A Mother’s Love in the Absence of Justice | Paulette Smith’s Story

Four years ago, Paulette Smith came home to every parent’s worst nightmare. Her 22-year-old son was shot and killed — and to this day, she still doesn’t know who took his life. In this heartbreaking yet courageous conversation, Paulette opens up about living with unanswered questions, surviving grief without closure, and what it means to wake up every day carrying a loss that justice hasn’t resolved. This isn’t just a story about gun violence. It’s about the families left behind. It’s about a mother’s love. It’s about strength when you don’t have a choice. Some wounds don’t close — but purpose can still rise.