Walk for Qua-Daishia against violence

TRENTON - May 21, 2008 A crowd of people marched through the streets of Trenton this evening to send a message to the street gangs that thrive in this city and to remember 10-year-old Qua-Daishia Hopkins.

Qua-Daishia is the fourth grader who died Mother's Day in an arson fire on Walnut Avenue that police believe may have been set to punish her parents for testifying against a gang leader who lived next door. He's now serving life in prison on federal drug charges.

Among those marching from City Hall to the Walnut Ave. fire scene were community groups, some of Qua-Daishia's friends from school and the neighborhood and her Great Uncle.

Qua-Daishia was buried yesterday in a cemetery in Ewing. Police have offered thousands of dollars in reward money, but many residents in gang-ruled neighborhoods are afraid to talk; they are worried that if they come forward they or their loved ones may pay with their lives--just like Qua-Daishia may have.

Qua-Daishia's mother Frances lost her daughter and everything else she owned in this fire.

A fund has been set up if you'd like to help. Donations can be sent to Roma Bank, 485 Hamilton Ave. trenton NJ 08609 and any checks should be marked payable to the" Recovery Fund for 225 Walnut Ave."

Meanwhile police continue to investigate this arson fire and ask anyone with information to contact them. You can do this anonymously.