STOCKTON, Calif. — A recent uptick in gun violence involving minors has activists speaking out and encouraging parents to do more.
A 16-year-old was allegedly killed by a 17-year-old shooter Tuesday and a 13-year-old was allegedly killed by a 16-year-old in Stockton Wednesday, making people wonder what’s going on and what can be done to prevent more deaths.
“We live in a violent society,” said Berry Accius, a longtime advocate with his organization Voice of the Youth. “There’s this anger and this sense of, ‘I’m going to show you who’s the boss. That you’re not going to mess with me.’ But they forget their own brothers or sisters can become victims.”
That was the case of what happened in Stockton this past week, the 13-year-old victim allegedly being shot and killed by his older brother.
The teen also accidentally shot himself in the hand, according to police.
Accius says parents should monitor their kids use of social media, pay attention to the other kids they are hanging out with and even go as far as to check their rooms for weapons.
“And I’m going to say this to the parents. Please don’t believe that this can’t happen to you,” he said. “Please. Get into your child’s business.”
The 16-year-old suspect is now in juvenile hall in San Joaquin County facing charges of manslaughter, negligent discharge of a firearm and weapons charges.
The Stockton Unified School District is offering support for staff and students through its crisis team.
