A Mother’s Sorrow by Olusheyi Banjo

The last four and a half years of Connie Mallard’s life have been filled with grief, sorrow and anger that she says has been almost unbearable at times.

It all began on the night of October 29,2004, when her son, Demond Winston was shot and killed on the corner of El Segundo andWilmington. “Demond and his girlfriend were walking side by side. They were coming to pick up his girlfriend’s cousin to take him out for his birthday. They were walking side by side. All of a sudden, an unidentified shooter (who was of Latino decent) came out of the dark and shot the cousin in the back. One of the fragments of the gun hit Demond and instantly killed him. He was only 27 years old. That was the end of my happy world,” stated a tearful Mallard.

Demond Winston was an All-American football player in Los Angeles County for three years in a row. He was also voted the best offensive and defensive player as well. Winston also played for Compton College’s football and basketball teams, where he was the first black all American player there. ‘

According to Mallard, Winston was involved in sports since the age of five years old. “Demond would shooting baskets and running for hours at a time, he was so dedicated even back then.” 

Winston was also involved in gang prevention activities in his neighborhood as well as coached sports for some of the youth in his neighborhood. Winston offered counsel to some of his peers as well. “The kids and other people in the neighborhood including his younger brother, Brandon, looked up to him, he was very popular and was a very positive person. He was always trying help people out in any way he could. He helped numerous young men get out of gangs. He was so positive. That is why I still cannot believe that this happened to him,” stated Mallard.

Also according to his mother, Winston was also a great singer who won awards in his church. “He would sing his heart out and he loved doing that. He was dedicated to everything that he did.” 

Mallard is still angry that the murder remains unsolved. Because according to her, no one is willing to identify the shooter, because of fear. Also according to her, the police are not being cooperative because the witnesses are not willing to implicate anyone. “The police know who did it and they are not willing to solve this case. It is like they don’t care that an innocent life was taken away. There were other witnesses at the church across the street from the area. They know the shooter, but they are also scared. His girlfriend is also scared because she knows who did it, but she is not willing to be involved. I wish that someone would stop being fearful and stand up for what is right.”

Mallard could not hold back tears as she recalls the last she talked with Winston. He told me that he remembered how much he loved the tuna casserole that I used to make for him and his brothers. I called him up to surprise him earlier that day to tell him that I had made it for him. His friend got back to me and told me that he would be on his way to see me later. He never made it, he just never made it.”

matched me 100% and I was doing fine. But because of this incident, I had to be put back in the hospital two times because I could not stop crying and it would affect my health. My two sons Corey and Brandon are angry as well. My youngest son’s attitude has become dark. I noticed that the light in his eyes is gone. He looked up to Demond and now that he is gone, it hurts him. He feels that he has to protect himself at all times instead of being a happy 20 year old. He has become someone that I did not raise, and it scares me.”           

Mrs. Mallard also offers thanks “I want to thank the city of Long Beach, Artesia High School, Compton College, Cerritos College and everyone who helped us bury my son. I also want to thank my husband of 29 years and my three-year-old grandson for just being my rock during this sad situation. There is not a day that goes by, when I don’t think about it and I cry all over again. No mother needs to go through what I am experiencing, no one period. This is hell on earth. I just want closure; I want this case to be solved, so I can move on with my life. I would have given my life for his, but now he is gone. I want everyone to remember his legacy of caring. He cared for others, so they need to care for him and help us solve this senseless murder.”