Matthew Solomon, 23, was killed in a gang-related shooting in San Francisco’s Mission District on September 4, 2008. He and a friend, Noel Espinoza, were both gunned down while standing on a street; reports say the three alleged perpetrators — Josue Gonzalez, Eddie Urbina, and Luis Rojas — targeted them in a retaliatory attack after mistaking them for rival gang members.

Matthew was a father of two, known for his spoken word poetry and artistic talents, and had recently been promoted at Goodwill Industries while working to rebuild his life and support his family. A fund was set up after his death to help his children and cover burial expenses. His adoptive father, Ken Solomon, spoke of profound loss and questioned whether prosecuting the accused under federal charges would bring any real healing.

What can readers who knew Matthew or his family add about his life or the impact this killing had on the community?