WACO, TX — The mother of a murder victim is hosting an event on Saturday to help combat violence in the city.
On Saturday at 10 a.m., the Pre-Annual Peace Walk Rally will take place at the Wilbert Austin Sr. Park located at 401 Hood Street in Waco.
Flecha Smyre lost her son, Montrell Phenix, on Nov. 7, 2010 after Bronshae Lonell Robinson shot him at the intersection of Earle Avenue and Forrest Street in Waco.
According to his arrest affidavit, Robinson was driving recklessly, which caused a car to run into the vehicle Phenix was driving. Police said Phenix asked Robinson if he planned to cover the damages before walking back toward his car. At that time, officers said Robinson shot Phenix several times in his upper body.
Phenix asked for help from another driver at the scene who took him to the hospital. He later died from his injuries.
"For me, it was devastating. I didn't want to live anymore but I knew I had other children I had to live for too," Smyre said
Robinson is serving a 14-year-sentence for the crime, entered a guilty plea for the murder of Phenix.
"I try to be strong but many moments when I'm alone at home I break down. It's hard," Smyre said.
She said it's also hard for the four children Phenix left behind.
"It has been nine years so his kids have been affected the whole time that he has been gone," Smyre said.
The murder of Preston Jerome Scottin April prompted Smyre and her friend Pamela Degrate to organize the Peace Walk Rally event.
This year, at least three people, including Scott, have been murdered in Waco.
"I think if we lose one life to violence, then it's bad," Degrate said.
At the peace rally, those attending will hear from pastors and people who turned their lives around.
"Just to try to even touch a soul who can change their life to better themselves," Degrate said.
Elected officials, Waco firefighters and families of murder victims will attend the peace rally.
Smyre is also planning to start a nonprofit organization in memory of her son to help families affected by violence.
