“I was there for her first steps. It hurts so much. The hurt won’t stop. But she was a bundle of joy. She wouldn’t want to see us cry,” said Keion Reed, while speaking at the funeral of his 1 year-old daughter Londyn Samuels at New Hope Baptist Church Saturday morning. Samuels was shot to death in her babysitter’s arms on Saratoga Street on Thursday, August 29, 2013. (Sabree Hill, UptownMessenger.com)
The funeral for Londyn Samuels, the 1-year-old who was shot to death last week while in her babysitter’s arms, was held Saturday morning at New Hope Baptist Church on LaSalle Street.
Andrea Samuels (far right), mother of Londyn Samuels, cries as she looks at her daughter in her casket. “She was extraordinary,” said Samuels about her daughter. (Sabree Hill, UptownMessenger.com)
The funeral of 1 year-old Londyn Samuels at New Hope Baptist Church Saturday morning.
(Sabree Hill, UptownMessenger.com)
Paris Samuels, 3, sister of Londyn Samuels cries in front of New Hope Baptist Church during her 1 year-old sister’s funeral Saturday morning. (Sabree Hill, UptownMessenger.com)
A woman wipes a tear from her eye at the funeral of 1 year-old Londyn Samuels. (Sabree Hill, UptownMessenger.com)
Tears fill many faces at New Hope Baptist Church during the funeral of 1 year-old Londyn Samuels. (Sabree Hill, UptownMessenger.com)
The casket of Londyn Samuels, 1, is carried out of New Hope Baptist Church and placed in a hearse after the funeral.
(Sabree Hill, UptownMessenger.com)
Keion Reed, father of 1 year-old Londyn Samuels, closes his eyes after hugging Mayor Mitch Landrieu at the funeral of his daughter.
(Sabree Hill, UptownMessenger.com)
Andrea Samuels, mother of Londyn Samuels, cries as she is comforted by family and friends at her daughter’s funeral. (Sabree Hill, UptownMessenger.com)
No one should have to do that. Prayers for her family. Rest in peace Londyn.
This senseless death is horrible beyond words. One has to wonder, though, were are Revs. Brown, Jackson, Sharpton and all their sign-holding supporters? Their absence speaks loudly and clearly.
This is a tragedy.
Nearly 10 years have passed, and still, my soul aches for precious London and all who knew this beautiful little girl and were affected so profoundly by her senseless death. You would think something so traumatic and gut wrenching would inspire change by either those perpetrating the violence or those in power. But, alas, babies are still dying and babies are still holding the guns doing the killing. How many more will be lost before hearts change?