Urging stronger action for unsolved homicide cases in the communities of Los Angeles that are hardest hit by gun violence, Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) called on firm support for Assembly Bill 2913 (Cold Cases) at a press conference in the parking lot of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Harbor Community Police Station. Flanked by gun violence survivors and advocates for victims, Gipson was joined by Los Angeles City Council leaders. Both Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, 8^th District and Councilmember Tim McOsker, 15^th District, urged the State of California to prioritize solving violent crime investigations and the provision of relief and solace to those affected, starting with the passage of AB 2913.

“Having dedicated my work in the California Assembly to safety on the streets of South Los Angeles, I know we cannot wait any longer for uniform procedures assisting family members of homicide victims in getting a fresh review of unsolved case files to determine if a full investigation would result in new, probative criminal leads,” said Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson). “This legislation will create those procedures for law enforcement across the State of California, building better relationships between those departments and their communities. As someone who has buried a child myself, I also connect with the immeasurable loss felt by families of victims, and I have responded to their need for timely reviews of unsolved cases by introducing this legislation for transparency, communication, and the opportunity to heal.”

“Across California, far too many families have been waiting for justice in the aftermath of unthinkable tragedy. Our families go through so much pain, not knowing who was responsible for the deaths of our loved ones. This bill will help our families heal and get the closure they need,” said Arvis Jones, a gun violence survivor and volunteer with the California chapter of Moms Demand Action. “AB 2913 will empower loved ones of murder victims to petition law enforcement to reopen closed cases, hopefully providing more answers. We’re grateful for Assemblymember Gipson’s leadership and commitment to empowering families and protecting our communities from senseless acts of gun violence.”

“Far too often, families who lose a loved one to gun violence fall through the cracks and go weeks, months, years, without receiving any update on their case,” said Dr. Joseph Griffin, Executive Director of Youth ALIVE! “AB 2913 would change that by allowing families to request another look at their case, renewing attention and unlocking resources in their pursuit of justice.”

“California’s statewide clearance rate for homicides has been at or under 65% for the last decade, leaving thousands of families without closure,” said Mattie Scott, Chapter President of Brady California and a gun violence survivor. “My son George was killed nearly thirty years ago, and we still don’t have the answers we need for the peace we deserve. As a survivor, an advocate for families experiencing this pain, and a leader in the gun violence prevent movement, I myself am thankful to Assemblymember Gipson for introducing this bill. For us justice is peace, and with this bill we move closer to that solace and a future free from gun violence.”

AB 2913 was passed by the Assembly Public Safety Committee and is sponsored by Brady United Against Gun Violence, Everytown, and Youth ALIVE!

Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson represents the 65th Assembly District which includes the cities and communities of Watts, Willowbrook, Compton, Carson, North Long Beach, Harbor Gateway North & South, Harbor City, Wilmington, and San Pedro.