Murder victim's mother seeks justice, personal peace

Font Size:

BY DAN HINKEL
dhinkel@nwitimes.com
219.933.4183 | Monday, December 17, 2007 | (36 comment(s))

Yvonne Stewart sat in her car in a grocery store parking lot the other day, unable to enter the store, mourning the end of "the way it used to be."

Before her son, Anthony White, 16, was shot in the head Nov. 18 in a Gary parking lot, he used to eat food from this store. He used to play with his sister. He used to cut through the neighbor's yard when he missed the bus.

For those joys repossessed, Stewart wants a 15-year-old-boy jailed for as long as possible. She wants the boy suspected of the killing, Keon Moten, waived into adult court after a hearing Tuesday.

"He took his life. He can spend the rest of his life in jail," Stewart said.

But Stewart, of Merrillville, is finding confusion and uncertainty in a justice system that doesn't explain itself to the uninitiated. She fears most that the system will not vindicate Anthony. She fears he will be, as her sister Carolyn Cannon said, "another black kid who got killed."

"I hope that the justice system gives me justice, gives me peace," Stewart said.

A phone call summoned Stewart to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus in Gary at 12:40 a.m. Nov. 18, 20 minutes before Anthony's curfew. Stewart was sequestered alone in a room until her grandmother talked her way in, Stewart said. A chaplain appeared. A doctor entered. The doctor pointed to one side of his neck, then to a space next to his head, Stewart said. He spoke bluntly.

"He's shot here, brains out here," the doctor told Stewart, she said.

White died about 2:45 a.m.

On Nov. 17, Anthony -- a Merrillville High School junior described by classmates as a "ladies magnet" -- went to a high school basketball game with friends, Stewart said. Stewart said someone at the game announced an event later at The Flava, a nightclub on Broadway in Gary that hosts events open to people younger than 21. Club owners or managers could not be reached for comment on this story.

Police said a rivalry at the club led to a fight at a nearby gas station. One of Anthony's friends told Stewart that Anthony was talking on the phone with a girl when the fight erupted. The bullet hit him as he walked to a car, Stewart said. Bullets wounded at least three other people.

The bullet foreclosed on Anthony's plans to study business at Alabama State University. He was going to start driving after Christmas if he had a 3.0 grade point average.

Hundreds of people passed his open casket at Family Christian Center in Munster. Former Merrillville football hero and current New England Patriot Eugene Wilson sent a football signed with condolences.

Stewart went to Moten's initial hearing Dec. 4 at the Lake County Juvenile Justice Center in Crown Point. The brief, semi-audible proceedings illuminated little for attendees without law degrees. By the hearing's end, Stewart was unsure if Moten faced any charges.

"It didn't make sense to me," Stewart said.

Because Moten is a juvenile, he is not charged with a crime. He is being held as an alleged delinquent. The Lake County prosecutor's office has filed a motion to have him waived into adult court and charged with one count of murder, four counts of attempted murder and three counts of battery, said Diane Poulton, office spokeswoman.

A magistrate will decide after a hearing at 1 p.m. Tuesday whether Moten will be waived into adult court and charged. The magistrate must first decide whether there is probable cause a crime was committed and probable cause to charge Moten.

Gary police say Moten shot Anthony White, but White was not the target. Although neighbors reported gunshots of different volumes near the gas station at Broadway and 49th Avenue, officers found one caliber of shell casings, said Gary Detective James Gonzalez.

Moten was riding in a car when he was arrested, and an officer found a gun near Moten in the car, Gonzalez said. That gun fires the caliber of bullets that fit the casings found at the scene, Gonzalez said. County crime lab workers are investigating a possible forensic match between the gun and the bullets. No one else was arrested in the shooting or the fight.

Two eyewitnesses identified Moten as the shooter who killed White, Gonzalez said.

But lawyer T. Edward Page, hired by Moten's family, said the evidence leaves questions about who killed White.

"We believe there is a serious question as to probable cause," he said.

The decision on whether Moten will be tried as an adult is central to his fate. Juvenile justice systems seek to rehabilitate child offenders, while adult courts punish offenders, said Nicky Jackson, a criminal justice professor at Purdue University Calumet.

A magistrate considers a child suspect's family life and any prior record before waiving or not waiving the child, Jackson said. Moten has been arrested at least once, Poulton said.

A Gary detective voiced certainty Moten will be waived. Jackson said she thinks a 15-year-old boy in Moten's situation is likely to be waived into adult court.

"Every case is unique, but when you've got a kid who's got a prior record and takes a gun and points it at somebody ... ," she said.

