Dayton parents say stop the violence

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Artina White is taking part in the community's effort to stop the violence.

"Now is the time to step up, open up, step up and speak up."

She is a minister at Omega Church, where the group gathered.

She's also a mother of three boys, whom she brought with her in hopes they can learn from this.

"If you get angry, control it. never take someone's life because you are angry and walk away," said Artina White.

Artina is deeply affected by Briona Rodgers violent death.

"It's just a lot of questions. Why? And, how can someone do something like that to another person."

Artina's sons attend Horizon Science Academy in Dayton, but rode on the same school bus as 13-year-old Briona last year.  Briona was in the 8th grade at Day City Charter School.   Her oldest, Timari, is just two years younger than Briona and remembers the first day they met.

"It was her first time getting on the bus and I talked to her and asked her if she wanted to be my friend and she said yes," said Timari Senter.

Timari described Briona as a smart girl who smiled often.  The 11-year-old says he says he has learned a valuable lesson through her tragic death.

Community leaders have stressed, part of speaking up includes reporting any information you may have on these investigation.