My name is Giesela Tanner, mother of Ellis Reed, who died as a result of a gunshot wound to his chest on May 9, 2019. This is the day that changed my life forever. My only child, and best friend, was taken away from me too soon, and I realized that he was not coming back.
To hear the word “homicide” was in and of itself a word that I had not contemplated to be associated with my son. I would hear about families who had suffered a loss due to gun violence, but I never thought I would become a member. I knew that I needed God to help me get through the pain and loss of my son who was murdered by the hands of another. I’m still in my journey, as it has been 9 months since his death, so I continue to trust God to help me understand the whys and get me to a place of peace. My prayers go out to families who have suffered a loss, and I pray that one day there will be legislation to end gun violence.