Here We Go Again, Another Shooting in East Amarillo

Gun violence is becoming more common in Amarillo.  It seems that this is becoming a daily occurrence where someone has been shot or was shot at or killed by gun violence.

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There's nothing like being woken up by gunshots, I had that privilege last weekend. This morning I come into work and see yet another email about a shooting in Amarillo.

UPDATE, Friday, September 16, 11:58 AM: Three suspects have been arrested in this case and charged with Murder. Kezabien Mayes, male, 18-years-old,  Javonne Mayes, male, 19-years-old, and a juvenile female, age 14, who was also charged with Engaging in Criminal Activity. The juvenile female was booked into the Youth Center of the High Plains.

The Amarillo Police Department was called out to the 2800 block of North Grand Street on a report of shooting within the complex.  When arriving at the scene, Adam Jeremiah Maes, 17 years old, was found suffering from a gunshot wound.  Maes was transported to a local hospital where he died.

The APD Homicide Unit conducted several interviews with those involved in the incident, but at this time no arrests have been made.  The investigation is ongoing.

I don't know how we start fixing this atrocious problem in Amarillo.  Violence is happening everywhere.  Where do we finally step in and say enough is enough?  A 17-year-old is dead.  Multiple teenagers have been arrested for shootings in Amarillo.   In the past year, we have seen over 21 shootings in our city.    When does it stop?

No this isn't a place to insert the gun debate.

Is this the new normal?  I know for myself personally, that I have serious conversations with my child all the time about violence and other tough subjects and I tell him to talk to me.  I also know that no matter how great your parents are, children will choose their own paths.  But I also know that the solution to this problem starts at home.