The family of a slain Larimer teen left dead near a set of railroad tracks is using the anniversary of the painful loss of their loved one to honor his memory while giving thanks to a community that has shown them love and support during their difficult time.
Elijah Washington, then 17 and a student at Pittsburgh Oliver High School, was found dead on Sept. 5, 2012, with three gunshot wounds to the back, by a set of railroad tracks near the Larimer Avenue Bridge. Washington was found by his father, who had gone searching for his youngest son after receiving a phone call that something had happened late the night before and when he didn’t return home or report to school that morning.
Authorities later arrested and charged Tyqwan Brooks and Shawn Jones with criminal homicide, robbery and conspiracy. Brooks, the convicted shooter, was also charged with possession of an illegal firearm. They have been sentenced and are currently serving time in jail.
Now, on Sept. 6, Washington’s family, in collaboration with the 12th Ward Democratic Committee and the Larimer Green Team, will host Elijah’s Legacy, a community service day to honor his memory, to give thanks to the community and to remind the community of the rampant gun violence taking place in the Pittsburgh neighborhoods, at 8 a.m. at Paulson Field.
“It’s just our way of thanking the community for their involvement (during) what was a difficult time,” said Marvin Washington, Washington’s father. “There’s some closured in this. It’s a way to keep his memory alive by his deeds that don’t get put in the press. Once he was killed, his juvenile record was one of the first things that they (the media) made sure was attributed to him other than the acts that he’s also been known for. There is more positivity in his life than the negativity that’s been expressed in articles in the press.”
The day of service will include two Larimer projects—First Love Your Block, taking place at the corner of Winslow and Winfield Streets, and the Community Garden, located at 304 Larimer Avenue—followed by a “gathering to give thanks” which will consist of dance, food and music by DJ Assassin.
Shelly Washington, Washington’s aunt, described him as a loving person who was always willing to help. She said he was known for shoveling snow for the elderly in the winter and for participating regularly in organized community projects as well.
When the community found out about Washington’s death, Shelly Washington said, many came and donated money toward his burial.
“This is our way of giving back to the community for helping our family. I want people in the community to see that they’re greatly appreciated and that everything goes on,” she said. “Even though this was a tragic event that happened to our family, good can come out of it. And everything does not always have to be negative, there’s a positive.”
Since his son’s death, Marvin Washington said that he seldom looks at things the same anymore and that he feels as if there is a side of him that will never grow.
“To lose someone so close, it’s indescribable,” he said with tears. “I don’t get to do the things we used to do and I don’t get to (have) the conversations we had.”
Like many young Black males in the community, Washington was a victim of Black-on-Black violence. According to reports, a witness, one of the other three teens Washington had been hanging out with that night, said Brooks and Jones had been talking about a secret plan before they shot Washington.
When it comes to the violence, Shelly Washington said, “The Black-on-Black violence is awful and we, as a race, have to realize we’re killing ourselves off. We can rise above the Black-on-Black violence and do better as a community.”
(For more information on the Elijah’s Legacy day of service event or to sign up, call Jacque Fielder at 1-844-380-6222.)
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