Pubdate: Wed, 28 Jan 2015
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Kim Bolan
Page: A5
Referenced: Myths: Selling a little bit of drugs isn't a big deal 
(VIDEO): https://www.youtube.com/watch?vnRY_PczCbA&feature=youtu.be
Referenced: Myths: As a gangster's girl, you'll have everything you 
want (VIDEO): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsel8cihl6w&feature=youtu.be
Referenced: Myths: You'll have plenty of friends and respect (VIDEO): 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnfXYp9GwB8&feature=youtu.be
Referenced: Myths: Someone will always have your back (VIDEO): 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=honr-I5EzgM&feature=youtu.be
Referenced: Myths: You'll live a long and happy life (VIDEO): 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmrY5G3byhY&feature=youtu.be
Referenced: Myths: No one in 'my' family would be in a gang (VIDEO): 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O9ipNKnSdQ&feature=youtu.be

GRIEVING VANCOUVER MOTHERS SPEAK OUT ABOUT GANG LIFE

Video Campaign Created to Help End the Bloodshed

Two Metro Vancouver mothers who lost their children to gang violence 
six years ago say they hope a new anti-gang video campaign will help 
steer youth away from the deadly lifestyle.

Brianna Kinnear's mother Carol is featured in a video campaign aimed 
at steering youth away from gang violence. In the videos, she talks 
about Brianna, who was shot dead at 22 in 2009.

Carol Kinnear, who's featured in six videos created by the Combined 
Forces Special Enforcement Unit and Odd Squad Productions, says she 
wants to spare other parents from the devastating pain that has 
rocked her family.

Kinnear's daughter Brianna - who had been dating gangster Jesse 
Margison - was shot to death in Coquitlam on Feb. 3, 2009. No one has 
been charged in her death. She was 22.

"We live with this tragedy every single day and it is just a 
heartache that I don't really want any other parent to go through," 
Kinnear said in an interview. "I don't want any other child to put 
their parents through it. So I thought maybe it's time for me to try 
to put a message out there."

Desiree Desjardins echoed Kinnear.

In the videos, she describes the aftermath of losing son Sean Murphy 
on March 31, 2009, when he was gunned down in Abbotsford. He was 21.

"This was the right thing to do to honour Sean and to be able to make 
a difference," Desjardins said of the video project.

"There is a huge stereotype out there about who these kids are ... 
that stereotype is not true. It's everyone's child that can and 
sometimes does get involved in this."

Kinnear said that young women should understand they're not safe if 
they date someone involved in the gang world.

"Brianna was a girlfriend. She was involved in it somewhat, but she 
wasn't involved like some of the major players. The girlfriends are 
not invincible and she thought she was invincible," Kinnear said.

The videos - each seven to 10 minutes long - will be used in schools 
and community forums and are also available online at endganglife.ca. 
They feature homicide investigator Sgt. Bari Emam, Abbotsford police 
Chief Bob Rich and former gang members.

"These videos mark a significant milestone for gang prevention and 
education in British Columbia," CFSEU Chief Supt. Kevin Hackett said.

"Gangs and gang violence tear families and communities apart but all 
too often, despite the warnings and violence, we hear of young people 
getting involved in gangs. It is critical that we hear from those 
directly involved or affected by the ravages of gangs and dispel the 
many myths if we are going to end gang life in our province."

Desjardins said Sean was just 17 when someone at his school convinced 
him to sell marijuana. Kids get involved without understanding where 
it will lead, she said.

Both moms hope that the video release may lead to new information for 
investigators in the unsolved murders of their children.

"Maybe I can reach other people who know something who may be ready 
to talk," Kinnear said. "The police know who did it. They just don't 
have enough (evidence) to take to (the) Crown."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom