In the wake of the violent shooting that killed four young men earlier this month, a fundraiser has been set up to establish a memorial for one of the victims, Yalani Chinyamurindi.
Chinyamurindi was killed along with Harith Atchan, David Saucier and Manuel O’Neal, all of whom were sitting in a stolen car on the corner of Page and Laguna streets when the shooting took place at around 10pm on January 9th.
On January 12th, an emotional vigil and march was held for the victims. Speaking to the crowd, Yalani's sister stated, "I want to break down but I can’t. People always want to take a stand after death. Take a stand for life. Live life.”
Although police have said that the three other men killed were gang-affiliated, Yalani seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. According to the GoFundMe page created by Sala Haquekyah, prior to the shooting he'd been working a shift at Benihana in Japantown. Seeing an old friend, he hopped in the car to get a ride to a cash-checking location. "He had gotten paid and was excited to cash his check and surprise his mother with some rent money," states the page.
Yalani's LinkedIn profile states that he was a student at San Francisco City College, with plans to graduate in 2016 According to the GoFundMe campaign, prior to City College he'd completed the Gateway to College Program, receiving recognition for accomplishment and honor.
(Photo: GoFundMe)
An aspiring actor and model with a nickname of "The Mighty Born", Yalani described himself on his Explore Talent profile as a hard-working achiever:
"I'm a performing artist that enjoys displaying my energetic charisma and copacetic intellect. I'm a dedicated achiever and I strive to become the best at what I put my mind to. I enjoy creative arts and working through complex situations. I'm a ready to work, fast learning, and well mannered individual that has the determination to match my high standards. I am the master of my destiny."
Yalani's fundraiser was created to establish a memorial in his name, though the details of the memorial have yet to be disclosed."His family asks that you help honor the "Mighty Born" and work to stop the genocide of a race, " states the campaign. "Donate with tribute to a young man trying to live a fruitful and meaningful life."
"Yalani's life was cut short that his name might be used to heal and stop the violence ... at the source: guns, drugs, and lack of opportunity."
SFPD is still working to find the perpetrators in the case. So far, they've identified the rental car used by the shooter(s), and the three other shooting victims are reported to have been members of the Mac Block gang. The suspects, however, are still at large.
All funds raised in excess of the $8,000 goal will be donated towards Annual One Life Walk in Los Angeles. To donate to the fundraiser, visit the GoFundMe page here.
