Of the 16 homicides that have occurred in Lexington so far this year, all of them were caused by gunshots.
Tiffany Clark’s son, Zion Clark, was shot and killed on a family member’s back porch in March of 2020. Two other people were injured in the shooting but survived. Clark said she’s spoken with at least four different detectives. Her son’s case is still open.
“We have been able to sit down. We’ve been able to get a couple of answers, but everything else has kind of went silent here over the last few months,” Clark said. We haven't talked or nobody's letting me know anything. So, I don't know if he's working, if he's not working, if I got another detective.”
Clark was among a group of mothers, grandmothers and gun violence survivors that met in Lexington last week during National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The group remembered loved ones killed in Lexington.
Kathi Crowe is the legislative lead for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. The group advocates for safe storage of guns and gun law reforms. Crowe said the media often covers mass shootings, but gun violence happens every day.
“But as the chief has said, it's the day-to-day gun violence of those who are affected, our loved ones, our families, friends, those people who witness the gun violence, first responders, healthcare workers, medical workers, all of them pay the price. And they will never forget what they see,” Crowe said.
Mayor Linda Gorton declared June 4 National Gun Violence Day in Lexington. Gorton said she supports Second Amendment rights and gun safety laws.
Speakers called for “common sense” gun laws, including Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers.
“I'm part of Moms Demand Action because I'm a human being. And common sense makes good sense. And that's what we have to get across to our legislators,” he said.
Tiffany Clark’s son was a twin. She said getting up every day is hard.
“I gave birth to two kids. And I only have one,” Clark said. “The survivors’ group that I'm a part of with the sheriff's office, these ladies because they push you and they give you hope.”
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