NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) - The funeral mass for the niece of famous musician Kermit Ruffins was held Monday at Saint Augustine Catholic Church in Treme. Hundreds of people came out. A very emotional day for friends and family of Milan Arriola.
"It's time for a change, so I hope that Milan's precious life hasn't been wasted in vain and some peace-seeking solutions and gun-control comes out of this," said Mikhala Iverson, the mother of Milan's fiance.
Milan was shot and killed July 3 by a suspect, her family says was aiming at someone else. She was just 20-years-old.
Her uncle Kermit did attend Monday. Milan, a New Orleans native, was the daughter of a city firefighter and police officer, so many uniformed officials attended the mass. Several city leaders came out, as well, including Councilwoman Susan Guidry, Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Police Superintendent Michael Harrison, and Archbishop Gregory Aymond were all present.
"The commandment is so simple, thou shalt not kill. We aren't getting it," said Archbishop Aymond.
"A young woman killed by senseless violence. We as a department -- we as a city are doing what we can to change this culture of violence," said NOPD Chief Michael Harrison.
Milan will be buried at Mt. Olivet cemetery in Gentilly.
