Community leaders react to recent teen gun violence in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — June Barnes has felt the ache of dropping a beloved one earlier than.

She stated her son was killed when he was shot 9 occasions in Gary.

“I misplaced my son, it’s been 30 years yesterday,” Barnes stated.

Barnes’s northside condo is a couple of ft away from the place 17-year-old Robert Fletcher Junior was discovered shot and killed Monday morning. The warning tape is a vivid reminder of one other Indianapolis teen misplaced to gun violence

“Each time I see the information as a result of I do watch the information that has misplaced their baby; I can’t assist however cry as a result of I do know the ache,” Barnes stated.

Monday morning’s taking pictures hits too near dwelling. Barnes has an 11-year-old son as properly. She stated that he should be inside by 7 p.m. on daily basis.

“He isn’t allowed to enter anyone else’s condo, he’s not allowed to enter any of the opposite streets however this one,” Barnes stated.

David Coatie has been a member of the Indianapolis Ten-Level Coalition since 1999. He’s additionally an affiliate pastor at Christ Church Apostolic on the northside.

“I feel we should discover a approach to train de-escalation,” Coatie stated.

Coatie’s church is working to be part of the answer by operating a program known as Younger Achievers.

“Teaches choices and other ways of dealing with violence and dealing with issues,” Coatie stated.

Issues that Coatie feels live on with Indianapolis teenagers.

“We should get on the streets and interact with individuals speak to individuals, discover out what’s happening of their life,” Coatie stated.