Gang Deaths

The loss of a child to gang violence, whether that child is a gangbanger or not, is tragic. I take some exception to the investigator who asked, “How do you tell a doctor that his son is a gangbanger?” (“Gangs in Affluent Black Turf,” Nov. 13). Probably the same way you tell any grieving parent, regardless of socioeconomic level. Certainly for an unsuspecting parent, the revelation that his dead child was a gang member would be an added shock. But for the parent who suspects his child is a gang member and is unable to remove that child from the gang culture, the concern and frustration preceding his death are also painful. Hopefully the investigator’s sympathy (and respect) would be extended to all parents in this situation.

SUSAN SCRIVEN, Santa Barbara