Police say the shooting happened on Canterbury Lane near Clio and Pierson Roads. It is the 5th known juvenile death in three weeks because of gang-related crime.
Police say the shooting happened on Canterbury Lane near Clio and Pierson Roads. It is the 5th known juvenile death in three weeks because of gang-related crime.
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - According to Flint City Police, Trinity Davis would have been turning 13-years-old next month. She was the innocent victim in an overnight shooting on Flint's North Side. Police say the shooting happened on Canterbury Lane near Clio and Pierson Roads.
Chief Terence Green says it's related to gangs in the city.
"She was asleep in her bed, then was awaken by a bullet that pierced her body. It can't get much worse than that. The problem is if no one is going to step forward that has information to help and bring justice to Trinity, then you are not a human being I consider," said Chief Green.
Those who know her and her family say this violence has to stop, as they mourn the loss of another young life.
"She was very lively, very vibrant, never a boring moment with her," said a former teacher of the 12-year-old, Michael Clack. "It is just very sad this is not the first nor the second nor the tenth of my students that have meet their fate."
Flint Police say Trinity Davis was not the intended target in Wednesday's early morning shooting in a home near the Flint Police mini-station on the city's north side.
"It was pretty difficult being here last night. A lot of people crying, very emotional," said Clack. "We have to keep our teens, our kids under control, and let them know this is not the way, this is not the thing to do. Violence is never the answer," said the victim's former teacher.
Chief Terence Green says the number and age of many of the victims in such a short span of time is worrisome.
"They are innocent victims. Babies, asleep on the couch, or in their bed, that was the case of Trinity last night," said Chief Green. "There were five within the last two to three weeks; that's a lot. They haven't even lived. Flint School kids when they return to school in the next couple of week will miss their school year, because of gun violence," explained the chief.
On June 25th, ABC12 reported about a murder in Beecher area. 17-year-old Khamani Lindsey was killed, and another 17-year-old was injured.
Just a day later, 15-year-old Dom Ward and his 13-year-old cousin were shot and killed on Flint's North Side at Banbury Place. Now, the shooting of Trinity.
"These shootings we are investigating as gang related on both cases with Trinity last night, and the 13 and 15 year old that were shot," said Chief Green.
One suspect is in custody for the Banbury Place shooting, but Chief Green says investigators need more information from those involved.
Community members like Michael Clack and City Councilwoman Tonya Burns were at the most recent shooting scene, providing support to families.
They say there needs to be some change.
"These youngsters went to the same school as the other youngsters were unfortunately killed and gunned down on Banbury place," said 6th ward councilperson Tonya Burns. "These types of shootings create retaliation. And it keeps happening, so we know it's happening, what are we doing about it."
Right now, Flint does not have a gang violence task force, however, Chief Green said the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and the ATF have assigned detectives to help with the investigation.
The chief is asking for the public's help, adding his department can provide witness protection funds for valuable information.
"They will bring those that are responsible for justice, and get these kids some justice, but they need help, from the public, from family members of some of these victims," said the chief.
If anyone has any information about the incident, contact Det. Egbert at 810-237-6912. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-JAIL.
