Indianapolis News and HeadlinesWorking For You

Actions

Keeping guns away from young people key to stopping teen violence, advocates say

peter0110.PNG
Posted at 7:43 PM, Jan 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-10 19:45:22-05

INDIANAPOLIS — Just 10 days into 2020, and Indianapolis has already had three separate cases of young teens being shot.

One of the teens, 15-year-old Peter Lambermont, died when he was shot and killed on Priscilla Avenue.

A 14-year-old was also shot Jan. 2 on Chamberlain Avenue, and on Jan. 8, a 13-year-old suffered a gunshot wound on Windhill Drive. Police called those two shootings accidental.

The Rev. Malachi Walker runs Young Men Incorporated. The program helps provide at-risk teens with mentors and includes a summer empowerment camp, as well. Walker said working with teens is crucial, but he also thinks parents and lawmakers need to do more.

"That's heartbreaking and that's shocking. We can't keep continuing on this path," Walker said. "I am a believer of the rights to bear guns. I have no problem with that, but when they are in the hands of the wrong person, that is the problem right there and our kids are getting these guns and there should definitely be a law against that."

Those in the organization Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America share that sentiment.

"I'm especially terrified for our children because until we at least have a safe storage law, there is just too easy access to guns," Cathy Weinmann said.

Weinmann said hundreds of Moms Demand Action members will go to the Statehouse Monday to share their concerns with lawmakers.

Police have not released a possible motive for the fatal shooting on Priscilla Avenue. The two accidental shootings are also under investigation.