Miana Kenobi posted:

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I just got off of the phone with Kim, who called me because she could not get access to a computer.

A young woman that Kim knows/lives near was shot this afternoon in a gang-related shooting simply because she was wearing a red t-shirt. She is in critical condition and is not expected to live.

Kim asks for support and prayers for this girl, for it looks like only a miracle will her.

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Master--Kenobi posted:

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Thanks for doing this, Rachel...

{Name withheld} is a wonderful 20 year old with two small children. Her mom and family are almost like our own. {Name withheld} made the mistake of wearing a red T-Shirt and had a gangbanger (blue) approach her and make nasty gang-related comments. {Name withheld} told them that she wasn't a gang member, never had been and never would be...and to get off of their property. She was promptly shot in the heart. She had her 3 year old son at her side and her 10 month old baby in her arms. The shooter was a neighbor that she had known all her life. He was arrested almost immediately and his excuse was that she was wearing rival colors!

There was a huge Central California wide prayer virgil for her tonight, as the EEG (brain activity) is flat lined. The doctors said they will basically watch her for a week, then the family needs to make a "decision" if there is no change. Emergency surgery did not go well as the bullet is lodged in the back part of one of the heart chambers and inaccessable. People from all over the state and all religions came out for this. The Mom knows that Jos and I are very involved in Star Wars and remembered all the prayers that were given from all over fandom for our Mom. She asked if we could "ask your Star Wars friends if they might pray for my daughter too." I immediately called Miana Kenobi and she was there for us.

The family said to tell you all that they can't thank you enough. We will know more in about a week. Right now, both of us are running through the gauntlet of emotions..sad, scared, angry, livid, frustrated, etc. All of this over a stupid piece of red cloth.

Thank you again, all of you.

May The Force Be With You All

Master K and Siri

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Master--Kenobi posted:

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Now for the sad news:

As for the latest update. It is with a broken heart that I regret to inform everyone that {Name withheld} was declared braindead at 12:30 p.m. today. I was unable to get off of work, but Jos (Siri Tachi) was with the family. The doctors told them that she would also probably pass within the next day or so, as the bullet lodged in her heart is taking it's toll. Right now, they are still in shock and unable to make that final decision. As it stands, they are letting her pass naturally, but are not ready to disconnect. As Im sure everyone understands.

So, while her spirit has taken flight, her shell remains.

The charges against those involved have been changed to First Degree Murder. Jos and I and friends are busy trying to get the family out of the house and moved somewhere safe. Right now, I'm not sure about a fund to help the boys, and final expenses...but as soon as I find out anything, I will let you all know.

Thank you all again so very much, from the bottom of our hearts for the prayers, thoughts, and just a place to vent. Our love goes out to all of you, our family within the Force. The SW Family is an amazing group of people. Everyone pulling together from all over the world to pray, chant, light candles and take a moment for this stranger and her family. Again, the love that has been shown is overwhelming.




May the Force Be With You All,

Kim, Josie and the Family of {Name withheld}

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