A sign of how Raleigh’s agony—a feeling of hopelessness and grief that’s touched far too many towns—impacted the nation, Dallas artist Roberto Marquez, upon hearing the news, packed his paintbrushes and drove to Raleigh to paint a mural of hope for the community. (@nc_murals)

Gone But Not Forgotten

In Buzz, November 2022 by Raleigh MagazineLeave a Comment

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The Raleigh community was rocked on Thursday, Oct. 13, following a mass shooting in the Hedingham neighborhood near the usually teeming Neuse River Greenway that left five dead, including an RPD officer who was off-duty at the time; and injured two others, including an RPD K9 officer.

In the wake of horrific events, support is rampant. Flowers and tributes pour in. Vigils are held. Memorials are created. Media coverage runs on loop 24/7. Victims’ names are on our minds and lips—and we cry over their loss and for their loved ones. 

Memorial created at the entrance of the neighborhood that the shooting occurred. (CBS17)

It’s a scene that played out in Raleigh—as it has in far too many corners of our country. The devastating eruption of gunfire and loss of life making waves nationwide—from CNN to The New York Times to the White House. The word “enough” uttered repeatedly.

And after we’ve had “enough,” like every community, we feel hopeless as we get more space from the tragedy and try to go back to our lives—and do so without feeling like we are dishonoring the victims. If you’re feeling hopeless, there are ways to help. 

The Egyptians believed that you die twice—once when you take your final breath and, again, the last time someone utters your name. So to ensure the victims of this senseless shooting live on, keep them alive by telling their stories, by talking about them, by remembering them. And in this month of gratitude and giving, aid these families not just by speaking their loved ones’ names—but, if you can, by donating to their memorial funds.

Gabriel Torres, 29

Father, RPD officer, U.S. Marine Corp veteran

Torres joined RPD 18 months prior. He leaves behind a wife and 2-year-old daughter. gofundme.com/f/benefit-for-family-of-officer-Torres

Susan Karnatz, 49

Mother of three, avid runner

A #RunForSue was organized in her honor, with plans to hold an annual memorial run. gofundme.com/f/support-susans-legacy

Mary Marshall, 34

Wake Tech Community College grad, U.S. Navy veteran

Marshall was just weeks away from being married. Her fiance held a memorial on the day of their would-be wedding. gofundme.com/f/83x2h6-mary-marshall

Nicole Connors, 53

Wife, human resources worker

Connors knew everyone in the neighborhood and was a natural caregiver. Her pride and joy was walking her Jack Russell, Sammy, who also perished. gofundme.com/f/nicole-connors-and-sammy 

James Thompson, 16

Knightdale High School student

The brother of the shooter, Thompson was a junior. Memorial donations may be given to Trinity Baptist Church’s Upward Basketball tbcraleigh.com

INJURED 

Marcille “Lynn” Gardner, 60

Retired special education teacher

Gardner was not a resident of Hedingham, but was visiting a friend. As of press time, she remains in the hospital in critical condition, with a long road to recovery ahead. gofundme.com/f/lynn-gardner-victim-of-gun-violence 

Casey Clark, 33

RPD officer

Clark was treated and later released from the hospital.


Want to make a donation? Raleigh Magazine has made stickers + magnets to help support RPD Officer’s Family fund.

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