Recent Tragedies Highlight Juvenile Crime Crisis in Louisville

The tragic deaths of two young boys, ages 13 and 12, in Louisville have left their loved ones devastated and searching for answers. The 13-year-old, DaViawn Blackmon, was shot in the head and left for dead near 38th and Broadway on June 27. His family had tried numerous interventions to help steer him away from gang life, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Despite being involved in the juvenile justice system and receiving mental health evaluations, Blackmon’s downward spiral culminated in his untimely death.

Just 24 hours after Blackmon’s killing, 12-year-old Justin Johnson was also shot and killed in the city’s Phoenix Hill neighborhood. Both boys were involved in youth intervention programs, and their loved ones believe they were targeted by someone with ill intentions. The juvenile crime problem in Louisville has been described as an epidemic, with seven juveniles killed in the city this year alone.

The community is grappling with how to address the gang violence that is claiming the lives of young people. Interim LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey acknowledged the seriousness of the gang situation and emphasized the need for a solution. As the families of DaViawn Blackmon and Justin Johnson mourn their losses, they are seeking justice and answers.

No arrests have been made in either case, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The loved ones of DaViawn Blackmon have set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. The tragic deaths of these two young boys serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the violence plaguing communities in Louisville.