Marva David describes her only child, Keston Thomas, as having a spirit of entrepreneurship and a loving nature. She said from a young age Thomas began vending. However, his life was cut short on April 6 when he was shot and killed.

Thomas, 33, had been struggling with mental-health issues and on that day, attacked and stabbed a neighbour. The 51-year-old victim is currently hospitalised.

In a phone interview with Newsday on April 7, David described the situation as incredibly difficult. She reflected on the last three years, during which she had been trying to help Thomas after his mental break which she believes was related to his marijuana use.