Because of his age, Moten cannot be sentenced to life in prison or be put to death if he is convicted of an adult murder charge. But that charge could draw him a maximum of 65 years in prison. It is uncertain how much of any sentence he would serve if convicted.

Moten's father pulled Stewart aside before the Dec. 4 hearing and voiced condolences for Anthony's death. Moten's mother pulled her aside after the hearing.

The two women chatted for moments, a few feet from everyone else.

As she navigates the justice system, Stewart mourns her son. Stewart sometimes dreams of "the way it used to be." She is working on understanding the new truth. She repeats the facts to herself.

"You actually buried your son. You actually buried your son. You actually buried your son."

Back to story 36 comment(s)

Please note: Comments from readers will be screened and may not be posted immediately. If you don't see your comment perhaps:

It wasn't clear, concise or focused on the topic in the story.
It was a personal attack, vulgar, explicit or degrading, used actual or implied profanity or contained potentially libelous statements.
It accused someone of being guilty of a crime.
It promoted violence or illegal acts.
It contained telephone numbers or street addresses, or e-mail addresses and links to Web sites other than nwi.com or government agencies.

In no way do these comments represent the views of The Times or Lee Enterprises.

Passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude and profane language and personal abuse are not welcome.

Reader comments will not be edited - they will be approved or declined. They may be used in the print edition of the newspaper.

If you feel a posted comment has violated these guidelines, please email our New Media team the commenter's name, the comment and a link to the article.

For more information please read our Terms of Service.

Mrs. Young wrote on Jul 20, 2008 9:06 PM:

" I just learned of your lost and my heart fill condolences and deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.In 1997 my only son was also shot in the head, but he lived and you know him. I met you only once a few years ago. You came to my home with my son. I wish I had known before now so that I could have offered more support. Please remember the good times that you had with your son for that is all you truly have left. And pray continuously for strength to face another day without him in your life. Then understand and except that your pain will lessen as time goes on. Nothing last forever, it does get better, but nothing will ever be the same. I will keep you and your family in my daily prayers. Yours in Christ, "M"'s Mom! "

curfew is a problem who cares! wrote on Feb 6, 2008 10:01 AM:

" honestly people. just because his curfew was late doesnt make it any worse. it could have happened at any time.. i know anthony PERSONALLY! and i know that he was a great person.... no judging people. anthony was great... no sympathy for the shooter. "

MotherOfMurderedChild wrote on Dec 26, 2007 8:40 PM:

" Tears will make you stronger
Hope will lead the way
Acceptance is golden in survival
Tomorrow is another day
Blessings "

just a reader wrote on Dec 22, 2007 9:01 PM:

" I.am no.one to judge, the gunman should die in prison. parents don't let your children out for so long at night. nightmare s can happen! "

Crystal Womack, Marion Wi. wrote on Dec 22, 2007 5:43 PM:

" I am so sorry for the loss of another young person, It is so sad for both familys, I loss my sister 12 yrs ago, and It is something you never get over, But yet I do feel sorry for the young man who took my sister life, It is sad that he wasn't raised any better, with more values and respect for other peoples lives. It is sad that most young people are being raised, That it is all about me, Instead of thinking about other as well. Now he is spending most of his life in Prison and we spend ours missing her.I wish you all a Merry Christmas, My Heart is breking for all of you. God bless you all. "

Who's To Say Is The Right Or Wrong Way wrote on Dec 20, 2007 9:21 PM:

" How can anyone ever say that a person(person's) raise the Children the right or wrong way? I was always wanting to go out when i was not suppose to and you know what my Parents raised me the way they thought was right. I am now a Mother of 3 and Grandmother of 9 and i think i did a good job at raising them even tho some people thought i was raising them wrong. Who is to say you raised your Child the right or wrong way? "

Karrean (ONE OF ANTHONY'S SCHOOL MATES) wrote on Dec 19, 2007 4:23 PM:

" Im sorry for the lost of your son and one of my friends I really wish that I can go back in time and bring him back. Its hard to loose someone you love. All I can say is Im here for you and your family. I cried when I found out everything but then I realized that God does everything for a reason. It was his time and he will be missed, he left us for the better. We know that he is watching over us making sure everything is ok.... so dont worry he still here we just cant see him. "

MommaNurse wrote on Dec 19, 2007 4:17 PM:

" I cannot even believe SOME of the idiots on here have the nerve to point fingers and this womans child is in the ground. My heart goes out to her. What has this world come to, how can you blame HER. "

It could have happen in the day time then what! wrote on Dec 18, 2007 1:46 PM:

" No matter the time nor the day. This killing could of happen at anytime. Yeah it was late he was out, but did he have to loose his life. I say lets not judge the mother on why she let her son stay out late. Let's pray for her and for the other family. B/c even though there son is still here alive he has lost his life as well. Ms Stewart, keep God first. Look to God for understanding. He'll get you through this pain and hurt your feeling. I will keep your family in my prayers. "

