April 5, 2010

(April 3rd, 2010 @ 3:49pm)

PHOENIX - Clemencia Leon had 9 children. Had. Now all she has left of her 55-year-old son Gilbert is memories.

"We have so many good memories - happy memories - with him because he was such a lovable guy," Leon said.

After graduating from South Mountain High School, Gilbert served in the military for nearly 20 years. He recently retired from a dangerous job of climbing microwave towers for a private company. He liked to golf and loved riding his Harley, even joining the Toys for Tots run every year. But what the confirmed bachelor loved most was his family.

"He would come to all our gatherings," Leon said. "He wouldn't miss any of our gatherings. He was a good son."

Clemencia admits she spoiled him a bit. He'd come by every weekend for a home cooked breakfast.

But one day the visits would stop forever.

On March 23rd, 2009, Gilbert was driving north on 16th Street past Broadway on his way to a restaurant, Phoenix Police Sergeant Darren Burch said.

"He got unfortunately in between two vehicles of rival gang members and they began shooting each other," Burch said. "Gilbert was at the wrong place at the wrong time and was shot and killed."

Burch says Gilbert was truly an innocent victim that had "absolutely no connection with these warring gang members whatsoever."

All of the suspects but one have been arrested.

Cameron Taylor is a black male about 22 years old. He is known to frequent the south side of Phoenix.

"He knows he has a warrant for his arrest," Burch said. "He should be considered armed and dangerous and do not attempt to contact him, but call police."

If you have any information related to these cases, contact Silent Witness at: 480-WITNESS or 800-343-TIPS.