Morgan McMahon's mom hopes sharing the disturbing image of her daughter will help others avoid violence.
Friends and relatives of homicide victim Morgan McMahon gather at West Colvin Street and Glahn Avenue during a vigil Sunday organized by Mothers Against Gun Violence. McMahon was shot in the head near there May 23 while riding in a minivan that police say had been used just moments before in a drive-by shooting.
Syracuse, NY - Morgan McMahon’s mother isn’t showing people photographs of her daughter smiling during happy times.
Instead, she wants them to see a photo of what her daughter looked like in her final moments: a 25-year-old mother of three attached to a ventilator at Upstate University Hospital. Morgan looks unresponsive, her eyes staring blankly into space, tubes running from her nose and mouth.
The disturbing image was taken after Morgan was fatally shot in the head while riding in the passenger seat of a minivan that Syracuse police say had been used in a drive-by shooting.
Maureen McMahon, 47, said she is sharing the photo to send a message about the consequences of gun violence.
“I want all her friends who knew what was going on to see that – because I had to see that,” said McMahon, who attended a memorial vigil Sunday afternoon at the corner of West Colvin Street and Glahn Avenue, just blocks from where her daughter was shot May 23.
Mothers Against Gun Violence co-founder Helen Hudson said she plans to use the shocking image in a billboard campaign and other publicity.
“Something has got to wake us up as a community,” said Hudson, who organized the group after her own son survived a serious stabbing. “Everyone needs to see the devastation this is leaving behind.”
Detectives say McMahon was shot when the minivan she was in hit a bump, and a gun being held by another passenger accidentally discharged. Deon Farley, 23, is being held on charges of criminally negligent homicide and criminal possession of a weapon in McMahon’s death.
“We shouldn’t be here,” Hudson said to a crowd of more than 50 mourners. “Parents aren’t supposed to bury their children. We can’t keep doing this.”
Hudson issued a special message to the young women who attended the vigil, including Morgan McMahon’s former classmates at Nottingham High School.
“You can’t put yourself and your babies in harm’s way,” Hudson said. “You need to step up and say enough is enough.”
Friends wiped away tears as vigil organizers handed out candles and led prayers. A wooden cross near the sidewalk was surrounded by an oversized pink teddy bear, candles and flowers.
Maureen McMahon said she would light her candle again next year in memory of her daughter.
“If she can save one life. . . “ Maureen McMahon said, her voice trailing off. “She was a good girl.”
Contact Alaina Potrikus at apotrikus@syracuse.com or 470-3252.