07-02-2025
Arkansas Stop the Violence speaks on recent string of homicides in Little Rock
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Little Rock has already seen 10 homicides only 37 days into the new year.
Little Rock police say of the 10 homicides, eight of the cases have already had arrests. A Little Rock police spokesperson said two of the investigations are still under file review, meaning there is a claim of self-defense.
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According to authorities, the two cases include a New Year's Day shooting that left a 17-year-old dead and a stabbing that resulted in an officer-involved shooting on Jan. 1.
However, many people say it's getting out of hand as it seems like every day, we hear of another child victim, or a child being accused of a crime.
Little Rock Police say at least six juveniles are being accused in the shootings that have already happened this year, with the number of kids shot rapidly approaching double digits.
'When these tragedies take place, it does not just affect the individual,' Assistant Director of Arkansas Stop the Violence Pastor Chris Carrigan said.
According to Carrigan, gun violence impacts not only the victim and their loved ones but also the shooter's loved ones.
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He said stopping violence starts with awareness for all ages and that awareness comes through resources.
'We have a lack of materials, a lack of resources, we have to be able to educate our people,' Carrigan said.
According to Carrigan, the city of Little Rock doesn't have the resources needed, which is why he is trying to change the beat of others' hearts.
'We have to put God in the picture, we need to bring the church in the picture, it's the whole community we can't leave anybody out,' Carrigan said.
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Carrigan says he's spoken to city leaders about the needs and is finding hope in other communities that have turned their numbers around, including Pine Bluff, which reports a drastic decrease in homicide numbers.
'They did put some programs in place and some training and some information on violence and some classes and so we need to do that here,' Carrigan said.
He shared his theories on why juvenile crime is on a trending rise.
'They have video games that they play, and it's all fun, but it's implanted in their mind, and they come out and live it in real life,' Carrigan said.
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According to Carrigan, there is still work that has to be done or the numbers will only continue to grow.
'We have to do everything that we possibly can in our power as leaders to make this happen,' Carrigan said.
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