'We need parents to parent': Champaign community leaders say end to youth violence starts at home
Share this @internewscast.com

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Two teenagers have been taken into custody for their involvement in a shooting in Champaign that injured a 14-year-old this week. In response, community leaders are urging parents and children to work together to stop this needless violence.

Police and community leaders in Champaign stress that the solution begins with parents. While numerous resources are available within the community, the onus is on guardians to be the influential voice their children will heed.

“It’s just upsetting because I can’t even allow my son to go to the park or hang out there. He has friends in the area, but they have to come here to play because I just can’t risk having him there,” expressed Tiana Harris.

Harris has been living down the street from Oakwood Trace Townhomes for 10 years, but throughout those years, she said crime in the area has gotten worse.

“I mean, eventually I do want to move,” Harris said. “Like I love you here, but I just feel like if I can’t put the blame on anybody.”

Tuesday evening’s shooting happened at North 3rd Street and Beardsley Avenue and involved two teenage boys — ages 15 and 16 years old — who were part of a shooting that led to a 14-year-old getting shot. Police said they found more than 40 shell casings.

“I remember probably like a year or two ago, they were shooting and it was real close, and his room is right here. So he will scare, like he got on the floor. You know, I made him get on the floor and he will scare like to literally have to sell my son to get on the floor because they’re shooting outside of our house. It’s something that I never want to do.”

But community leaders like Willie Comer are reaching out to parents and kids to share the same message.

“Kids can be kids. Kids should not have to be afraid to live where they live,” Comer said.

Wednesday morning, he continued to follow through with his previous plans, bringing the activities and resources to teenagers and children even after the shooting and reminding everyone who attended that the change starts at home.

“We need parents to parent,” Comer said. “We got your back. We got the back of parents. We can help you, but we need you to be the first parent. You need to be the first teacher.”

The Champaign Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information, photos or videos relevant to the shooting should reach out.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Police Pursuit Concludes in Crash, Suspect Subsequently Hits Police Vehicle

GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. () — Authorities in Glynn County apprehended 33-year-old Deandra…

‘Extraordinary’ Ceremony Held for WWII Airman 81 Years On

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — A World War II airman once missing in…

French Mural Depicts Statue of Liberty Shielding Eyes as Commentary on Trump

ROUBAIX, France — As statements go, it’s a big one. A massive…

U.S. HIV/AIDS Program Remains Intact Amid Latest Trump Budget Cuts

WASHINGTON — The globally acclaimed HIV/AIDS initiative, PEPFAR, renowned for rescuing countless…

New Information Released About Deadly California Cybertruck Crash and Fire

Graphic Warning: This story contains graphic images or video that may be…

“Ohio Man’s Missed Alarm Leads to Life-Changing Lottery Win”

EAST ROCHESTER, Ohio (WJW) Sleeping through an alarm cost one Ohio man…

McCormick County Authorities on the Hunt for Escaped Inmate

McCORMICK COUNTY, S.C. () – The McCormick County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday…

Indiana Jones Whip Fetches $525,000 at Auction After ‘Citizen Kane’ Sled Sells for $14.75 Million

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – A whip once used by Harrison Ford in…

Bulloch Secures Contracts with Three Drillers for Hyundai Well Completion

BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. () — Officials in Bulloch County have arranged for…

Baja to Release Health Alert After 19 Deaths Linked to Rickettsia

SAN DIEGO (Border Report) In Baja California, including the city of Tijuana,…

The Department of Justice requests a federal court to make Epstein grand jury transcripts public.

() U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday asked a federal court…

Violent Encounter Erupts Between Protesters and Federal Agents in Downtown L.A.

Editor’s Note: KTLA has emailed officials with the U.S. Department of Homeland…