Family and friends remember Amy Monserrat, one year after shooting death
It's been one year since senseless gunfire claimed the life of 15 year old Amya Monserrat on Youngstown's south side.
It also would have been her 17th birthday. Family, friends and others in the community came together at Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek Park to remember her, and promote unity.
"I thought it was important to give back and show love and unity in the community, and since I can't give her a birthday party--I wanted to do this for the community.", said Jaismin Morris, Amya's mother.
The event which was free to the public featured a caricaturist, stilt walkers, a bounce house for the kids as well as a fireworks show.
"I just wanted to create a safe space where they could get one day to see something different like when do you ever see stilt walkers.", Morris explained.
A night of unity, but promoting continuity in the fight against gun violence.
"I want to make those connections to the community and let them know we're on the same side and the gun violence has to end.", she added.
The fight for justice continues--Saun Peterson pled guilty to a number of charges including involuntary manslaughter and has still yet to learn his fate, meanwhile 17-year-old Danyo Sellers was charged as an adult with murder.