Friends, relatives of murdered toddler Londyn Samuel denounce violence ... - NOLA.com

In a tearful press conference Friday, New Orleans officials and relatives of murdered toddler Londyn Samuels asked the community to end the violence that took her life and to help bring her killers to justice.

"If y'all know anything, please call Crimestoppers," implored Keion Reed, who has helped raise Londyn.

The baby girl was killed Thursday night, when two men opened fire in the 2800 block of South Saratoga Street in Central City. Londyn's 18-year-old babysitter was struck by two bullets, police said, one of which exited the woman's chest and struck the toddler, killing her.

At a press conference Friday afternoon at Cafe Reconcile, Andrea Samuels, Londyn's mother, stood quietly by as others expressed outrage and sorrow over her daughter's death.

"The senseless murder of Londyn Samuels touched the Café Reconcile family very deeply," said CEO Glen Armantrout. He said Samuels, 22, of Gretna, graduated from their program, which trains at-risk youths to work in the culinary and hospitality fields. Samuels now works at the restaurant as a graduate trainer, mentoring other students.

Armantrout and Samuels were flanked by students, staffers and several family members, including Reed, 20. "I just want to thank everybody for your support," Reed said, "She was my precious little girl. She was my world. She was my every thing."

New Orleans City Councilwoman LaToya Cantrelle said residents are tired, fed up and frustrated with the lack of love, respect and dignity for life. Cantrelle turned to Samuels and told her, "I could be in your shoes just like other mothers could be in your shoes. You are not alone."

Someone in the community saw what happened, Cantrelle said. Someone who can call and help police. "We need people to stand up and be a vice to ensure that this violence comes to an end," she said.

Police said the two men suspected in the shooting were caught on surveillance cameras, and that the shooting is not believed to have been a gun battle between separate individuals.

Barbara Lacen-Keller, director of constituent services for Councilmember-at-Large Stacy Head, announced plans to push a campaign for stronger gun laws. "We are going to fight for some stiffer, stiffer laws. This gun stuff has got to stop," she said.

Samuels' tears began to well in her eyes as Lacen-Keller spoke of burying babies, and as Armantrout closed out the press conference.

"I wanted this burned in your memories," he said, holding up a flier with Londyn's photo as tears streamed down his face. "Don't ever forget this."