Violent crime victims memorialized in quilt

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A quilt stitched in memory of victims of violent crimes has 8 new patches and each one represents a person who was killed last year.

Stacey Gonzales said, "I miss the hugs, the I love you's, the memories, making memories."

Gonzales added a square to the quilt for her daughter, Janessa Ramirez - a 9-year-old girl who was killed by a stray bullet in a gang shootout 15 months ago.

"A pure, innocent little girl that didn't get to live her life," Gonzales added.

The accused killer, Brian Cooks, is waiting for trial. Meanwhile, Gonzales is waiting for justice and so is Jonte McCreary.

"I'm feeling bad-- I miss my baby," McCreary said.

McCreary's son, Deondre Howard, was shot to death on August 29th in front of their home. He was 21-years-old with dreams of playing pro-baseball to give his mom a better life and detectives haven't been able to find his killer.

"I'm still wondering why," McCreary added, "what makes somebody come by my house and shoot my baby like that? That's what bothering me the most-- that's what sits heavy on me."

She says it doesn't get any easier, but Gonzales says the quilt will help.

"To me-- it shows that I'm not alone."

Just like the panels, the families who made them are now a part of something bigger and it was evident when Gonzales met McCreary.

They are two moms who have lost so much, forming a bond to help each other and keep the memories of their loved ones alive.