BUFFALO, N.Y. – Garnell Whitfield is determined to keep the memory of his mother, Ruth Whitfield, alive. She was tragically killed on May 14, 2022, during a mass shooting at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo. The Justice Department has announced its decision to pursue the death penalty for Payton Gendron, the individual responsible for the heinous act. Gendron, who was just a teenager at the time of the shooting, had traveled hundreds of miles with the intent to target Black individuals. He is already serving a life sentence following a guilty plea in a state trial.
In an interview with 2 On Your Side’s Claudine Ewing, Whitfield expressed surprise at the length of time it took for the decision to seek the death penalty. When asked if the death penalty aligns with his wishes, Whitfield stated that he cannot advocate for anyone’s death as it contradicts his beliefs. He emphasized that Gendron is currently incarcerated and no longer poses a threat to others. Whitfield’s focus remains on addressing the underlying factors that may have influenced Gendron’s actions and the potential radicalization of others.
Whitfield’s conviction to keep his mother’s memory alive and his reluctance to support the death penalty highlight the profound impact of the tragic event. The decision by the Justice Department to pursue the death penalty underscores the gravity of the situation and the legal process Gendron will undergo. As the case unfolds, the community in Buffalo continues to grapple with the aftermath of the senseless act of violence.
Ruth Whitfield, the oldest victim of the mass shooting, leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the tragic event that took her life. The pursuit of justice for her and the other victims remains at the forefront, as the legal proceedings for Payton Gendron move forward.