Youth advocates are speaking out after another teen was found dead in a shooting in the Portland neighborhood

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Police say the victim in Tuesday’s fatal shooting in the Portland neighborhood was a juvenile.

The news raises even more questions as the number of murders reaches 130 in 2024.

Just this week we learned that two teenagers have died due to gun violence, news that youth advocates in Louisville have tried to prevent for decades.

And although it can be discouraging, they say they won’t stop working and encourage you to do the same.

The fatal shooting in the Portland neighborhood occurred around 11:15 a.m. Tuesday near 29th Street and Garfield Avenue.

Neighbors said they heard multiple shots from more than one gun and that the shooting sent a woman in her 60s to the hospital and killed a teenager.

News that Christopher 2X of 2X Game Changer says always has a lasting impact.

“Any time situations like this occur, there is a direct traumatic impact on the family, but there is also a ripple effect on the community with other families affected in the same way,” he said.

Nearly 15% of homicide victims in 2024 were juveniles, a number that is prompting youth advocates to take action more than ever.

But why does it keep happening?

Dr. Eddie Woods, CEO of No More Red Dots, says there’s always a trend.

“In the end it always comes down to the same thing. You know the people who take action on social media, call each other names, and then take very permanent actions in very temporary situations,” he explained.

And that’s why Dr. Woods said his organization meets people where they are.

They canvass neighborhoods every day and use group sessions and mentoring to teach youth that they can use their energy productively rather than destructively.

“Everyone wants to die for a dead buddy, but what about living for him,” said Dr. Woods. “How about you make your life a memorial to her.”

Christopher 2X says he’s trying to send a similar message.

His group, 2X Game Changers, aims to give them hope by connecting them with professionals to showcase their talents and show them that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“And so we try to counteract the negativity and give the kids more hope,” Christopher 2X said. “And I applaud all efforts in this community, from many levels, to try to encourage the community to see hope in dark times.”

Both men encourage people in the community to do their part to support youth.

Because just the positive impact on a child and the instilling of self-confidence makes a difference.

Police have not yet made an arrest in Tuesday’s shooting.

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