Shooting Death

Here they are, four beautiful, anguished young faces, framed in one picture (Metro, May 12), shocked by the drive-by shooting death of a beloved 18-year-old athlete (Juan Enriquez)--a silent, eloquent sermon against the senselessness of it all, a mute appeal for responsible action by government and citizenry to bring street violence under control. Can it be done? It must be done.

Incidentally but importantly, the picture is a tribute to the skill and sensitivity of the photographer (J. Albert Diaz) who caught the split-second instant when four youthful faces, unconsciously playing four parts, were perfectly orchestrated on the one theme of darkest tragedy. Do we get the message?

SAMUEL E. CARRUTH

Claremont