Remembering the Victims of the Tops Massacre

Our community is preparing to observe the fourth anniversary of the Tops Massacre, when 10 of our citizens were killed and 3 were injured on May 14, 2022. In the past I have encouraged people to join me in turning on their porch lights in their memory. They were just doing what most people do on a Saturday, and that is to shop for groceries. It was a normal activity that resulted in 10 deaths and 3 injuries of innocent people. They were grandmothers, fathers, mothers, community volunteers, and supporters of our Beloved Supermarket— the only supermarket on the Eastside of Buffalo.

This year I am calling every household that can, to place an arrangement of flowers on their door or in the hallway to remember those who lost their lives. I will have a special bouquet of flowers on my front door in remembrance of these individuals who lost their lives on May 14, 2022. Let’s remember their names. Call their names and never forget them. The names of the ten people who lost their lives and the three people injured are as follows: SAY THEIR NAMES. THEY ARE:

Margus D. Morrison, 52, served as a bus aide and loved his job and the father of 3.

Pearl Young, 77, ran a weekly food pantry and was a teacher’s aide for the School System. She loved dancing and singing. She was a grandmother and missionary.

Deacon Heyward Patterson, 67, gave rides to residents to and from the Tops Store. He attended the State Tabernacle Church of God and Christ. He was killed while sitting in his truck.

Katherine Massey, known affectionately as Kat Massey. She was Community Activist, journalist, and an advocate for justice in our community. She wrote many articles in Criterion, Challenger, and the Buffalo News against illegal guns. She often spoke at the Buffalo Board of Education speaking eloquently about equity for the education of our students. Her voice was powerful. She is greatly missed!!

Ruth Whitfield, 86, mother of retired former Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield. He called his mother an “amazing woman.” She was a beloved mother wife, and grandmother. She took care of her husband while he was in a nursing home. They were married for 68 years. According to her family she was the matriarch who guided her children and grands lovingly to success in life.

Celestine Chaney, age 65, and a grandmother and a regular church goer. Her daughter Dominque called her a very sweet and caring person.

Andre McNeil, age 53, was killed on his son’s 3rd birthday. He had gone to Tops to purchase a birthday cake for his son. He did make it back alive.

Geraldine Talley, age 62, a Tops shopper who lived in Buffalo.

Roberta Drury, 32, shopped for her adoptive brother who is recovering from leukemia. Roberta was the youngest person killed.

Aaron Salter, the Tops Security Guard, a retired Buffalo Police officer considered by everyone to be a Hero. He tried to engage the shooter but was killed while firing his gun which could not penetrate the armor that the shooter wore. Officer Salter most likely saved more lives.

The following people were injured and were taken to ECMC, they included: Zaire Goodman, son of Zeneta Eberhart, Jennifer Warrington of Tonawanda, Christopher Braden, of Lackawanna.

A lot has happened since the Tops Shooting. A Memorial is planned and results will be released soon from the top three finalists who submitted designs. The public had an opportunity to give input on the Memorial. Tops supermarket is also planning an Honor Space to remember the victims of the shooting near the store. As we face another anniversary of what happened on 5/14 these projects will help toward healing and remembering!! Special thanks to Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearnes for inviting me to his radio show Tuesday, May 13, 2026, to announce my annual project remembering the victims. The program aired on radio station WUFO, 93.6 am. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss this annual project. There will be many observances around the community. Turning on our porch lights will give people a chance to participate if they are not able to attend a public service.