LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Saturday, family, friends and loved ones of those lost to gun violence gathered on the steps of the Arkansas State Capitol to demand justice.
"I'm frustrated,” said Unitie Nelms, whose son, Dejon Nelms, was shot and killed in Little Rock last year. "My baby turned 21 on December 2. That was my baby out of five kids [and] he's gone."
Unitie Nelms traveled from California for the rally, demanding action from lawmakers.
"I want justice for my son,” Unitie Nelms said. “I want it, not only with the killers, but I want change."
Dejon Nelms and Modesti Allimon were on West 14th Street in Little Rock around 8 p.m. on December 20, 2023, when they were shot and killed.
So far, one person has been arrested in the homicide investigation.
Unitie Nelms and other protestors gathered on Saturday to demand more involvement from state and local officials who they feel aren't hearing them, including Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
"Get more involved,” Unitie Nelms said. “You're a mother. How would you feel?”
As far as solutions, Unitie Nelms said she believes murders like her son's stem from mental health issues. She wants more resources available for children who commit "petty crimes" before they escalate to more severe acts.
"Stop giving up on them, saying they don't listen,” Unitie Nelms said. “No, we don't listen. We need to see what's going on. We have a mental health issue out here."
But as far as her son’s case goes, Unitie Nelms said the fight to get justice for him and others who have gone through similar situations is just beginning.
"We love you, Dejon,” Unitie Nelms said, “Mama is standing on business."
Unitie Nelms said she would keep coming to Little Rock to protest for as long as it takes for people to notice.