SUFFOLK, VA. - A large crowd of people gathered in Suffolk Saturday to talk about youth, gangs and gun violence.
Quantez Russell
The Quantez Demont Russell Awareness Forum was organized by Joan Russell Turner, the mother of Russell.
“Quantez was involved in Boy Scouts," Turner told News 3. “All of the things I had him in, Quantez still wanted to do all the things I did not approve of.”
She wanted to use the event to raise awareness about his death but also warn young people about going down the wrong path.
"Quantez was really smart but just didn’t use it to the ability that he could," Turner said.
The event included a backstory on Russell's life before before opening the floor to guest speakers including the Suffolk Commonwealth Attorney, Suffolk Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deran Whitney and Sheriff EC Harris.
“I feel that we may be losing our children there. When they get in middle and high school, sometimes it can be a little too late. We need to engage more in elementary school," the Sheriff mentioned.
Police say Russell, 30, is missing under suspicious circumstances. On November 12, 2015, he was believed to be heading from Suffolk to Newport News. The vehicle he was driving was recovered in Newport News on November 12, 2015 and some personal items were found inside of the vehicle.
There is no clothing description of what Russell was wearing when he was last seen. He is described as a black male, 6’2”, 180 pounds with a medium complexion and black hair and brown eyes.
If you know anything about Russell's disappearance, call the crime line.