You know what??? wrote on Dec 17, 2007 8:14 PM:

" I am so glad I moved out of the Region. And NOT because a kid got shot. I'm glad I don't live there anymore because of the ignorant people who post this GARBAGE on these forums. It's NOT your business what time this mother decided HER child could be home. It's NOT her fault that someone else's child took her child's life. And to the person who will say YOUR kids NEVER acted this way because of your superior parenting skills (and someone will...someone ALWAYS does), GOOD FOR YOU! You're fortunate to have obedient children who were never introduced to kids who weren't raised as "well" as your own. How do you know this wasn't a good kid? Because good kids don't stay out that late? That makes me physically ill, to think this grieving mother might read this TRASH. While my only child is just 2, I already know he doesn't always do what I would like him to. I imagine that doesn't change as the years wear on. Shame on you people! Mrs. Stewart, I am so sorry for your tragic and horrible loss. "

Mrs. Stupid wrote on Dec 17, 2007 7:35 PM:

" I am sorry for the loss of this fine young man,but why was he out at that time of night? I raised 5 boys on my own and beleive me they were not perfect but there curfew was always 10PM on weekends and 8pm on weekdays. No matter what. I was yelled at by the boys and cursed at but I would not budge. I had to know where they were at all times. Yes there were times when they were not in the best of places but I would bust them out and bring them home. All there friends were afraid of me. I say good. They where all over 6 foot tall and I am only 5'3. Parents wake up and let make your kids do what they are supposed to do. Don't give in. "

Kim wrote on Dec 17, 2007 5:41 PM:

" How can anyone have sympathy for the shooter's family? If his family truly cared about him he wouldn't have been out on the streets at 12:45am on a school night PACKING A GUN!!! Get real. It is time to stop coddling thugs and criminals before they kill all the good kids! "

to Why is it? wrote on Dec 17, 2007 5:10 PM:

" Just because he was out at 12:43 AM makes him a bad kid or involved in "gang banger time" as you call it?? What time do you have to be home in order to be a good kid, cause I didn't know thats how you base whether a kid is good or not? "

to: anony mouse wrote on Dec 17, 2007 4:36 PM:

" You want to eradicate the gangs with the National Guard...sounds good on paper, but what do you do with them after that? The gangs would just move on to another place..... "

Sad, but.. wrote on Dec 17, 2007 4:33 PM:

" This is a sad story, but not totally unexpected. What was the mother thinking when she gave her 16 year old son a 1:00 a.m. curfew? Did she really think that something good will happen at that hour? There is NO reason for a 16 year old to be out at that housr unless he's up to no good to begin with! "

Why is it? wrote on Dec 17, 2007 4:20 PM:

" that every kid who gets shot is a "good kid"? Sorry but "good kids" aren't out at 12:43 a.m. - that's gang banger time. I am sorry for your loss - both families - because 2 lives are gone - one with God and one to be in jail. Makes you wonder though that if he was home in bed he wouldn't have been shot..... "

AnonY Mouse wrote on Dec 17, 2007 4:18 PM:

" What a terrible tragedy. I think Moten should be waived into adult court. Also, I think the Indiana Natl Gaurd should be called in to Lake County to eradicate the gangs, drugs, and guns. It would be very easy to do. With Gary's violence and murder stats it would be wise for people to just stay out. If you have kids, move out. This isn't the first or the last incident at the Flava either. If you care about your family and you have kids GET THEM OUT OF GARY, it is no place to raise a kid. "

Dear Sad wrote on Dec 17, 2007 4:08 PM:

" Plese read more carefully, he died at 2:45 A.M., he was not out running the streets at that time but dying in a hospital. A young life has ended and a mother lost a child that is the issue, everyone regardless of race can understand that. We all bleed red. "

Sad wrote on Dec 17, 2007 2:58 PM:

" We need to get rid of gangs now! When are kids gonna learn that if you roll with a gang you are gonna end up dying young? Choose your freinds wisely. Also don't stay out until 2:45am. "

Tired of Critics wrote on Dec 17, 2007 2:34 PM:

" Let's give the legal system a chance to work. Charges are filed, court hearings are set and the accused is being afforded the rights that all criminal accused, juvenile and adult, are afforded under our state laws. The legal system Does work. Our jails and prisons are FULL thanks to police, prosectors and judges. What are YOU doing to make your community safer? "

George wrote on Dec 17, 2007 1:23 PM:

" I am still in shock i loved Ant like i loved my son. My heart is crushed. But GOD will walk you through this. Keep him first!!!!!!!!!! "

