the process by Tuesday. They also agreed not to disrupt the university’s commencement ceremonies scheduled for Sunday. In a statement, the protesters expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “After hard fought edits and careful consideration by the coalition, we determined we had obtained all possible benefits from the encampment.”
The resolution of the encampment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee represents a successful outcome of negotiations between university officials and protesters. By reaching a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties, a peaceful resolution has been achieved, allowing for the encampment to be taken down without incident.