Mom who lost 2 kids to gun violence wants change nearly 1 year after rec center shooting
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — LaTonya Nichols has made memories at the Glenwood Community Center in West Columbus for years.
"I used to walk over here by myself in 1976," Nichols said.
But for almost a year, Nichols couldn't bring herself to go near the center.
"I can't even come up to the park and sit no more because there's too many bad memories. Well, good memories and one bad memory took everything away," she said.
She suggested we meet up near the center, the first time she's been nearby she says since that first day in June.
"I think it's time, it's time for me to get out (of) the house, time for me to stop avoiding," Nichols said.
On June 15, 2022, temperatures were soaring. The Glenwood Community Center was being used as a cooling center.
But on that Wednesday around 5 p.m., reports of gunfire at the west side recreation center started coming in.
Kids were seen running to reunite with their parents amid a large police scene, and Nichols was ultimately left to pick up the pieces.
"One decision affected so many people," she said.
After, a then 15-year-old was charged with injuring another teen, and shooting and killing Nichols' daughter A'Tayia.
"She was coming to pick up my niece. My daughter was a lifeguard, and it was a ruckus," she said.
Now in May 2023, ABC6 Investigates has confirmed that the teen will be tried as an adult, bringing up a lot of different emotions for Nichols.
"That's a bittersweet moment," she said.
It's the second such loss for this mom of six.
"I lost him two years ago, almost three, then I lost her last year. This one is Nofeir. That's my angel," Nichols said.
In October 2020 her son, Nofeir, was shot and killed.
Both losses have changed her life and what she tells her other children.
Don't say nothing to anybody. Don't look at anybody. Don't cuss, don't speed around. Nobody get frustrated at nobody, you know, I just, I don't want anything to happen. I don't think I could survive another loss,"
She believes additional positive role models are needed and more.
"I think the city, I think is our parents' responsibility to step up. I mean, I lost my son, to a grown man. But I lost my daughter to a kid," Nichols said.
"I want to share my story to get people to realize we have to do better. We have to do better."
Additionally, Nichols said she thinks stricter gun laws are essential.
ABC6 Investigates will share more stories digging into the impact violence is having in Central Ohio.
