Mothers of Murdered Offspring

Mothers of Murdered Offspring (MoMO) is a victims' rights organization in Charlotte, N.C. It was founded in March 1993 by Dee Sumpter and Judy Williams after the death of their daughter and god-daughter, Shawna Denise Hawk, on February 19, 1993. Mothers of Murdered Offspring was conceived in 1993 as a support group for survivors, at a time when Mecklenburg County had the highest record year for homicides: a total of 129. They were instrumental in bringing serial killer Henry Louis Wallace to justice and of his eventual conviction as well as consoling the 11 murdered victims' families in addition to the families of murder victims since its inception.

The organization's first support meeting was held on March 29, 1993. Some of the organization’s goals are to reach out to other mothers and families who have lost a child to the violent act of murder and to offer support during their time of sorrow and grief. The organization also provide purple ribbons, symbol of nonviolence to grieving families as well as balloon lifts.

Articles

• "Well, he Ain't Getting No Victory Here Tonight and I Ain't" The Charlotte Observer, November 4, 2006
• My Love and My Loss by Dee Sumpter
• Mending Shattered Childhoods by Donna St. George, Washington Post