My son’s name is Derrick C. Williams; he was 32 years of age when he was gunned down savagely on September 4, 2006 at the corner of Lillian and Goodfellow Ave. at the Citgo gas station, 5003 Goodfellow. My son was murdered by a young man by the name of Deandres I. Dowell, a 22-year-old pistol-toting drug dealer (I was informed that this young man is also being sought in another murder). There is another shooter that as of today has not been taken into custody.

I have done a little investigation of my own to find out what and why. This gas station is nothing but a haven of crime. There is so much illegal traffic in this area, the neighbors all know what goes on at this place and are afraid to say anything. I was not able to get the owner or manager’s name, but from what I was told, drugs are being sold out of this place everyday with his knowledge. There are people getting off the freeway and going directly there not to purchase gas but to buy drugs, and the owner/manager allows this to continue.

My question to you is how and why do we allow these people to come to this country and front an operation like this? This is a well-known fact that this station has been known for robberies and drug trafficking and we continue to allow this to happen. Why?

For my son to be gunned down like an animal and to bury him was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. Not wanting anyone else to have to go through what I did, I am asking, I am crying out as a parent; I desperately would like to see this station closed down—not just for allowing this type of activity, but on behalf of my son Derrick C. Williams and the young men in that area being captured by this fast money and short life mentality—all taken place at that Citgo gas station.

Barbara Williams

P.S.—My father Willie Thompson was robbed at this station twice in the 70s or early 80s. It was under another management, I believe, but the point being is that the owners allow the loitering and gangster mentality to continue on that corner. Why?