Pasadena Activists March for Peace in Wake of Recent Shootings

Yvonne Trice, mother of Monte Russell, 39, who was killed on August 21, 2015, consoles Erika Flournoy during a candlelight vigil at the site where Russell was shot to death on August 24, 2015 in Pasadena. Photo credit: Trevor Stamp

By Terry Miller

The Monday evening march, which started a little after 6 p.m. at Washington Boulevard and Hill Avenue. brought out scores of friends and family members who are hoping to make sense of the recent violence and hopefully put an end to the shootings in Pasadena. The message was especially powerful for children, according to organizer Brandon Lamar.

Monte Russell, 39, of Los Angeles, died Friday following a shooting in a parking lot in the 1700 block of East Washington Boulevard. Russell’s family said the man was getting a haircut at a nearby barbershop. Russell was formerly involved with gangs, but had turned his life around, according to his mother, Yvonne Trice. He was also a father.

On Saturday, a drive-by shooting hit a home near Navarro Avenue and West Howard Street that was occupied by a woman and two children. No one was injured in that incident but indeed rattled nerves.

Organizer Brandon Lamar said Monday’s community peace march started at the Rite-Aid on Washington Boulevard at Hill Avenue and proceed east, culminating with a prayer vigil in the alley on Washington Boulevard and Sinaloa Avenue.

On Friday, Russell was on his way to get a haircut when he was shot. Police officers responding to several calls found him lifeless a few minutes later.

Police have not identified a suspect or pointed to a possible motive in the killing.

Pasadena Police officers are continuing to investigate Friday’s homicide and are seeking information from possible witnesses. Anyone with information can call Pasadena police at (626) 744-4501. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

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