SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Neighbors of an 18-year-old who was shot and killed just steps away from his home in June said they feel safer knowing the people responsible are behind bars.
The shooting happened in Upper Land Park back in June.
Partridge's family said it's an emotional day for them after hearing of the arrests and declined to speak Friday. But neighbors who knew the teen said it's a step closer to seeing justice.
"I came outside. I looked down the sidewalk and the young man was lying there. So when I came back in the house, I was securing my grandkids," said Tamara Beverly, who has lived at the same apartments as Partridge for almost 30 years.
Beverly still remembers the day her 18-year-old neighbor was shot and killed outside his home at the Marina Vista housing units on 5th Street.
The June 23 shooting startled the grandmother as shots rang out, and she ran into another bedroom to protect her grandchildren.
"The young man was a very good young man; he's not a troubled kid. He loves playing, joking. It's just upsetting that it happened right here...," Beverly said.
On Friday, ABC10 told her Sacramento police had arrested seven men two days ago in connection to the homicide. The arrests included two 19-years-olds, two 18-year-olds, a 17-year-old and two others.
Five are facing homicide charges, another a parole violation and another, an outstanding warrant and firearms-related charges.
Police said they understand Partridge's family and neighbors are hurting and they also want to see people held accountable.
"From the police department, our hope is that that community feels and understands the magnitude of what happened that day. A life was lost and we can't ever bring that person back. But what we can do as a police department is hopefully provide justice to that family by bringing the people that we believe to be involved in this to justice," said Sgt. Anthony Gamble, spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department.
Police do not have information on whether the men are part of a gang or if they were all at the scene on the day of the shooting. Police said they know they were all a part of the operation, and they were able to make the arrest because of the help from the community.
"Really, I just want to stress the importance of this police and community cooperation, right? A tragic incident happened. Somebody lost their ife. And we were able to have communication with people in that community. Our department and the police department can't do it on their own," Gamble said.
For Beverly, the arrest is returning her peace at home.
"Right now, it's good that we're getting looked at and getting help. Because these are very good apartments. I'll tell anybody they're very good apartments. It's just what goes on after the lights go out. So that's the scary part when you're thinking you're safe at home in bed and you're not," Beverly said.
Police said this is still an ongoing investigation and are still asking people who may know anything to come forward.
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