Columbia, SC (WLTX) Nearly two months after losing her 17-year-old son to gun violence, Pamela Dinkins continues to fight in Eric Washington's honor.
Washington was set to graduate from C.A. Johnson High School this month. Instead, his cap and gown now serve as a memorial instead of an achievement.
"I was shocked that it was my child. But seeing a coward kill someone? We see it every day," said Dinkins. "It just hit home when it was my child. I'm not the only parent who's lost a child to this kind of act."
Jahmir Taylor and Jeremiah Pough have been arrested for Eric's death. Pough was brought back to Columbia on Wednesday after being caught in Baltimore nearly two weeks after the crime.
Washington's cousin, Shaniquia Jones has been a shoulder for Dinkin's to lean on since his death. The two created Mothers Against Gangs and Guns -- or MAGGS -- to give voices to families who have lost someone due to gun violence.
Dinkins says they're also working to get stricter charges for gang crimes.
"It's a process. It's a lot to put on one's plate and it's a journey," said Dinkins. "It keeps me motivated, it keeps me positive and it keeps me active for Eric."
Dinkins says her family will be present throughout Taylor and Pough's trials. Jones says the outcome will never bring their family closure, but they're hoping it can provide answers.
"If they get sentenced to life, it's still not going to bring Eric back, it's not going to make Pam happy," said Jones. "They can get sentenced to the death penalty and it's still not going to make her happy. She just wants her child back and they can't bring him back. Y'all can take a child's life, y'all can explain to their parents why they took their life."
Dinkins says Pough was arrested in I-95 South after the brand new car's headlights failed. She says she believes that was Eric's way of showing her that he's fighting with her.
