MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Hundreds of people in North Memphis came together to remember one of the city’s latest murder victims.
Fifteen-year-old Vianca Harris was a pregnant teenager and one of six children killed so far this year.
Harris was shot to death in Whitehaven Monday morning.
The suspect was arrested hours later.
It’s only March, but the number of children killed by homicide is already half of what it was total in 2015.
“She was my baby. She was an angel. She was very smart. She was talented,” said her mother Janelle Harris. “We miss her so much already.”
The Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland didn’t have time to speak with WREG Tuesday evening, but his staff emailed a statement.
“The Mayor believes the key to reducing youth violence is giving children positive opportunities. The administration is committed to helping our kids stay on the right track. That being said, the Mayor and Police Director are working on solutions to reduce all forms of violent crime happening in our city.”
However, his staff would not give us any specifics.
“We are going to continue to beef up our efforts as best we can to address these issues,” said interim Police Director Mike Rallings.
Time and time again, that seems to be the answer from city leaders.
They’ve yet to tell anyone what their concrete plan is on curbing youth violence.
The last mayor’s administration tried implementing curfew centers.
No word if that’s still happening.
“This current administration they have not released any additional information as to what is being done,” said Councilman Berlin Boyd.
He said it may be time to send out a S.O.S., because the city government can’t fight this alone.
“We need to reach out to Shelby County government, and we need to reach out to the state,” he said.
Back in North Memphis, folks at the vigil wondered why they didn’t see any city leaders helping another mother cope with the pain.
“I can’t explain my feelings. If no one lost a child and has been through it, I can’t explain it,” said Harris.
Police said they are beefing up patrols in areas where violence has recently occurred.
They are also continuing programs in the schools and partnerships with various agencies.
