Activists March for Peace After Teen's Stabbing Death

Dozens of people were out Saturday to protest violence in their community following the stabbing death of a teenager at a playground in Brockton, Massachusetts.

A determined group of Brockton residents marched with the goal of bringing about a more peaceful community.

"I'm tired of seeing the youth have nothing to do. when I was younger, we had a choice between community and doing the bad thing," said Brockton resident Malique Rene. "But now, it's like there's no choice, there's no community activities. And it's our job as the older youth in the city to unite the younger ones to get together and have fun and be safe."

The march comes after the death of 18-year-old Ywron Martins, who was stabbed to death at the James Edgar playground last month.

"He was a very loving kid," said Martins' guardian, Janish Rojas. "He made a few mistakes, but his heart - his heart was good."

Rojas, still stunned by the sudden loss, is grateful the community has been coming together.

"I thank God that something is actually being done, that people are actually taking action and wanting to get together and do something," said Rojas. "And it's not just the grownups, it's the kids. You see it in the kids that they're tired in this, they don't want to lose more loved ones."

Police have arrested 24-year-old Anildo Correia in the murder. The stabbing left two others injured.

While the court proceedings play out, the community is focused on transforming the city's image.

"We want to wake up this community, show a little bit of awareness," said Donna Pezzano, who co-organized the march. "We're supposed to be the City of Champions, and we want to show them that we can be a city of champions."

The march started at Brockton High School and ended at Brockton City Hall. More vigils and protests are planned.

Contact Us