Breakdown of local juvenile shooting death rates
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WRSP) — Senseless gun tragedies continue to plague our nation, taking a toll on young people.
We're taking a look at the breakdown of youth 18-years-old and under who died by the use of weapons.
According to the 2017 FBI crime report, there were more than 1,200 kids murdered nationwide. Of that amount, 680 were shot.
"It's a sign of the times and I'm saddened and heartbroken that it happens so often, especially with young people," Resident Christy Bishop said.
Taking a look at juvenile shooting death rates locally, in 2017, Springfield police reported only one fatal shooting involving a 13-year-old child. Decatur reported five shooting incidents in which a juvenile victim was either struck by a bullet or killed. Of those five, only one was fatal. A two-year-old toddler was the victim of that shooting incident.
Champaign didn't have any juvenile shooting deaths in 2017.
"People just need to stop killing people. That's not what our country's all about," Resident Mike Peppers said.
Fast forward to 2018, Springfield police said the juvenile shooting death rate sits at zero.
Champaign police had one fatal shooting in August of this year, involving a 16-year-old. Decatur police had a busier second half of 2018, responding to two fatal shootings involving youth. A 17-year-old was shot and killed in July and just this week a 12-year-old was fatally shot.
"I don't agree with people shooting each other," Resident, Sarah Cowick said.
Many said the senseless tragedies will only stop if the community and law enforcement work hand in hand.
"I think that they really need to understand some of the things that young people go through that gets them to the place that they have to get to in order to put their hands on a gun, in order to fire a gun," Bishop said.
According to the 2017 FBI crime report, people murdered by any sort of firearm was the highest on the list.
