March seeks to unify people against gangs

YAKIMA, WASH. -- Tammy Masters knows the pain of losing a relative to violence.

More than a year after her son was fatally shot, she is finally mentally and physically able to help others become aware of the impact of damage wrought by gang members and other criminals.

With the help of a victims support group, police and other organizations, Masters is organizing a Day of Hope march and rally on Saturday in downtown Yakima.

"We are all stronger as one if we all stand up together," she said. "It needs to start somewhere."

The march starts at 11 a.m. at Millennium Plaza and proceeds to Miller Park for speeches, free hot dogs, face painting and games. Police motorcycle officers will guide the marchers down one lane of traffic along Yakima Avenue, First Street and E Street. The traffic disruption should take 45 minutes or less, police said.

State Attorney General Rob McKenna is scheduled to be the keynote speaker. Other speakers include Yakima police Chief Sam Granato, state Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, and state Rep. Charles Ross, R-Naches.

Masters organized the march with assistance from Violent Crime Victim Services of Thurston County, where she found help to deal with her son's death.

Masters' son, 18-year-old Mordeice "Mo" Adams, died Feb. 20, 2008, after being shot once in the chest in the front yard of a South Seventh Street home during a party. Police said he was shot by one of three men with blue bandannas over their faces.

Investigators say they don't believe Adams was a gang member, and it's unconfirmed whether a gang was involved.

Capt. Greg Copeland said this week the case remains open. Despite tracking numerous street rumors and other leads, detectives have not developed solid information on the shooters.

Masters said she wanted to do something to honor her son's memory even before this summer's recent wave of gang-related shootings in Yakima.

While she realizes the event won't reduce violence, she said she wants to bring awareness to the problem and provide an opportunity to remember those impacted by gang crime.

She also would like to see tougher penalties for gun offenses.

"My son could be walking around right now had they been put away," Masters said.

Organizing the rally eases the sense of helplessness that her son's death created in her, she said.

"It's like living in a kind of hell," she said.

* Mark Morey can be reached at 509-577-7671 or mmorey@yakimaherald.com.