ROBESON COUNTY, NC (WBTW) – The third annual Stop the Violence community rally was held in Fairmont, North Carolina on Sunday. Dozens of people gathered to remember their friends and family who lost their lives to violence and to call on their neighbors to help end the deadly epidemic.

The event was held at Rudolph Currie Park. Many of the attendees wore t-shirts with the faces of their loved ones who were killed. They also signed a poster board with messages of condolences.The rally focused on all types of violence, but specifically gun violence.

“Gun violence is pretty prevalent in the area. Specifically, this event is targeted against gun violence which sometimes can be drug-related. Sometimes it’s not,” said Assistant District Attorney Angelica McIntyre. “You have a minor disagreement and it results in a death or a tragedy. So this particular event was about gun violence. All of the victims were victims of gun violence.”

McIntyre says there are several ways the community can come together to end violence. That includes talking with each other and working through problems together.

For the families who continue to grieve the loss of a loved one, like Milton Bethea whose daughter was murdered by her ex-boyfriend 18 years ago, it doesn’t get any easier.

“I still get mad when I think about it because it’s really unnatural for somebody to take somebody’s life for no reason.There ain’t no reason a person should take somebody’s life,” said Bethea.

But Bethea says community events, like Stop the Violence, help him cope. 

“It brings the community together. Anytime you bring the community together in unity and stuff, that eliminates violence right there because when you unite, other stuff goes away,” he said.

And as gun violence continues to plague Robeson County, residents, law enforcement, and county officials are vowing to stop the violence through community outreach and counseling, especially for kids. 

“One of the ways, if we start with the youngsters, is obviously nurturing them and giving them opportunities to see alternative ways. And they may be the easiest to reach. Whether it’s learning a skill, craft, or going to college, playing sports, there’s just so many opportunities that bring about joy to life,” said Vanessa Burton, Senior Assistant District Attorney. 

They also gave away 6 scholarship to children in the area at Sunday’s event.