A look back at comments this week

Months, even years, after a person has been killed, friends and family of victims continue to leave comments on the Homicide Report. They share memories, speak of their pain and address choices the victim made during his or her life. Other readers post questions to those who knew the deceased or give opinions on murders in Los Angeles County.

As readers of the Homicide Report know these comments are a key part of this project. The best of the comments give insight into the lives of those killed and the grief caused by violence. In some cases they can be challenging and raw.

In order to highlight these conversations, the Homicide Report will regularly feature comments selected from the hundreds that come in each week. Below is a look at what readers had to say in recent days.

-- Sarah Ardalani

ReRe(lil suga) on Benjamin Houghton, , a 40-year-old black man, who died Saturday, Oct. 30, five days after he was shot.

"Since this senseless killing of a good friend i am still N shock. I came to know BJ when i moved on the block 15yrs ago. And from the moment we met we became friends. There was not a day that past i wouldn't see him without a smile on his face. He always greeted me with a hug/kiss and a hello "suga".And everytime i past and seen him standing in front of his house we always blew a kiss at each other and waved. Since his passing it is hard for me to even pass by the house without looking for his smile and wave and a blow of a kiss..He will been greatly missed..Love you BJ.Until we meet again."

Daniel Olmos on Benjamine Deleon Jr., a 28-year old Latino, who died Feb. 6, 2008, after he was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting.

"There are many people that we meet in our lives,but only a very few will make a lasting impression on our minds and hearts,It is these people that we will think of often,and who will always remain important to us, as true friends.
i will always remember Ben for his sense of humor,and the smiles he brought to my face!"

Veniece Wesson on Gladys Bloodworth, a 64-year-old black woman, who was shot to death Oct. 21.

"Mrs. Bloodworth was a professional & dedicated educator.    I first had the pleasure of meeting her six years ago when my son was in her third grade class.  I immensely enjoyed volunteering in her class & seeing her in action (She was classy, graceful, a true lady of character who strived for excellence).  My son learned so much from her & thrived in her class.   Until this day, he still remembers her as one of his favorite teachers.  She helped him to procure scholarships & because of her efforts, my son received an award from President Obama for Outstanding Academic Achievement.  She also looked out for my other two younger sons as well when she taught at Ambler.  My heart is still grieving over the loss of Mrs. Bloodworth.  She was like a mentor to me.  My prayers & condolences go out to all those that loved & cared for her & her son Jeremy, especially her family."

A mother scorned on Dwayne Nichols, a 37-year-old black man, who was shot and killed July 1.

"My son is gone, and I do not have the words to explain my pain, the pain is so umberable that sometimes I can not even breathe. God knows if I could have I would have died for my son.  It is so hard to loose a child no matter how old they are and I never thought that I would have to bury my son. All I can do is pray that those who did this to my son is caught and that justice is served. May my son rest in eternal paradise with God and know that his mother will miss him. forever hurt for the rest of my life. A part of me is gone that no one can give back."

boondoxsaint on Aaron Shannon, a 5-year-old black boy, who died Nov. 1, a day after he was shot in his grandfather's backyard while showing off his Halloween costume.

"wow,jus posted yesterday and woke up to the news...A 14yr old gunned down in long beach.another unintended target of  gang members.what the hell is going on?parents grab your children and get them on the right path.and those of you that kno or think you kno your child is gangbangin,please snatch that a*# up and nip it in the bud.too many kids dying on both ends of this.i kno lil aaron wished someones poarents wouldve snatch the gunmen who took his life up long ago.if u allow your child to bang,you are giving them permission to kill or die for nothing."