Local mother to host event for families who have lost loved ones to violence

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local mother is hosting an event Sunday to help families who have lost loved ones to violence in our community.

Laronda Townsend lost her son on June 1st, 2011.

He was 17-years-old and was shot and killed in Chattanooga.

He son would have turned 24 this coming Monday.

Townsend says she started MASK – Mothers Against Senseless Killings – in hopes to support families experiencing a similar pain.

“I know the pain and like I said I’m here for any parent that lost a child. I’m here. We can get together, talk and just grieve,” she says.

MASK and the Citizens Safety Coalition are holding an event Sunday at the Tennessee River Park.