Crime Stoppers Hosts Monthly Support Group Meeting for Families and Friends of Homicide Victims

HOUSTON – Pamela Jones waited nearly five months to find out her brother’s cause of death. Kermit Jones was found dead in his apartment in September 2021. Since then, Jones’ family has been pushing for answers. The problem that plagues them – and many families of victims – is that the wait for answers often lingers.

“He was strangled. It was a homicide and he was strangled,” Jones said.

Jones received his answer on Friday, after months of phone calls, stress and fear.

“Who is listening? Jones asked in front of a group of people who know his pain: the families of those who died in the violence. Jones shared her story Tuesday at a monthly meeting hosted by Parents of Murdered Children, a support group for families and friends of homicide victims. The meeting took place at Crime Stoppers of Houston.

“We just need help. We are a family. We’ve been on hiatus since September,” Jones said, continuing, “It’s wrong to take a life. I’m mad. I want my brother here. He’s not supposed to be dead.

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Jones said Tuesday was his first meeting with the parents of murdered children. She was invited after calling Crime Stoppers in her search for answers as to her brother’s cause of death.

Houston city leaders unveiled their plan last week to tackle the problem of the city’s rising homicide rate. The families of the victims on Tuesday expressed their frustration over several concerns. Repeat offenders who commit an additional crime are at the top of their list.

“Too many people get weak bonds, people go out regularly, they repeat themselves,” Sharon Shepherd said.

Shepherd said three of his nephews were killed by the violence: one died in 2016, another in 2019 and the most recent was last August.

“I’m just devastated because it’s like a war zone here now. It just got out of hand,” Shepherd said.

Shepherd said the meetings, which take place monthly, offer at least some comfort to families. She said they provide space for those who understand to meet.

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Pamela Jones hoped for peace, amid her push for justice. On the contrary, she said she no longer wanted to feel angry about her brother’s death.

“I am a Christian but I want my brother here. He’s not supposed to be dead,” she said.