Mother of murdered Albany man wants justice for her son

ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) - Mary Gause spends much of her time in her driveway. It's where a makeshift memorial sits in honor of her son, 28-year-old Dalon Blunt, who was shot and killed in Albany in December.

"The death of my son has changed my whole life. I have my moments and I just want peace and justice," Gause said.

Flowers, candles, pictures lay among other items for family and friends to pay their respects. It's a place for Gause to grieve and remember her son.

"He was my baby. I loved him...and I love him more now. I miss him," replied Gause.

On January 8, 2019, she received a phone call from her neighbor stating that the Albany police were in her driveway.

"I immediately used my cell phone and I called the police department and I asked them why the police were in my driveway. They said there was probably a new officer that was introducing himself," said Gause.

The next morning, Gause went outside to mourn her son but the memorial was gone.

"This is where he lived, so why would anyone come and take his picture and put it on the trash truck? I'm a mom, I'm a parent...he just got murdered. Where's my respect and my time to grieve? Where is any of that?" asked Gause.

The memorial was gone and trashed.

According to court obtained documents, Albany police and the city's Department of General Services did not obtain a search warrant to enter, search, or remove property from Gause's home.

As the Times Union first reported, Gause is suing the city for $4 million.

"I pay property taxes here. I live here, this is my home. I want to do what I want to do...respect everybody...and they respect me too," replied Gause.

Gause says she's not interested in the money, she just wants justice and peace for her son.

CBS6 did try to reach out to Albany police for a comment, however the department is not making any statements now.