"The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Mo'Nesha McKinley," said the police report. She was found dead on the city's near-east side just after noon one day about a month ago, when police responded to the 1000 block of North Rural Street on reports of a "possible deceased individual."
Actually, she had been missing for four days. Her family had searched everywhere, the police had searched her house and found that her car was missing. Then oddly, she reappeared, found in the home they had previously searched, she was now deceased, the victim of a gunshot wound.
Where was she for four days? Who committed this terrible crime? With more than 50 percent of homicides remaining unsolved in our city, it is no wonder there are so few answers. The family has had threats, and in many of these cases, people are afraid to talk to police. "We shouldn't have to sleep with one eye open," said McKinley's sister. "We're just afraid for our life."
Honestly, when this was reported, I don't remember hearing about it on the news. Mo'Nesha and I became friends after her death. In an effort to remember those who have been victimized by violence in our city, our church ties ribbons labeled with the victims' names on the trees around the property. Then a picture and ribbon is sent to a member who wishes to pray for that person.
I met Mo'Nesha through the mail.
Since then, we've become pretty close. Her picture is on my mirror and as I get ready in the morning, she and I have had some interesting conversations. I know from her family that she worked in health care and dreamed about maybe going on to school to become a lawyer or even a doctor. I know she has children, and I don't think I'm imagining anything when in the midst of our conversations, I feel her deep sorrow at not being with them. So in those moments, she and I pray together for them.
Some would say there are thousands of Mo'Neshas—young women who die before their time by violent acts. But in truth, Mo'Nesha was one in a million, an individual with hopes and dreams, joys and sorrows, just like everyone else. So I pray for her as her soul ascends to heavenly places, I pray for her children and her extended family, and I pray that police will get that tip they need to find the person who murdered her.
She deserved a full and happy life, and she deserved a better end than this, but right now she deserves justice.
Nancy
