Readers React: The responsibility we all share for a 4-year-old boy’s killing

To the editor: Thank you for putting the tragic story of the shocking killing of 4-year-old Daniel Munoz in Highland front and center in your Friday paper, and thank you for quoting San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Adam Cervantes, who said there was a sense of urgency in seeking justice. (“‘I don’t know why people do evil things,’ says grandma of 4-year-old boy shot to death in Highland,” July 30)

I felt deep sorrow, complete disbelief and ultimately rage that someone would fire a bullet that would hit a 4-year-old. I believe we all bear a small measure of responsibility for this unfortunate breakdown of civilization. It is a sad indictment of our curious passivity and tolerance in allowing urban terrorists to live among us and act on their homicidal impulses.

Sadly, we failed Munoz. Yet it is my resolute belief that if we take a more proactive stance in reporting crime, change will follow. If we cease tolerating seemingly innocuous graffiti and cooperate more effectively with law enforcement, we will begin to see improvement. If we demand more and better performance from our legislators, we can confidently deliver the promise to children, young moms and grandmothers that their yards are safe places to play.

James Dowdell, San Pedro

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To the editor: There has to be an answer to the violence that killed Munoz, apparently by mistake. Perhaps a few more Father Greg Boyles of Homeboy Industries would help.

Ultimately the answer must come from the gang members, with first one saying “enough,” then another and another. The big concerns are whether such an action would put their lives at risk, and whether their prospects on the job market would be good.

But to be able to come home from a day’s work tired but pleased could give them new lives.

Jack Collins, Duarte

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To the editor: As long as guns are freely available, people will die. The people who killed Munoz probably don’t care what happens as long as they can obtain firepower.

Children and other innocent victims die or are wounded every day in similar situations in America.

A lot can be done to change our violent surroundings, but the first thing is to get rid of the guns.

Barbara Snider, Huntington Beach

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