(I may delete this. Since I published it I’ve learned that at least two if not all three of the men were likely active participants in what appears to be a gun battle between rival gangs.)

Ghosts wander the streets now

Of the living and the dead

Sergio Harris, 38, father of three. Vivacious and fun-loving. His sister refused to leave the scene until his body was removed.

Nothing but a ghost now …

Joshua Hoye-Lucchesi, 32, father of six, all under the age of 9. His mother saw videos and images on social media that showed his body in the streets.

Nothing but a ghost now …

Melinda Davis, 57, homeless and living where the shooting took place for much of the last 15 years. Described as quiet and sweet.

Nothing but a ghost now …

Johntaya “JoJo” Alexander, 21, youngest of four. Had recently moved into her own place. Dreams of becoming a social worker. JoJo was there to pick up her sister.

Nothing but a ghost now …

DeVazia Turner, 29, four children left without a father. His face “would light up a room.” His mother went to the scene to be where he drew his last breath.

Nothing but a ghost now …

Yamile Martinez-Andrade, 21, worked as a landscaper and was there for a concert. Her family is “still in shock.”

Nothing but a ghost now …

But

They remain far more than ghosts

They are memories now

Of joy and family

Of dreams and friends

Of hopes and fears

Ghosts in a way

But far more

To those they loved

And there are other ghosts

Of the people responsible

Who may still live

But only in a ghostly way

They are the real ghosts

While they haunt and stoke fear

Their own lives

Are ephemeral and empty

Of humanity and decency

Ghosts who walk among us

Ghosts

Nothing more than ghosts