April 23, 2025
Being the mother of a murdered child has changed so many things in my life. In a previous post, Changes, I wrote about what I no longer do since the loss of my son. This time I’m writing about something I now do, which I never used to.
Before John was killed, I never paid much attention to news stories about the murders in my city. Not because I didn’t care, but because I cared too much. News like this always made me cry, so to avoid the tears, I would avoid watching the news. Sometimes, I would change the channel and come back once the sad stories were over.
After John’s death, I not only focus on these stories but pay close attention to them. I document important facts about each murder, including the time it occurred, the location, the name of each victim, and the circumstances surrounding their death. When someone murders your child, it changes you.
So, when I heard the homicide rate in Columbus is at its lowest in over a decade, my heart smiled.
After smiling, both inside and out, I thought, “Operation Under Triple Digits is beginning to pick up steam.
Operation Under Triple Digits is a city-wide initiative in Columbus, Ohio, aimed at reducing homicides and making the city safer. The goal is to keep the number of homicides below 100 annually. This initiative officially launched February 2024. It is led by Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children, which involves community organizations, residents, faith-based groups, elected officials, and law enforcement.
Everyone has worked hard to lower the deadly violence, and that work has paid off. So far this year, there have been 16 homicides in Columbus. There were 24 at this time last year, and in 2021, there were 65 on this date.
While the year is far from over, local media in Columbus understands the importance of acknowledging this success 10TV.COM NEWS ARTICLE
Columbus Police Assistant Chief Greg Bodkeer believes it’s a combination of factors that have caused the decrease in violence. Community members are getting involved. Residents are reporting incidents. Mothers of Columbus Murdered Children are organizing initiatives such as “Silence the Violence Mall Walks,” and Community Coverings. Bodkeer has also met with domestic violence awareness groups.
The Results
Our community is getting safer, and a safer community means fewer homicides.
Fewer homicides mean fewer mothers are becoming part of the unfortunate sisterhood Mothers Of Murdered Columbus Children.
Malissa Thomas-St.Clair, founder of Mothers Of Murdered Columbus Children, began working with the Columbus Division of Police four years ago when the city set a homicide record for the second year in a row.
“To see that four years later we have deepened our relationship, it is a true testament to how, when you partner with your local law enforcement with an authentic relationship to bridge the gap to reduce crime, it works,” said Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children founder Malissa Thomas-St. Clair” (10TV interview)
It’s working Columbus! Let’s continue to keep those homicides down!
The Promise
Hearing this news brought what I said to John, as I stood before his casket, to the forefront of my mind. I promised him, his death would not be in vain. When I made that promise, I had no idea how I was going to fulfill it, but God did.
Nine months later, I’m part of the MOMCC movement, which is helping to reduce violence in my city. The same violence that took away my son. Unspeakable violence that has changed my life, and the lives of my fellow Sister Soldiers, forever.
This is a turning point in my city.
I know I’m at the beginning of this journey and there’s still so much work to do. But, it’s my mission to preserve John’s legacy with every ounce of my being and it will be done.
Step by step.
“A promise made is a promise kept”
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