Greenville March Denounces Violence & Honors Shooting Victims

By: Jim Niedelman | WNCT
Published: July 08, 2009

An emotional crowd moved through Downtown Greenville and East Carolina University.

More than a hundred people showed up to march and pay tribute to the two victims of last week's shooting outside a nightclub.

E.C.U. student Landon Blackley and restaurant manager Andrew Kirby died one week ago.

On Tuesday night, the community came together to remember both of them.

"Do not bring out guns," said community activist Bennie Rountree from his portable megaphone.

"When you come out to have fun, you don't come out to kill," Rountree said as the group marched along 5th Street toward the E.C.U. campus.

On the surface it was less than a half-mile, but these steps were meant to go beyond that.

"I am a huge believer in peace. I can't stand violence,” said E.C.U. Junior Amanda McGinley. “So, anytime I can, you know, walk against it. That's what I'm gonna do."

They were steps of frustration.

"We strike out in anger and despair and ask what can you do? Wanting to turn the clock back," said Greenville Mayor Pat Dunn.

They were steps of concern.

"Knowing that I can just walk downtown and something can happen like, we really do all need to come together," said E.C.U. Student Destiny Freeman.

For Andrew Kirby's girlfriend, they were steps of pain and reaching out to Landon Blackley's family.

"It's really hard, Kirby’s girlfriend Erin Goff said. “My prayers go out to you guys because I know how much of a loss I had and this's got to be what you guys have too. It's gotta be, "

For Landon Blackley's family and specifically his father, they were steps of gratitude.

"This really warms our heart and we thank you for coming out this evening and being with us," said Landon Blackley’s father.

Yet, amid all the grief, they were mostly steps of determination and hope.

"Our brother is gone,” said E.C.U. Student Body Treasurer Tremaine Smith. “And we're upset, but let us remember that we are still here and we need to get involved in making sure that violence is not perpetuated and making sure that their lives are not forgotten."

James Richardson remains in jail tonight under a five-million dollar bond charged with the murders of Blackley and Kirby.