Yonkers march calls for peace in honor of victims of violence

Yonkers residents came together in prayer Saturday in a march calling for peace.
They dedicated the walk to those they've lost, including Mike Nolan, who was shot outside of a Burger King on Central Park Avenue in 2015; Michael Federico, who was stabbed last month on Whetstone Avenue; and Marilyn Montanez, who was shot on the corner of Morningside and Lake avenues while walking with her little sister.
Maddie Cheathum, the organizer of the walk, says the city needs more programs to get children involved in productive, safe activities. She also says parents need to step in before it's too late.
 
"The blame should be placed on all of the parents of the community who see these children every day and don't say anything about it," says Cheathum. "This used to be a community where all of the parents cared about all of the children and I think we need to get back to that."
Organizers say every small step they take together, will bring them closer to making Yonkers feel like home again.
The Yonkers Police Department is now offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Jamir Thompson, the 15-year-old police say is responsible for the death of Montanez.