This was a continuation of the trend that occurred in the previous year, when the number reached 84. It made 2018 the most deadly year for the capital. If January’s trend continues, the number of homicides could rise to almost 150 by the end of 2018. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, who was responding to the two murders that occurred on the same day of each other, called for an open-carry ban. Gov. Phil Bryant offered $4 million to fund a real-time monitoring system for crime. This collaboration acknowledges that gun violence prevention is just as important for politicians in states as for officials in municipalities. The open carrying of a handgun in 14 states is allowed without a permit or license. In 2016, Mississippi legalized constitutional carry. In 2016, Mississippi allowed constitutional carry. Lumumba announced that Jackson would work with the People’s Advocacy Institute in order to create pilot programs like Violence Interrupter Training and Credible Messenger Mentoring. This grant will help prevent crime in Jackson. There are also the victims. The police sirens become the cries of bereaved. Their cries turn into somber silence. The grieving can put their lives back together and keep the memories of those who have died. As Jackson’s victims are still buried beneath the reality of death, their loved ones, friends, and family share their memories in this essay. These images show the first memories of the victims, juxtaposed with the scenes where their last breaths were taken. Julian Smith Jackson police responded to multiple shots fired at Palmyra Street on Jan. 5. Police found Julian Smith, 38 years old, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He died of his injuries after being taken to the local hospital. Another victim was also injured but was stabilized. Steven Johnson, a close friend of Julian was present at the scene and held Julian in his arms while he waited for paramedics. Johnson will always remember that January cold day. Johnson said, “I think about it every day. Johnson stated that it is difficult to let go of the haunting feeling. “I held him in mine arms until the paramedics arrived, and then I started talking to him. ‘Please wake up, don’t let me go right now,’ he said. The Rev. Anthony Finch Longino Anthony Finch Longino (69) was killed in a robbery that occurred while he opened his church’s doors Sunday, January 13. The Hinds-Jackson SWAT Team acting on tips took Marquez Hamilton, 22, into custody later that night. Police claim Hamilton claimed that he planned the robbery with his friends. Police are still trying to find the other suspects. Angel F. Longino (the daughter of Anthony) said that he was loyal to his ministry and spread the Bible’s teachings. Angel stated that Angel and her father would walk around the community handing out fruit and gift baskets to residents during holidays. Angel said that they would often walk in the community to hand out fruit baskets and gift cards during holidays. She also tried to get members to join by giving flyers. Elizahown Burns Elizahown Burns was 34 years old when she was shot to death at the home in the 1900 block, Teakwood Avenue, Jan. 16. Witnesses claimed that they had been involved in a gun fight after an argument when police arrived on the scene. Investigators are still investigating the cause of the argument. The gunshots were heard inside the house by residents. One of them was Patsy Nad-Maxwell who was Elizahown Burns’ godmother. He was a kind and thoughtful person, she recalls. “I have known him since he was a little boy, and he was always so kind. I felt so special when he would visit me just to see. Maxwell said that he sometimes blames himself. He heard the men argue before the shooting but didn’t reply. “If they had listened to me and respected my space, they would have stopped arguing with me,” Maxwell said.