Page 3 - 6-3-16 Friday's Edition

Local
Father Feels Son’s Death Connected To ‘No Snitch’ Policy
Edward Harris, III, holds a picture of his son, Edward, IV, on the anniversary of his mur- der at the playground across the street from their home.
When it comes to street jus- tice, no rule is more vital in keeping illegal activities mov- ing along than the “no snitch- ing” policy. This is something that was established by crimi- nalstobeusedasaformofin- timidation for witnesses to their illegal crimes.
Edward Harris, III knew about the street rule and his son, Edward Harris, IV, also knew about the rule. However, that didn’t stop him from agreeing to testify in court about a stabbing incident he’d witnessed in 2015.
Harris, IV, got a warning months after witnessing the in- cident when someone fired five shots at him, all missing.
Mr. Harris was very con- cerned about his son’s safety, but felt he’d be alright playing basketball across the street from his home.
It was while Harris, IV, was at the Woodland Terrace Playground on May 31st, 2015 when Tampa Police said he was shot in a drive-by shooting as he stood on the basketball court with some of his friends.
Police said Harris, IV’s, friends fled immediately after the shots were fired, leaving him wounded. He was able to later stumble to the front yard of a neighbor before collapsing and dying.
Mr. Harris said it takes a man with great faith and strength to survive what he went through in 2015.
“First, my daughter died, then later my wife, and four months after my wife died, Ed- ward was killed.
“If that wasn’t enough, I’ve suffered a stroke, lost one leg,
EDWARD HARRIS, IV
and lost sight in one of my eyes since my son was murdered.”
On the anniversary of his son’s murder, Mr. Harris held a news conference with Tampa Police where it was an- nounced that a reward of $18,000 was being offered to anyone who can help identify the person or persons respon- sible for his son’s death.
“I hope the reward will make someone start talking,” said Mr. Harris.
“It’s been very tough, be- cause it just seems like things keep happening. But, I’m a man of deep faith and I put it all in God’s hands.”
Mr. Harris said he’s been involved in the ministry for 20 years, and most recently, he’s preached at Northside M. B. Church.
“I’ve gotten a lot of support from my family and neighbors, but I believe God can make all things possible.
“I think Tampa Police have done a great job policing the park, and they have a great di- rector over there now.”
Mr. Harris said he hopes God will reach into the hearts of all the young people and put a stop to this senseless vio- lence.
“I stay in prayer all the time and I welcome other parents to join me. All of us see what’s going on, and I do believe it’s going to stop.”
The $18,000 reward ($15,000 from Alcohol, To- bacco and Firearms, and $3,000 from Crime Stoppers) is also being offered for infor- mation into the deaths of Lyfe Coleman, 18, on January 5, 2015; Jamylin Turner, 17, on March 14, 2015, and Sharon Darn Watkins, 58, on June 27, 2015.
Brothers Invited To Attend National Development Camp
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Young athletes from throughout the coun- try will visit Canton, Ohio, the week of July 19th through July 23rd. The purpose of the gather- ing is to attend the USA Football’s 27TH Annual Development Camp.
Attendance at the camp is by invitation only. Among those invited to attend are two Tampa brothers, Marcellus Scott, 14, and his younger brother, 13-year-old Myron. They are the grandsons of Bishop Thomas Scott.
Their father, Marcus Scott, said to his knowledge they are probably the first middle school students from this area to attend the camp.
The brothers attend Young Middle Magnet School and they have played for both the Progress Village Panthers and the Tampa Jaguars (formerly Nuccio Jaguars). They will represent East Tampa at the camp.
Now, the family is raising funds so that the boys can attend the camp. Scott said it will cost about $4,000 for them to attend it.
On Saturday, June 4th, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Scott will host a Car Wash with the pro- ceeds used to help the boys attend the camp.
Marcellus Scott, left, and his brother Myron Scott have been invited to attend the USA Foot- ball’s National Team Development Camp.
It will take place at the 34th Street Church of God, 3000 N. 34th Street.
The event will also include a block party for youngsters and giveaways.
Young athletes attending the camp will have the opportunity to train beside elite play- ers and coaches from across the region. USA Football is the only organization with permis- sion of the NCAA to have current coaches to serve as instructors at the camp.
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 3-A