New Orleans homicide victims remembered

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Relatives of people killed in New Orleans joined anti-crime activists for a combined memorial service and news conference at city hall.

The group called for action from the city and from ordinary citizens. The city's homicide rate, high before Hurricane Katrina, has been even higher since 2005.

The Friday service included a reading of the names of more than 200 people who have died violently in New Orleans since Katrina.

Police Superintendent Warren Riley and members of his staff attended the service, The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune reported.

Nakita Shavers joined Silence Is Violence after her brother, Dinerral, a musician, was killed in December 2006.

"It's too late for these victims," Shavers said. "It's not too late for our city."

Baty Landis of Silence Is Violence said residents of New Orleans appear to be more willing to approach police officers when members of the group join the officers on neighborhood walks. The group also sponsors events for young people.