This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of the deceased to write the story of the loved one they lost. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here.
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By Rochelle Yates-Whittington, Marcus’ mother
There he was—Marcus Yates, a fearless 3-year-old warrior with the cutest dimples, standing tall atop the banister like a tiny champion. His eyes lit up as he channeled the fierce spirit of his idol, WWF legend Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka.
Suddenly, the front door swung open, and Marcus spotted his father returning from a long day at work. Marcus quickly got into position, his playful courage transformed into action. With the precision of a seasoned fighter, Marcus leapt from the banister onto his father’s back—an electrifying moment of pure connection. It gave his dad the extra energy he needed to interact with his three energetic boys.
Dad knew that it was SHOWTIME and that Marcus would try every wrestling move he knew to pin his dad to the floor. Marcus then counted to 3 and yelled “DAD YOU ARE OUT; I won!”
This happened practically every day inside the rowhouse where Marcus and his family resided with their grandfather, Mr. Talton on the family-friendly Robinson Street, a tree-lined block in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia.
Marcus and his two older brothers—Malcolm, 5, and Tony, 9—were inseparable when it came to wrestling. Every weekend, they’d claim their spots in front of the living room TV, eyes glued to their heroes. Besides “Superfly” Snuka, they also loved Junkyard Dog and Hulk Hogan.
When all three boys came together, the house transformed into a wrestling ring. Their mom, Rochelle Yates-Whittington, was there to referee and to keep control from anyone being hurt.
No matter how hard they tried, Marcus won by pinning them to the floor.
On the block lived two bullies—boys the same age as Tony. Whenever they set their sights on Malcolm or even tried to intimidate Tony, Marcus sprang into action. Dropping into his signature wrestling stance, he became a tiny force to be reckoned with.
At that very moment, the bullies would glance around, their eyes locking onto Marcus. And just like that, the fear in their gaze made them turn and walk away—fast. Marcus wasn’t just a little boy; he was the fierce protector of his family, undeterred by size or age. With the heart of a champion and the courage of a warrior, his 5-year-old self stood ready to defend those he loved, no matter what.
Marcus favorite toy was his Big Wheel tricycle with the water guns attached to the handles. He would ride it and down his block spraying his brothers and friend as he rode by.
Marcus’s favorite person in the whole wide world besides his mom was his Pop Pop. The loved that they had for one another was priceless and Pop Pop would take him almost everywhere he went.
Marcus impacted the lives of everyone he met. The teachers, staff and even the principal of Cassidy Elementary School loved him dearly.
Sometimes, Marcus would be at school and get the whole school laughing. On picture day, all eyes was on Marcus when he came in dressed in his new 3-piece brown suit with his big dimples shining through whenever he smiled.
The teachers and the girls in his class complimented him on how cute he looked. He came home upset anyway, telling Rochelle, “Mom all the girls smiled at me and said how cute I look, but mom you know that I don’t like those stupid girls.”
Rochelle looked into his eyes and said, “You may say that now, but wait a few years and see if you still feel the same way.”
Tragically, Marcus never made it past his 5th birthday. On July 18, 1988, while visiting his grandmother, Rosetta Talton, at her home on 59th and Springfield Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia, he was shot in the head when he, his brothers and cousins went to the corner candy store to play video games and to buy candy.
Unfortunately, Pop Pop died 5 years after Marcus. They both are buried in the same grave.
The city honored his memory by renaming the street Marcus J. Yates Way. When Lewis C. Cassidy School was rebuilt in 2023, they dedicated a bench bearing Marcus’s name in the schoolyard and placed a plaque with his picture on the wall in front of the school—a lasting tribute to a young hero whose spirit continues to inspire.
Anyone with information regarding any murder is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS (8477). There is a $20,000.00 reward leading to the conviction of a suspect.
