DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The mother and the widow of a murdered Decatur man are speaking out on what would have been his birthday. These women are honoring their loved one's life and creating a community of those who also lost children and partners to gun violence in the city.
Cammeron Taylor's mother, Melanie Thurmond, and his wife Trenae Rogers, paid for a billboard to run for several weeks on 22nd street. It shows Taylor's picture and information about his life.
"He was a loving husband and a father, an amazing partner that would do anything for anybody," Rogers told WAND News.
Taylor was shot and killed February 6th, 2023 in Decatur. Tuesday would have been his 31st birthday.
"He was definitely one that wanted to try to help people. He had so many goals and dreams and aspirations," Thurmond explained.
Thurmond said she is relying on her faith and family as they grieve Taylor's life.
"I thank God for giving me what I need to help me to get through this process," Thurmond told WAND News.
Thurmond is creating a community with other Decatur mothers, who also lost children to gun violence.
"They call me and I try to encourage them, and build them up. I don't have the plan, I don't have the manual for how to deal with it — so I reach out for God," Thurmond added.
Taylor's family is calling on the Decatur community to stop the gun violence and protect young lives.
"We need to uplift our young black men, and keep them safe," Rogers said.
Grieving families, who want to connect with Thurmond, can reach her at thurmondmelanie19@gmail.com.
Three suspects have been arrested and charged with Taylor's death.
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