SUFFOLK, Va. — A small group of parents went to Kings Fork High School in Suffolk Wednesday to learn more about how to spot gang-related activity.
The meeting was Suffolk Public Schools' third and final event of its "Developing Safe Communities and Schools Series."
Some, like Joan Turner, even shared personal stories of how gang violence has touched their lives.
“We just have to continue on with our lives because our lives have to continue, but I will never forget my baby," Turner said with tears in her eyes.
Turner's son, Quantez Russell, went missing nearly a decade ago. To this day, Turner doesn’t know exactly what happened to him. However, she believes gang violence may have been to blame.
“It’s my understanding Quantez was involved in some heavy drug and gang people and dealings, things he did not learn from home," Turner told the group of parents.
Turner hopes sharing her experience will educate other parents on what to look out for. She advised parents to seek help if they start seeing any strange changes in their child's behavior.
“I noticed that Quantez favorite color was always blue; It changed to red," Turner recalled.
Also in attendance were members of the Suffolk Police Gang Unit. Investigators say to look out for changes in friend groups, dressing in the same color and unusual hand signs.
Suffolk police say you can report suspected gang activity to the department’s "Neighborhood Enforcement Team." For more information, click here.