GoKart wrote on Dec 17, 2007 1:14 PM:

" "But he was good kid"......... "

WOW wrote on Dec 17, 2007 12:47 PM:

" If you can pull the trigger you can do the time for the crime. No matter what age. This person the shooter knew it was wrong to shoot at another person. People kill people. Its not the guns, it's the person who pulls the trigger. I would like to see him tried as an adult. This poor lady lost her son who was going to make something of himself. Lets see this legal system work for once. "

to the victims family wrote on Dec 17, 2007 12:40 PM:

" I am so sorry for your loss. I use to hate the phrase "I know what you're going through" because there is NO ONE that really knows how much someone really hurts, but I can relate to your pain. I have recently lost my sister the same way. These kids playing with guns thinking they're "men" because they have a gun but then don't want to face charges like men...it's pathetic. I know nothing can bring back our loved one's but justice needs to be served. My heart goes out to your family. "

Kristine wrote on Dec 17, 2007 11:55 AM:

" Mother to Mother, I am so sorry for your loss. I do not think your son was another murdered black man. He was your child and precious to you and your family and his friends. I hope you and your family can find some peace and can find a way to move forward. I will pray for you and your family. God Bless. "

Christian wrote on Dec 17, 2007 10:54 AM:

" The death of a child, feels unbearable. It consumes you for an eternity.. and no matter how much time goes by, the pain is real, it's life shattering.. I lost my son, He would have turned 12 today. There is no more acceptance today just any other year.. I hope that Peace and Faith is enough to pull you through this long and dark lifetime.. Prayers and Love.. "

Wrong Place Wrong Time wrote on Dec 17, 2007 10:34 AM:

" very sad, You wish these kids would learn to settle disputes with just fighting. Only cowards use guns, don't believe the fake rappers and hype. If they were all as "real" as they claim on their cds they would be sitting next to you in jail. "

Sad wrote on Dec 17, 2007 10:28 AM:

" It's sad that the promising youths get cut down so early and sad that the youths who cut them down will have to pay for this for the rest of their lives if they have a conscious. Foolish mistakes like this leave so many people hurt. Where is everybody getting these guns from? "

Saddened wrote on Dec 17, 2007 9:50 AM:

" I thank the writer for this story. I wasn't just reading a story about another young black boy being killed. I felt both families agony. I wonder how the young gunman wound up with a gun and how he feels about spending most of adult life in prison for shooting someone he did not know. My sympathies go out to both familes. "

David Cherbak Santa Barbara, Ca. wrote on Dec 17, 2007 9:41 AM:

" He who lives by the sword usually dies by the sword even if our justice system fails us the people..Frontier justice prevails. It's a sad commentary for the United States and for those who thought we had come so far. "

Kat wrote on Dec 17, 2007 9:04 AM:

" I have much less sympathy for the Moten family. It was their son with the gun. Nothing good could ever have come of that. My sympathies lie squarely with the Stewarts. They lost a son who had plans, not a delinquent with a gun. That said, I will never be able to understand why 15 and 16 year olds are allowed to wander the streets at nearly 1am on a school night...while bad things happen at all hours of the day, any police officer will tell you that no call at 12:40am is ever a good one........ "

Jim from Hessville wrote on Dec 17, 2007 8:50 AM:

" Is that a fur coat? "

Angel wrote on Dec 17, 2007 8:21 AM:

" There is no justice in death, My heart goes out to both families. Ms Stewart you will find no justice as you wait for the legal system to ease your pain, find forgiveness, for all your lives have been sentence to a lifetime of WHY? May God give both families strength during this very difficult time. "

Amy wrote on Dec 17, 2007 8:17 AM:

" Ma'am, I'm not black and I want you to know, he will not be thought of as just another black kid by me. One mother to another, I am so so so so sorry for your loss. It seems that a light went out in the world when he passed. "

With all due respect wrote on Dec 17, 2007 7:07 AM:

" I am sorry for the loss of your son. And for the parents of the boy who was the shooter, had your son been taught right from wrong and faced consequences to his actions one mother wouldnt be sad this Christmas and you will not have the worry of your son being an inmate of the state of Indiana. I suspect if your son does not get the proper punishment he will be out again and his actions will take more lives and leave more heart ache. Lets all hope that he gets the punishment he deserves and no other family has to lose a family member. "

Munster Resident wrote on Dec 17, 2007 6:25 AM:

" My sympathy goes out to these two families. The loss of a child is the hardest for a parent to deal with. "

Back to story 36 comment(s)

Post a comment Once your comments are approved, they will appear here.

Marketplace

Sections

Services

Other Publications

Search