19-year-old man charged in 2022 murder of Detroit father of 3

Alisa Sanders faced nearly three years of heartache after her son, Derrell Rockette, was murdered in December 2022. As hope diminished, a call from the Detroit Police Department changed everything—their announcement of an arrest rekindled her spirits. "Hopeful, prayerful—that's how I feel," Sanders expressed, emphasizing the emotional rollercoaster she endured since the tragic loss of her youngest son.

Rockette, a 32-year-old father of two who was expecting another child, was shot in what police describe as a cold-blooded homicide. The alleged shooter, 19-year-old Darnell Jerome Franklin Jr., has been charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder. For Sanders, the journey to this point was fraught with uncertainty, especially due to the lack of communication from the police early on in the investigation.

To combat their frustrations, Sanders and other mothers who lost children to violence banded together to form "Mothers Keeping Boots on the Ground." Their mission is to advocate for justice for their loved ones and ensure their cases are not forgotten. "We banded to stick together and fight," Sanders revealed, driving home the importance of community and support in their pursuit of justice.

According to Chief Todd Bettison, Sanders played a vital role in her son’s case through persistent communication with the police and advocacy for other grieving families. Bettison acknowledged her determination, stating, "She never gave up," and highlighting the department's ongoing commitment to unsolved homicide cases, no matter how much time has passed.

Reflecting on her experience, Sanders offers advice to other mothers still searching for justice: "Don't ever, ever give up. Fight for your child... Be the voice for your child." Her journey serves as a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of profound loss.