The fatal shooting of a teenager in Nashville has the community in turmoil

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A 14-year-old boy is facing charges after Metro police say he killed another teenager at an East Nashville apartment complex Friday night.

According to investigators, Jeremiah Smith attempted to steal a gun from another 14-year-old and shot him multiple times.

“What kind of generation, future generation are we going to have,” Ayesha Johnson asked after learning about the shooting.

Officers said Smith drove away in a stolen vehicle after the shooting. It was later recovered from a nearby parking garage.

Following the incident, Smith was arrested and faced multiple felony charges ranging from criminal homicide to theft.

For community members like Johnson, the shooting has left them worried about the safety of their children.

“The future looks a little scary because the age at death is getting lower and lower. “Kids who kill kids, how do they get access to these weapons?” Johnson said.

This shooting occurred the same week that several shootings occurred across Nashville, including along Jefferson Street, where nine people were shot and one person died.

As world leaders look for solutions to combat gun violence, Johnson said she was trying her best to remain optimistic after another young life was lost.

“Gun violence is not the answer,” she said. “They take children away from their parents. To the point where I send my child to school and just pray that you come home.”

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