GoFundMe campaign seeks headstone for Marcus Yates, 5-year-old victim of 1988 Philadelphia shooting

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PHILADELPHIA — A grassroots campaign is raising funds to honor Marcus Yates, a 5-year-old boy killed in a Philadelphia candy store in 1988, with a long-overdue headstone.

What happened to Marcus Yates?

On July 18, 1988, Marcus walked into a corner store with his older brothers, Malcolm and Tony. They carried a few coins and joined nearly a dozen children browsing the narrow aisles. Moments later, two men entered and began arguing. One slapped a soda bottle from the other’s hand and threw a punch. Then, gunfire erupted.

The man near the doorway pulled a handgun and fired. The second man shot back. Bullets shattered glass and sent children diving for cover. A bullet struck Marcus in the head. Gunfire hit Malcolm twice, once in the hip and once in the foot. Another boy sustained injuries.

When the shooting stopped, Tony dropped beside Marcus and tried to stop the bleeding. Blood pooled on the floor. Someone ran into the street to flag down help. Police and paramedics arrived quickly. Marcus was rushed to the hospital but died that afternoon.

GoFundMe Headstone for Marcus Yates

For 37 years, Marcus has rested in an unmarked grave.

Now, The Famous Grave Co. has launched a GoFundMe campaign to give Marcus a proper headstone. Organizers say the marker will honor his life and remind the city of the children lost to gun violence.

“Help us honor him with a marker,” the campaign urges. “Marcus deserves to be remembered.”

Supporters hope the tribute will bring healing and visibility to a tragedy that still echoes through the community.

To learn more or donate, visit the official GoFundMe campaign for the headstone.