PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The shooting deaths of two teenagers within a half hour of each other on Tuesday has pushed Philadelphia's homicide level to 208, more than 40% higher than ever recorded by May 25 of any year in the city's history.
Police and city leaders are trying to mitigate the usual spike of violence that comes with warmer weather. Officials are trying everything they can think of to keep kids safe.
Related
"We think they were both targeted," said Philadelphia Deputy Police Commissioner Ben Naish.
Pitman and Marks are among the more than 800 people shot this year in Philadelphia. 81 of those shooting victims are children.
"As disturbing as it is to see our victims becoming younger and younger, it is equally disturbing to see our shooters becoming younger and younger as well," said Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw.
She said they were hoping the cooler weather would slow the gunfire, but it hasn’t.
Related
"Some people have tied it to the pandemic and the psychological impact. Some people have tied it to the systemic inequities that have existed for many, many years here in the city," said Outlaw.
"I don’t think there is any one thing, but we are definitely dealing with the results of whatever the social determinants are."
Outlaw's department will increase patrols around recreation centers this summer. but she said that police is just one part of the solution.
Related
"Parents to get involved, talk to their children and provide solutions other than violence," said Outlaw.
Other city leaders agree with Outlaw that the community needs to parent their kids.
"Parents, aunties, uncles, know where your kids are at all times," said Erica Atwood with the city's Office of Violence Prevention.
"Parents should reach out to their neighborhood rec centers, talk to their rec leaders. Call our community crisis intervention program (215-800-4611) if they know there is eminent danger."