Monday Evening Vigil For Murder Victim

This coming Monday [Mar.21] a candlelight vigil will be held at 6:00pm at Union Square on Dundonald Street.

The vigil in being held in memory of James.Lawes who was murdered one year ago today, and also to gather and show support for ending all gun violence.

Just before 11pm on March 19, 2010, three men were shot during a drive-by shooting in the parking lot of Place’s Place, located on the junction of Court and Dundonald Street.

The shooters drove up on the sidewalk and shot at the three men approximately over 10 times at very close range. All three men were rushed to the hospital, the other two recuperated, while Mr Lawes later succumbed to his injuries.

The 26-year-old, known as Junior, was a barber who had been married for only four months to his wife Greashena, the daughter of well-known community activist and former UBP Senator Gina Spence.

The couple, who got married in Jamaica, met when they were co-workers at a beauty salon. Mr Lawes also left behind a son, a stepson, his parents, Lauren Frasier and James.Lawes Sr, as well as five siblings. He was taken to his native Jamaica to be laid to rest.

This morning, Mr Lawes mother-in-law Gina Spence said, “It has been a difficult year. “Junior” was a wonderful husband,father and son in law we miss him and give thanks for the time we had. Our faith and extended family support has helped us to get through. Counselling has also played a vital role in giving us the tools to get through the really difficult moments.”

“We encourage families who have been effected by gun violence to get help especially for their young children. We pray that justice will be done to allow closure to many of the families like us whose loved ones cases are still unsolved. My greatest concern is the 24 children who have been left behind for they are the most vulnerable the youngest being 4 days old.(Sadly these numbers have doubled since Juniors death).”

“Gina Spence Productions in Christ is presently working on a proposal that will provide support for these children and their families. I will keep you posted on future developments once everything if finalised. We would like to thank the Bermuda Community for all of their support through-out the year. We also want to thank Keona Smith for organising this candlelight virgil for us and other families who have lost loved ones to gun violence it really means a lot,” concluded Ms. Spence.

The event was organised by the group ‘Colfords Family Against Violence.’  The newly-formed organisation’s motto is “Stop the Silence End the Violence,” and was formed after 29-year-old Colford Ferguson was murdered last month. The family said they “decided that we as a community need to take a stand and come together to put an end to this senseless violence that is plaguing our small island.”

Days after the murder of Mr Lawes, a 30-year-old Smith’s Parish man was arrested in connection, but no charges were ever laid. The case remains open, and anyone with any information is urged to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 299-8115 or the independent 24 hour confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline on 800-8477. Anonymous tips can also be sent via the Crime Stoppers Bermuda website.

Members of the community are greatly encouraged to come out on Monday evening.

#ColfordsFamilyAgainstViolence #JamesLawesMurder #Murders #MurderVictimTributes

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