City-organized gathering held to remember those recently lost to gun violence. Fifth victim dies on Monday.
On Sunday afternoon, July 14, Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft invited the community to join in a daylight vigil on the steps of City Hall to honor and remember the victims of the mass shooting on Kitty Hawk Road on July 10.
Nearly 100 people gathered in front of Alameda’s City Hall to memorialize Brenda Natali Morales, her 6-year-old son William Killian, her mother Marta Elena Diaz Morales, and her mother’s husband, Miguel Angel Carcamo, who were killed by a family member in their home. Update July 15, 4:30 p.m.: The City of Alameda just announced that 1-year-old Wesley Killian has also succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, bringing the total to five dead.
Attendees were encouraged to bring flowers and other objects to add to the memorial growing on the steps of City Hall. A table was set up to allow people to create artworks and messages that were put up on display for everyone to see. The mood was subdued, and many attendees were openly weeping during the program.
The vigil opened with a solo performance by former Alameda resident, renowned mezzo-soprano Frederica “Flicka” von Stade, whose voice sometimes trembled with emotion as she sang.
Mayor Ashcraft delivered opening remarks first. “It is so important at a time like this, that can feel so wrenching, so lonely, that we not be alone, we not be apart,” she said. “We stand together as a community. And sometimes the best thing you can do is just show up, show up for each other, show up for others.”
The Reverend Dr. Laura Rose, who has served as Senior Minister of the First Congregational Church of Alameda for more than 20 years, spoke next. She first called for a moment of silent reflection.
“Notice your in-and-out breath, take a few simple moments to feel that breath passing through you and out of you. We remember in this moment that we are flesh and blood, but it is that breath, that life breath, that gives us our ability to be, to live, to do, to love, to grow. And today we come together to honor those who have lost that breath, who have lost that sacred life.”
Rev. Rose called up both William’s Little League coach and his teacher to present them with handmade prayer shawls, stating, “Thank you for being that light for William in this year that he had.” While the coach and teacher embraced, she also placed a shawl around the mayor’s shoulders.
When it was his turn to speak, the Little League coach, Ariel Abalos, was visibly moved while he told those assembled about William’s love for baseball and his growth with the team in a short period of time. Even through his obvious grief, Abalos was able to relay some of the charm and life that William brought to the team.
“He could throw the ball a mile, run as fast as any other kid on the team and he loved participating in the drill so much. He was often caught cutting lines, trying to get more reps in,” Abalos said. “He had an infectious smile. He really loved impressing his family. When he made a great play, he would always look over and see if they were watching, sometimes forgetting to run to the base because he would look at his family after he would hit the ball… There will be one less set of bright eyes on our fields playing with us, and we, as players and coaches and a community, are at a loss.”
Next, the brother and niece of Miguel Angel Carcamo took the microphone. Carcamo’s brother, Carlos Ramirez, was overcome with emotion and unable to speak, so his daughter, the victim’s niece, Esmerelda, spoke for the family. “Miguel was an amazing human being, a very calm person, always willing to help the family in any way he could. He was loved and caring. He loved his family. He loved baby William and [his brother]… I just want to say to my uncle, to fly high, fly by to heaven. May everybody rest in peace.”
They were followed by Katherine Schwartz, Executive Director of Alameda Family Services, who offered the crowd solace and resources to heal. “We need to speak directly to the situation. Be open, be gentle, be loving,” suggested Schwartz. “Invite each other, your children, to talk to you about what is happening, what has happened.” She suggested people call the 988 Crisis Lifeline for assistance as well as encouraging community members to call the AFS intake line at 510-629-6300, and reviewing other resources available on their website.
Next to speak was Liz Varella, Executive Director of Building Futures, whose mission is to provide services for the unhoused and help families secure and retain housing, as well as providing domestic violence services. “Give a supportive listening ear, because that’s the first step for folks to get help, to feel like it’s okay,” she said. “That’s all we can do as a community, is be open and supportive. If you or anyone you know comes to you and needs that kind of support, there is that support in the community.” She also shared their 24-hour crisis hotline, 1-866-A-WAY-OUT (1-866-292-9688).
The last speaker was Alameda’s Police Chief, Nishant Joshi, whose even, steady tone as he spoke belied the emotion and trauma he and his officers have endured while processing the horrific crime scene.
“I’m saddened by what’s happened in our community. I know many of you know how I feel about this. This is a terrible, terrible thing that happened in our community. But when I see all of your faces out here and I see the support, I’m encouraged,” the Chief said. “We have got to band together and be there for each other. This is going to be a long road, a very long road. And I certainly hope that the individual responsible for this is held accountable. And with that said, I want to echo the last two speakers. If you see something, say something. If there’s anything that’s concerning to you in our community, please make sure that you pick up the phone and at least give us a call.”
He went on to explain about Red Flag laws, which allow police to remove firearms from homes of people demonstrating at-risk behaviors and encouraged people to employ stricter gun safety practices.
The program ended as it began, with a solo vocal performance from von Stade, who chose the Leonard Cohen song, “Somewhere,” which resonated deeply with those in attendance.
Adam Gillitt is the Publisher of the Alameda Post. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Adam-Gillitt.
