Posted on 11/21/2011 10:39:13 PM PST by Veggie Todd
The Rev. Miriam Méndez admitted to the crowd of about 50 gathered Monday at the East Portland Community Center that Julio Cesar Marquez's life was short.
But his 13 years were influential, she said: "We know he has touched many."
Mendez spoke at an anti-violence vigil honoring the teen, whose body was found two weeks ago in a Northeast Portland alley. He died of blunt-force trauma and gunshot wounds, becoming the city's youngest gang-involved homicide victim in at least a decade.
Marquez's family, friends and other community members braved a cold rain to remember the eighth-grader, who liked to dance and skateboard at the community center.
Marquez had several arrests for theft and assault and was on juvenile probation at the time of his death. But his teachers at the Rosi Hinton alternative program in the David Douglas School District described him as a "model student" and said he was polite, well-liked and good at math.
Speakers including Marquez's brother and City Commissioner Nick Fish addressed the crowd during the 45-minute memorial and urged the community to protect other teens from his fate.
More The Oregonian’s continuing coverage of the death of 13-year-old Julio Cesar Marquez in Northeast Portland. Marquez's father echoed those sentiments after the vigil. Julio Cesar Marquez Sr. said he appreciated the support he saw Monday, but he worried about other children in a city he said has changed and become more dangerous.
"We have to stop this," he said.
Schoolmates huddled near a refreshment table after the vigil, each wearing a light blue button with the teen's picture. "In loving memory of Julio Cesar Marquez," they read.
"He was a really good friend of ours," said 13-year-old Alexis Simmons. "We all really miss him."
"I'm here because I love him and miss him," said Chelce Pfaff, 14.
-- Kate Mather
When’s the last time you kept track of 13 y/o?
.... she said: “We know he has touched many.....
Marquez had several arrests for.... assault.....Seems he has touched somebody.
As gangbangers get older and get arthritis in their hands , how will they make their gang signs?
Hey: Hey: Lighten up on the NBA, they are going to have a Basketball game for Obama’s re-election.
You do not “control” a 13 y/o. You care for a 6 m/o, a 1 y/o, a 2 y/o, and so on. By the time you reach 13 you should have a fairly civilized human being in spite of the subversive culture.
As far as I am concerned this is just another gang member who has been improved...gang bangers have no right to life in my society.
Yep.
You can get an idea of how many people he “touched” by his juvie record.
Of course, that is sealed.
You actually want to go there?
Sure. Both my boys made it past 13 with flying colors. The oldest finished a 6-year tour in the Air Force and the youngest just got out after 4. Both are now going to school on the GI Bill.
Granted, many 13yo kids are unruly. However, I believe a lot of that can be laid at the feet of the environment or the parents. In this case, both.
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