Two different shooting incidents that occurred in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia claimed two lives of people and one poor passerby. The late Sunday night mishaps have raised the community’s concern and again raised concern over the increasing rate of gun-related crimes in the region.
The first shooting took place just before 11:A shooting was reported near 30 PM on the 400 block of East Indiana Avenue. Officers arriving at the scene witnessed a 28-year-old man who was shot in several parts of his body. Even when rushed to a nearby hospital, the victim died from his injuries shortly after regaining the facility.
Inhalation, Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace said that through investigations, it was established that the victim was on East Indiana Avenue on a motorized scooter when a silver or grey-colored car suddenly approached him. More persons alighted from the car and shot at the affected person at close range and shot him many times. The shooting also caused damage to several parked cars and two houses nearby.
And in a rather morbid sequel, the next day at eighteen hours a new shooting took place, an unfortunate woman was killed trying to intervene between two men. It happened at about 12.40 am at 2500 Kensington Avenue in front of a store that sells essentials.
The victim, Kelly Kane of the Kensington neighborhood, 41, was shot at least once in the upper body as she attempted to stop the altercation. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead at approximately 12:34 AM.
Real life and CCTV are gruesome to watch and significantly show how Kane died. Some men were part of a disagreement, which turned into a fight. When Kane tries to calm down the two men, one of them brings out a gun and shoots at the other man, but Errezy is relieved the bullet hits her instead.
Evidently, the loss of Kane has affected the community so much. Those who knew her, would recognise her as a dedicated mother, who was anxious to take her child to the first day of school. A close friend of the deceased, Patricia Lowry said “She was a good person – a good mom.” She was just actually talking about her kid going back to school today, and what happened to her is not right; it’s not fair”.
The victims have been promised justice by the Philadelphia Police Department as community concern escalates in the region. People are congregating to light candles, organize protests, share their concerns, and unveil frustration over the recent surge in mass shootings in the community.
Days into the investigations of the two shootings, leaders of the city are already pointing to the fact that solving the problem will require a joint effort, given the fact that crime and violence cut across many areas of concern in Kensington. The incidents have been recurring in the neighborhood for a long time, and these latest ones have further fueled advocacy for change.
Thus, local police are currently investigating these shootings and are appealing to the public in a search for the perpetrators. Police were able to gather more than 20 spent shell casings at the scene, and officers are also studying the footage from city security cameras. In regards to the second shooting, the police have found the man they would like to talk to in connection with the incident.
The results of these shootings are not confined only to the victims and their close ones. The whole of the Kensington community is forced to deal with new concerns and the sense of necessity for change. People are given the impression of self-organizing in city hall meetings that concern for them requires them to have input to get the rules they effectively require to enhance their safety and well-being.
As Kensington struggles to fight gun violence, the authorities of the region are calling for a coalition against crime. Issues related to education, mental health plans, care, and other support services have become the center of attention. The common belief is that prompt actions should focus on families to provide a space for kids to have fun and learn safely.
These are sad moments. However, Kensington residents have shown their strength in the face of cruel destiny. While they are burying their dead and looking for shelter, the community is waking up to face the challenges that make people fearful and insecure. There is massive pressure on the people and emotions are high; One needs to act fast, Kensington is ready to rise and bring back the safety from the violence that has been synonymous with the area for a long time.
