Hundreds Gather To Remember Victims Of Deadly Carjacking Crash In North Philadelphia
By Tim Jimenez and Todd Quinones
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Anti-violence groups led a rally at the North Philadelphia intersection where three children were killed in last week's carjacking and crash.
Relatives of the victims spoke to the hundreds who gathered.
It was at Germantown and Allegheny, where 7-year-old Terrence Moore, 10-year-old Joseph Reed and 15-year-old Keiearra Williams had their lives taken away. Their mother, Keisha Williams, in the hospital and her cousin Cassandra, speaking on the family's behalf.
"We're living it every moment. Words cannot explain what we're going through," Cassandra Alexander said.
She also thanked the police for their work, and the community for being there for them.
"There have been so many kind gestures and offers of support towards our family that we cannot thank you enough," she said.
Williams got her children involved in gardening friends say because she wanted to keep them safe and away from trouble.
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"Our hearts are completely broken. We can't believe this is our new reality, a nightmare that just won't end," Alexander said.
At Tuesday night's memorial service at the spot where the Williams, her three children and neighbor 69-year-old Thelma Brown were run down, family members hugged and struggled to hold back tears.
Brown is still in the hospital with a broken ankle and bruised sternum. Her granddaughter thanked those who stepped forward to help get the suspects in jail.
"Without all of your support, the cops wouldn't have caught them. I just say, God have mercy on their souls," Brown's granddaughter Sakina Brown said.
And the Browns say their prayers are with Keisha, their family friend they describe as a strong woman, who's now fighting for her life.
"I told her that so many people came out from different states, different parts of the city to come support her and Keisha," Brown said.
Suspects Jonathan Rosa and Cornelius Crawford are facing murder, carjacking, sexual assault and other serious charges.
Police credit neighbors near Germantown and Allegheny who called in tips after the children were run down Friday morning.
Police say one eyewitness even found a suspect's cell phone at the scene and handed it over.
"You helped solve this case. So thank you for what you did. You stood up for the right thing," Philadelphia Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison said.
The three young children were run down after police say the suspects carjacked a 45-year-old real estate agent and lost control of her SUV as they were sexually assaulting her.
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"Friday July 25 our lives were changed forever," Alexander said.
"Even though I don't know any of you all, I love all of you all for coming out and supporting us," Brown said.
The funeral arrangements for the three children have been set for Monday, August 4.
A fundraising page has been established to help pay for Keisha Williams' medical bills:
http://www.gofundme.com/KeishaWilliamsfamilyfund
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