Mothers speak out over gang culture

Charlene Ellis, 18, and her cousin, Letisha Shakespeare, 17, were killed when a semi-automatic sub-machine gun was fired from a car outside the Uniseven hair salon in Aston, Birmingham, in the early hours of January 2, 2003.

Speaking on the 10th anniversary of their daughters’ deaths today, Beverley Thomas and Marcia Shakespeare called on young people to think about the devastating effect gangs can have.

In an interview with the Birmingham Mail, Mrs Thomas said: “My message to youngsters is to think about the impact it has on families, the community, and how it affects people closest to the victims.

“Burying your child is something you never expect to have to do as a parent. You expect your children to bury you.

“If you think, as a parent, you can prevent your loved ones from going down that road, then it would be the best advice to give.”

Mrs Shakespeare said: “We have made young people realise, and will continue to make them realise, that there are choices, alternatives to violent crime. Young people need to know how being with the wrong people can affect them.”

Charlene’s twin sister, Sophie Ellis, and cousin, Cheryl Shaw, were injured in the shooting but survived.

Mrs Thomas and Mrs Shakespeare have fought tirelessly to help rid the city’s streets of gangs and weapons since their daughters’ murders.

West Midlands Police have described the two mothers as “inspirational” in their impassioned fight against gangs and gun crime.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Wallis, head of West Midlands Police’s gangs taskforce in Birmingham, said: “Trying to get the message to friends and family to leave this lifestyle is something Beverley does so well.

“Marcia spoke to some excluded kids recently and the talk was so well received that the parents asked her back to talk to them.

“For them to continue with their strong message and to work tirelessly in trying to prevent further harm to the lives of young people makes them nothing short of inspirational.”