Teen's death ends Pine Bluff's 543-day juvenile homicide-free streak
PINE BLUFF, Ark. – On May 30, KARK 4 News met with Gun Violence intervention leaders as the city of Pine Bluff celebrated over 500 days of no youth homicides, but that came to an end this weekend after a 14-year-old boy was found dead Saturday afternoon.
Kevin Crumpton, Project Manager for GVI says the homicide was something that was unexpected.
"Death is close, you just never know when it's going to sneak up on you," Crumpton said.
The 14-year-old boy was found lying in the grass dead across the street from a home in the 2500 block of South Maple Street.
"I was there at the crime scene with the family and kind of leading them and guiding them about the process that they have to go through," Crumpton said.
He says their program along with city incentives helped to keep crime down amongst youth, this tragedy showed him their work isn't done.
"543 days that's a lot to celebrate, that's a lot of lives that were saved, so this one impact is just going to make us get more boots on the ground," Crumpton said.
The 14-year old's identity has not been released, and the suspect is still on the loose. Pine Bluff police say the investigation is still in its early stages.
Clarence Holman says he has been helping out with keeping crime down in the city and does not want people to go silent.
"We’re also encouraging the community that if you know something, if you have seen something, if you've heard of something, to get in touch with law enforcement" Holman said.
The shooting wasn't far from his church he says he is hoping the community can get back to keeping crime down amongst youth.
"We really would like to see things continue to change and get back on that upward trajectory," Holman said.
from KARK https://ift.tt/a4qRkrx
0 Response to "Teen's death ends Pine Bluff's 543-day juvenile homicide-free streak"
Post a Comment