CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — A Chesterfield County mother is calling on parents to do her part in preventing youth gun violence after six youths were shot at a Chester prom Friday night.
Police said 20-year-old Taborri Carter was killed in the shooting and five victims between the ages of 16 and 21 survived. Two additional teens were injured from non-weapon related injuries.
“It’s disgusting for that to happen at a graduation celebration,” said Shanda Gaston, an anti-violence activist. “No one is safe anywhere these days.”
Officers said between 50 and 100 people from across the region gathered on Stepney Road on Friday for the party after it was promoted as an open invite on social media.
They said it took a violent turn when two fights broke out and around 50 shots were then fired. Investigators believed that at least four different weapons were used.
WTVR
Gaston said the shooting marked another grim example of how a growing number of young people will turn to guns to resolve disputes.
“They have easy access to weapons,” he said. “Honestly, I think Project Exile needs to be beefed up because there are too many guns in the hands of these little kids.”
For reference, Project Exile was a controversial crime-fighting tactic in which the state partnered with the federal government to prosecute criminals with illegal weapons and send them to federal prisons across the country for at least five years.
Gaston said the party shooting should serve as a wake-up call to parents to strengthen communication with their kids and keep track of where they’re going, what they’re doing and who they’re with.
“I think it starts at home,” he explained. “We as parents need to pay more attention to our children. We have to be a little more nosy. We need to check their phones, all of the above, to find out what kind of lifestyle they’re living.”
CLOCK: Police hold press conference after Chesterfield’s deadly prom
Police report deadly shooting at Chesterfield prom
Some viewers commented on the WTVR CBS 6 Facebook page with questions about adult supervision at the Friday night party.
During a news conference Saturday, Maj. Brad Badgerow said an adult woman was home but did not host the party.
“I understand there was a lady who lives in the house where the party was held,” Badgerow said. “The resident, she’s not that lady, but she’s an adult, I think her grandson was throwing the party for another Thomas. Dale Graduate.
WTVR
RELATED: Teen Has Fractured Ribs, Hole in Lung, and Bullet Lodged in Liver After Party Shooting
Badgerow also encouraged parents whose children were out Friday night to talk with them and present information to police that could help the investigation.
Gaston said he would now like to see his county and police leaders connect with the community in an effort to stop the violence.
“We’re dying for help,” he said. “Bring us all together so we can all have a voice and say, ‘Hey, what can I do? What can we do? What can we all do to make a change?’”
Badgerow said the police department prides itself on developing a strong relationship with its community. At Saturday’s briefing, he mentioned ways citizens can get involved, including Neighborhood Watch Program and the national night out event taking place this summer.
Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact the Chesterfield County Police Department at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660, or through the P3 app.
Trust CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for detailed coverage of this important local story. Anyone with more information can email [email protected] to submit a tip.
Reference-www.wtvr.com