Families remember relatives of gun violence during the annual ceremony of the victims of crime in Gulfport

Gulfport, Miss. (WLOX) – People from all over the coast have been illuminated on Tuesday as one in the first Baptist Church in Gulfport United United United for family members who have lost them against gun violence.

The law enforcement agencies and prosecutors organized an event with reflection and healing of families affected with grief in First Baptist Church in Gulfport and grieved too early.

Paula Gray, who lived in Biloxi, said her life has not been the same since 2003 when her sister Chantell Hawkins was shot by her husband during a suicide of murder.

“Series, to say the least,” said Gray. “It gets me every time I think about it, a wonderful sister, a wonderful daughter.”

Gray said it was sick to hear in the news about gun violence. She also said that it hurt the pain even more.

“You still feel it, the tragedy is of this world pain,” she said.

Malikah Crayton's brother Anthony Oatis Jr. was shot in June 2022 during an armed Gulfport robbery.

Crayton and her family lit a candle to honor his memory.

“He was full of life, he would just keep us going,” said Crayton.

Crayton said she was glad that a jury condemned Oatis' murderer for first -degree murder last February, but her heart is still hurting.

“There are only so many feelings,” she said. “Everyone says it will be easier, but it's difficult.”

Crosby Parker, district prosecutor of Harrison County, said it is the first step to end violence.

“We have to ask ourselves, did we do what we can do before they get weapons in their hands?” Parker said. “We really have to concentrate on the eight to 12-year-olds. We have to do mentor. We have to do things to bring them back to our community so that they can help each other.”

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