It happened so close to home.
Minutes from Shawn Venson’s home on the hilltop in Ansonia.
Within blocks of Emmett O’Brien Technical High School.
And less than a mile away from City Hall.
Daryl Venson’s murder — outside the GQ Mart on Root Avenue March 9 — happened in the middle of a community, his father Shawn Venson said Saturday.
And that community rallied together Saturday in memory of Venson, 25, and in hopes of preventing future violence.
“We have to get the community back the way it was,” Shawn Venson said Saturday, before he led more than 100 people on a unity march from the GQ Mart down to City Hall. “It never used to be like this, with senseless killings. There used to be a day when the police were the only ones with guns.”
The march was meant to remind people about the fatal shooting, and urge those with information to come forward and talk to police.
No one has been arrested for the shooting, and police have not named any suspects yet. Police said they are continuing to investigate the shooting, and a second fatal shooting that happened a week later on Wakelee Avenue.
Venson stressed that the march is not a criticism of police or the city. He continued his appeal to any witnesses to come forward with information.
“You shouldn’t be afraid to step up and tell what you know,” Shawn Venson said during comments to the crowd. “The only thing you should be afraid of is God.”
Article continues after photo gallery.
The March
More than 100 people — including several Ansonia youth football players — marched with Shawn Venson Saturday afternoon.
Venson has coached youth football and Ansonia High School football for almost 20 years.
They chanted “Staying alive, 25,” referring to Venson’s age when he was killed, and the desire for other city youth to stay alive longer than that.
Mayor James Della Volpe and several aldermen also attended the march, as well as Terri Goldson, the principal at Mead Elementary School.
“It’s a tragic incident,” Della Volpe said. “Hopefully someone will come out and say something.”
Family members and friends said they were encouraged by the turnout.
“As you can see, he was loved,” said Amy Dickinson, a friend of Venson’s.
