In a solemn yet powerful display of remembrance and resolve, community members, grieving families, advocates, and law enforcement officials gathered on May 16 at 104th Street and Vermont Avenue in South Los Angeles to unveil one of seven billboards bearing the faces and names of young murder victims whose cases remain unsolved.
The event, including a press conference, marked a deeply emotional moment — not just as a memorial — but as a bold plea for answers and action.
The billboard stands as both a tribute and a tool. Featuring photos of the victims alongside a dedicated tip line, it urges the public to come forward with any information that might bring long-awaited justice to families who have suffered in silence for years.
Amid the sounds and sirens common to rush-hour traffic, Kathy Cady, director, Bureau of Victim Services for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s (D.A.) Office, presented mothers, fathers, advocates and law enforcement who gathered for the ceremony.
The names of each victim were read aloud as family members clutched framed photos, cried, embraced, or simply stood in silent grief.
“We know someone out there holds the key to the truth. We urge you: if you know something, say something, because it could be your child next,” said Ms. Hawkins, founder of Justice for Murdered Children, the nonprofit behind the billboard initiative. “And we hope that it doesn’t happen, but it could be,” she added.
For the families present, the unveiling represented something more than awareness. It symbolized hope — that someone, somewhere might finally break their silence.
Among those featured on the billboard is Kishaundra Gatlin, 43, murdered March 29, 2023, in the Chesterfield Square area.
“Our family is empty,” said her mother, Lucy McDowell. She tearfully described particularly the pain of Gatlin’s children – her granddaughters. McDowell also pled for anyone with information to say something.
“She was one of the strongest members in our family, whether she was happy, laughing or whether she was going to curse you out, she was coming,” concluded McDowell.
Other victims pictured on the same billboard are:
- Ezmeralda McGee, 22, murdered Jan. 24, 2022, in South Los Angeles;
- Edgar Vazquez, 20, murdered July 6, 2022, in Los Angeles County; and
- Reginald Thompson, Sr., 34, murdered Sept. 11, 2022, near Vermont Avenue and Imperial Highway.
“My heart was ripped out when my son was taken from me, and I just want justice. Please, say something,” appealed Thompson’s mother Karen Stephens.
“We are looking for justice for my son, who left behind two children that we are raising, because they don’t have a father, who was very active in their lives,” she stated.
Stephens thanked Hawkins for being a source of support for the families, for the long haul.
“We never wanted to be a part of this group, but we are. And I thank God that she’s here and she just takes us in, and she’s been here for us the whole time. When others walked away, when the services are over, people think we should be okay. We’re not okay! We’re never going to be okay,” cried Stephens.
Each case highlighted on the billboards provides information for anonymous tips, in partnership with local police departments and Crime Stoppers.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman stressed that the voices of victims and parents of murdered children will be heard in his office.
“We as a community can rise together, going in and solve these murders,” said Hochman, seeking the public’s help. “The families have been waiting years to find the killers of their sons and daughters. Together we can help get these families justice for the incredible tragedies they have suffered,” said Hochman.
Before giving details of each of the four cases, he applauded Hawkins’ efforts to help grieving families despite and as a result of her own. On December 6, 1995, her only child, also named Reginald, was murdered at 19.
Justice for Murdered Children reaches from San Pedro to other communities and has amassed numerous portraits and stories of murdered children.
“She’s helped bridge the gap between laws enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office and these families, making sure these families understand they have a support network they can lean on in times of unspeakable tragedy,” stated Hochman.
Detective Division Chief Joe Mendoza of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department called the billboard “a prayer for help to each one of the victims and their families.” He, along with Hawkins, thanked Clear Channel for the “Do You Know Who Murdered Me?” billboards.
“These victims are completely innocent, and our investigators need help from the public,” appealed Captain Jamie Bennett of the Los Angeles Police Department’s South Bureau Homicide Division.
For example, in McGee’s case, other people were present. “She was in her home, in a place where everyone expects to be safe, but she was hurt,” he stated.
“These families deserve answers. These victims deserve justice, and our community deserves peace. Their lives matter. Their stories matter, and justice matters to us,” said Hawkins.
