cousins to stand trial in Monrovia teen's muder

On September 30, 2009, two cousins to stand trial in Sammantha Salas murder. They face one count of murder and four counts of attempted murder on others who were victims of random violence in the unincorporated area of Monrovia.

Arraignment have been set for October 15, 2009.

As I sat in the court room, I could not get out of my head the vision of Sammantha on the ground back on January 26, 2008, approx. 9:00 PM were she was left wounded and dying.

When the judge read her ruling on the Preliminary hearing, Sammantha's mom Jeanette lead out a scream and brokedown sobbing, what I heard coming from Jeanette was Sammantha's screams and sobbing for that day on January 26, 2008, she did not have a chance to cry out for she was struggling for air, I felt her pain.

She finally found her dad and her one wish on her birthday was to spend more time with him (He lived in Monrovia in the apartment building were Sammantha was gunned down). She died in his arms.

When Sammantha was gunned down, it had only been the six time in 6 months that she had visited her dad. She really didn't get to know anyone in such a short time. She was very naive, she lived with her mom in Alhambra and was the caregiver for her grandmother.

What startled me in the court room was that both defendants also broke down and started sobbing, be it for themselves or for what they did to Sammantha, it doesn't matter, it will not bring Sammantha back.

There are no winners here only justice. We pray for all family members on both sides since we all will have to carry the burden of the impact of these two men for their actions and that they have changed our lives forever.

Debbie, We Love you!

June 19 , 2009, We were informed of one of our POMC member, Debbie Vicari that she passed away on about June 18.

The last time I saw her was when she sang at The 25th Rose Hill (Whittier) Memorial on April 26, 2009. She was a awesome person, dedicated to her many causes. Especially, Justice for Homicide Victims and Crime Survivors.

On January 24, 2009, Debbie sang at our Unity and Peace Samantha Salas Scholarship Fundraiser event to celebrate Sammantha's one year anniversary of her passing.

To Debbie, Thank you for being you, you empowered us with your presents and your voice as you always said through your voice you are praying for all who lost their lives to violent crimes.

Put your arms around all our children who lost their lives to violence and hold on to them for us. May you and our children meet us when we too reach eternal life.

Rest in Peace dear friend.

On the week of June 15th, 2009, Unity and Peace presented (3) three additional Scholarship awards to the following students:

Monrovia High School:
Aliah Meza- $300.00
Steffany Rodriguez- $300.00

Duarte High School:
Jessica Severson- $300.00

This year we gave out (7) seven scholarship awards.

Last year we gave out (7) seven scholarship awards.

Congratulation to ALL Students!

On January 26, 2008, Sammantha lost her life to a violent crime in an Unincorporated area of the city of Monrovia. She had just turned 16 yrs. old. She had just started to visit with her dad who lived in Monrovia, California. She lived with her mom in Alhambra, California.

She was a AVID student at Alhambra High School and a member of St. Vincent de Paul All Souls Conference and enjoyed serving the needy.

She was funny and loved to sew and knit.

Unity and Peace Sammantha Salas Scholarship Fund was created to keep Sammantha's memory alive and to raise awareness of senselessness random violence in our communities. And to help our young adults to reach their goal for higher education.

We are an non-profit organization and depend on our fundraisers and donations (Tax deductable) to give out scholarship awards to local high school students.

In the year 2008, we gave out 7 scholarship awards and this year we will also give out 7 scholarship awards.

Last year, Jeanette Chavez (President) received a Certificate of Declaration award from Sup. Michael Antonovich. And a Flag that was flown over the Capitol from Rep.District 29 Adam Schiff.

This year, Jeanette Chavez and Tina Yamashiro (Coordinator and Finance) Received Certificate of Appreciation awards from Assemblyman Mike Eng.

We are members of JHV- Justice of Homicide Victims, Marsy's Law, POMC- Parents of Murder Children, Crime Survivors, JMC-justice for murder children and Crime Stoppers.

Together we can make a difference and promote peace.