MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The year has started off tragically for many children and teens in Memphis, with eight young lives lost due to violence. Among those affected is Lisa Mull, founder of Kids Lives Matter 2, who lost her 11-year-old nephew, Marzayon Mull, to gun violence in South Memphis. The alarming trend of youth homicide numbers rising in the city has sparked concern among community members.
According to the Memphis Police Department, this year has seen a total of eight juvenile deaths, with five being categorized as murders and three as negligent homicides. The recent incidents include the accidental shooting of a 16-year-old girl in Parkway Village, and a fatal altercation in South Memphis that resulted in the death of a pregnant mother and injuries to others, including a teenage girl. Another tragic incident occurred when a 16-year-old boy lost his life on Roland Street in Midtown.
Lisa Mull expressed her shock and frustration at the continuing violence, urging the community to come together to address the issue. She emphasized the importance of focusing on education as a key strategy in preventing future tragedies. Mull, along with other community members, is advocating for initiatives to “Stop the Killing” among juveniles, in hopes of curbing gun violence.
The loss of young lives to gun violence has reignited calls for action and support from the community to protect children and teens from harm. As the city grapples with these heartbreaking incidents, there is a growing sense of urgency to address the root causes of violence and provide meaningful solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of the youth in Memphis. The impact of these tragedies extends far beyond the individuals directly affected, highlighting the collective responsibility to create a safer and more secure environment for all members of the community.