By Nick Mattera
Thursday morning’s homicide in a North End apartment complex has left at least one resident asking for widespread reform from police and community members.
The shooting claimed the life of 22-year-old Lelton Kemp.
“I heard like pop, pop, pop, pop, just outside of my bedroom window and I said ‘oh my God what’s happening?’ ” 18-year Monteagle Ridge resident Gloria Bedgood said. “I heard men’s voices outside of my window and once they stopped I looked outside and the police were pulling up.”
James Smith, 61, a 20-year resident of Monteagle Ridge said he did not hear the shooting but has grown daughters living in the complex and fears for their safety.
“They could have accidentally come right into the line of fire,” Smith said. “Anyone’s children could have been caught in the line.”
Bedgood said Thursday morning’s events have left many residents fearful but still asking questions.
“What can we do?” Bedgood said. “There are no vocal community, religious or social organizations in this community calling for reform.”
Smith said the events can partially be attributed to a waning police presence and a lack of support from community and religious organizations.
“The concern for me is security, either residential security or an occasional drive-by from the city police on a timely basis,” Smith said. “Maybe once or twice an hour, just to make these kids aware of their presence.”
Smith said a police presence will at least make people think twice before they resort to violence.
The two residents mentioned a former security officer who patrolled the facility but hasn’t been visible in years.
Smith added the police rarely patrol the complex unless there is a special investigation.
Neither resident said they knew Kemp, whose address is listed as 1737 Lafayette Ave.
“Things change here so frequently, people come and go faster than you even realize,” Smith said. “There is a large generational difference living in this community right now.”
Bedgood agreed, saying kids need something to do.
“These kids far too often have nowhere to go or nothing to do,” she said. “Then they get caught up in a bad situation, or involved with gang violence and drugs.”
Other Monteagle residents said they were unaware of Thursday’s shootings or were unwilling to talk to a Gazette reporter.
