My name is Partrounar Bryant-James. In September of 2016, I was asked to serve on the board of Harm’s Way, Inc. A non-profit organization founded by the sister ofa woman shot down in cold blood by her boyfriend in the CNN Center 10 years ago. I accepted the invitation to serve because as a social worker and public administrator, service is what I do and whom I am. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would receive a devastating call about my own sister just 30 days later. I was in meetings most of the day and Patrice’s sister, Lisa, kept calling me. When I finally was able to answer my phone, she said “that boy done killed Patrice”. I was so taken aback, my response was “Who? My sister, Patrice?” Lisa went on to tell me about the about a body being in a house and the police not being able to go in, but I was so filled with hurt and rage that I angrily said “I'll call you back” and hung up the phone. I sat in my office and cried like a baby because I accepted the call to take up the fight against Domestic Violence on behalf of others, but didn’t think I'd have to be the voice for my own sister. I want everyone to know Patrice was an intelligent, kindhearted young woman who was dealt some challenges in her life. More importantly, she did not deserve the abusive hand that Mr. Gadson battered her with, nor the death sentence to which Mr. Gadson condemned her. I left Savannah in 1997, so Patrice and I kept in contact via phone. Every time Patrice called me, she wanted me to know that she was okay. However, I know now that this was all a facade. Patrice was literally sleeping with the enemy. Mr. Gadson is the worst kind of coward (a woman beater, intimidator, and murderer). Unfortunately, his family will feel the pain of his absence just as we feel devastation over the loss of Patrice in such a brutal way. ‘Nevertheless, Mr. Gadson’s family still has the option to see and talk with him. All we have is a space in cemetery. But I digress. ...enough about Mr. Gadson. Patrice was loved by alll her knew her and she, in turn, loved her mother, children, family, and friends. Patrice loved hard and she loved strong. The one thing that gives me solace is that every time we talked or saw each other, Patrice was quick to say “love you, sis”. Since Patrice was murdered 3 years ago, I have worn a purple nail on my left ring finger. I will do so until the day I die so that everyone who comes into contact with me, will know and understand that I have pledged to put a nail in the plague that is Domestic Violence. Abusers and victims alike must realize that there is a better way, and that no one should live or die like Patrice did. Iam the voice for my sister, and I want the world to know that Patrice was here. Hopefully, her story will help save someone. I pray that God has mercy on Mr. Gadson’s soul, but his body needs to suffer for the rest of his life.Mail body: Your honor, My name is Alexus Mikalah Bryant. 1am the one and only daughter of Patrice Latrelle Bryant. Patrice, My mom was aloving mother aunt, sister and niece and good friend to who all knew her My mom brought me and my brother into this world ata young ae. She wasnt perfect but she'd done a ereat job being a first time young mom in my eves. We had our ups and downs strugaling trying to make a way but she still made sure ends Nigh, She was litle and petite like me, just a lite lighter skin tone and fllerlips. She had a unique scar on her ip ftom 3 Child which enhanced her beauty to me, Not to mention her gap which made her smile much more protter She wasioud, outgoing and the lite of the party but also a determined, hardwarking mether of two, All my life f no one could ever turn me against her. Notto mention the relationship she had with my brother he was such a momma's Boy. My dad passed away Decembar 28th , 2013 due to heat and lung cancers, At ‘the time my mom showed her weakness and emotions she had for me and my brother and for herself as well being that that was her children's father. he then became strong, assured me and my brother that everything will be OK. Soon after she began seeing Mr. Gadson. can actually counton my hands how many tines ve been around him. He came Fa weird but never thought nothing of it. When my grandmother passed in October of 2015, we noticed my mom had a black eye and appeared to eingbeaten and abused, Most of my family members noticed weird behavior fram Mr. Gadson towards my mom during that tie of 1oeavenan He ordered her around and did't like when my ‘mam showed other people attention. Thinking back, remembering makes my stomach churn and makes me very upset thinkingof what! ‘couldve did or should've di ta prevent this from happening. When l started to notice the smal things about her ts ike she started isappearing mare and we wauld hear from her ess. she had ta sneak and call and when she would e's get mad ana take the phone. When I Gi see ner, her appearances started to change from the longterm abuse she was going through Her face was darker and she was smaller than usual. Those memories are the worst Some nights cant sleep ,|am unable to understand why me and my family are going through this. To think back to when I dd see her and to think about her being stabbed to death an October Sth , 2016 creates horrible imagesin my head that bother me daily. Such a sweet, innocent person gone to son. To think ofthe Patrice | know up against a knife taking herlast breath little asshe ismesses me up mentally Alot of the time Igo into mcods were | stare of into space and think of her last moments. How was she feeling What was she saying ? What gother there? Continuously Feling like it was something that could've done. My brother takes it the hardest. not only pray for me pray for us. t hurts to see my family members and friends with their parents. Seeing their parants put them ‘through schoo! live a daly family if. schurts so bad to see that nd not have my mom and dad assist me with me with lifelike others. My mom wasn't here for my araduation nor was she here for my most memorable ZIst neither did she see me purchase my Ist car. My kids or grand-kids will never get to meet her. Only a evil monster can commit such a horrible crime on such asall person like her. To know that he knew what he was doing when he did it makesit even worst. He knew the ove we had for my mom. There is no amount of time they can give him to repair how hurt lam mentally and emationally . do know that| don't ever want t see a person lke this walking the stret again Life w/o Parole should be the appropriate sentencing. f he's done it once he'll doit again. hope to never see him again as | go through never feeling incomplete. Every year around October the Sth is sucha dreadful, depressing time af the year. I wouldn't wish tis everlasting pain on anyone. ‘Alea M. Bryant September 16th, 2019 ‘View Impact Satemert