JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Jackson has had a violent week. Two were left dead from gunfire Sunday, including an 18-month-old girl. Another was shot and injured. Then a shooting on Monday, and another murder and separate shooting on Tuesday.
A grassroots group says Jackson Police can't solve the problems alone, and they want you to be a part of the solution.
Members of "Enough is Enough" want as many people as possible to attend a meeting on Monday to plan a "Stop the Violence" prayer vigil.
Eighteen-month-old Keiona Shearill, was shot as her father held her in the front yard of their Lexington Avenue home Sunday night. Twenty-seven-year-old Jarvis Harper of Jackson faces a murder charge and also an aggravated assault charge for allegedly shooting 50-year-old Mary Jackson who was also outside when the shots were fired. Jackson and Keiona were caught in the crossfire of an altercation.
Then on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, more gunfire erupted in other parts of the city, including the former Rebelwood Apartments and the Presidential Hills subdivision.
Othor Cain, a community activist who heads up Enough is Enough, says young people in the city need you to reach out.
"If we had a city-wide mentoring program where these kids had things to do, their time is occupied things could change. But it takes a collaborative effort, not just people saying woe is me, or laying blame on somebody else," Cain said.
The planning meeting will be held Monday at 6 p.m. in the conference room at the Hinds County Sheriff's Office. Organizers are asking you to come equipped with their own ideas to put an end to the violence.
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