It’s a powerful message from a mother to her son. “They don’t realize that it hurts us the most.”

It’s also a message meant for the masses.

“I sold all the drugs. I’ve been shot and stabbed. I’m a gang member. What more do you want? I’m your example,” Basheba Hannah preached to a crowd at Thursday’s Murder Stand Down for Peace honoring the life of 21-year-old Dwyane Jones.

Hannah’s son was involved in the incident that took Jones’ life.

“I got shot in my arm. It fractured my elbow. It went through,” Lathaniel Gully said.

“I have a son that is scared right now with what he just went through. That experience is not for no human being,” Hannah added.

Within 48 hours of getting shot in the incident on Virden, Gully pulled up to Thursday’s stand down in his hospital gown compelled to support Jones and his family.

“My brother saved my life because he took a bullet for me. That gun was aimed at me and he stopped it,” Gully said.

But Gully said it never should have gotten to that point.

“It was an unnecessary situation that went on that wasn’t supposed to go the way that it did,” he said.

“This incident was all about a belt. I would of bought five belts. I know people that would of bought 20 belts if it were that serious,” his mom added.

Gully and his mom said Thursday’s message is one the whole community needs to hear.

“Our urban community, we’re losing sight of what it is. We’re blaming too many other peole when it starts at home at first,” Hannah said.

The two men arrested in connection with Jones’ death are being charged with first degree murder and aggravated battery.

Mitchell Bush Junior appeared in court today. His bond is set at $200,000.

Henry Mayfield will be in court tomorrow.

