PITTSBURGH — A somber gathering took place in Carrick on Tuesday night as family and friends released balloons into the evening sky to honor the memory of Damien Milton, a victim of a recent double shooting. Milton, along with another man, was fatally shot at the intersection of Brownsville Road and Linnview Avenue last week, prompting a community outpouring of grief and remembrance.
Joined by dozens of supporters, Milton’s family assembled at the site of the tragedy, reflecting on the life of a devoted father and friend. His mother, Kimberly Kirsch, expressed her heartache, sharing the void left by her son’s untimely death. “This tragedy shows that no one is truly safe; it could happen to anyone,” she said, calling Milton a nurturing soul who brought light into the lives of those around him.
The candlelit vigil became a space for collective mourning, as attendees shared stories of Milton’s kindness and generosity. Waqiah Smith, the mother of his children, emphasized the impact of his absence on their lives. “My children shouldn’t have to live without their father. He should have been there to walk them to school and witness their milestones,” she said, urging others to cherish their loved ones.
During the emotional gathering, she remembered the moment of the shooting vividly. “I was home with the kids when I heard the shots. Damien went out just to grab a drink for one of them,” Smith recalled. Her plea resonated in the hearts of those present, as she encouraged everyone to affirm their love for family, never knowing when time might run out.
Both Kirsch and Smith advocated for justice, directly addressing the individual responsible for the shooting. “To the person who did this, I hope you carry the weight of my son’s memory every single day,” Kirsch stated, her grief giving way to a fierce call for accountability. The family is also seeking information regarding the other victim, Quaziah Jones, expressing uncertainty about any possible connections between the two men.
The vigil served not just as a tribute to Milton’s life but as a communal call for awareness and action against violence. Community members stood together in solidarity, lighting candles to symbolize hope and healing amid their sorrow. In the days following the tragedy, the desire for justice and clarity remains strong among those who loved Milton.