An 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder after gunfire erupted during a community event at a Lexington park, killing a 16-year-old boy and wounding four others, including two children.
Jametrius M. Griffin was arrested Sunday in connection with the shooting at Charles Young Park during the Eastend Days event, according to Lexington police.
Griffin is accused of killing 16-year-old Di’Zhon Robertson, who was fatally wounded during the shooting.
He is being held at the Fayette County Detention Center and has been charged with:
- Murder
- Two counts of first-degree assault
- Two counts of second-degree assault
- Tampering with physical evidence
Teenager dies after being shot
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office said Robertson was pronounced dead at approximately 7:10 p.m. Saturday at UK Hospital’s emergency department.
His cause of death was a fatal gunshot wound, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Four other victims were shot, including a 4-year-old child and a 14-year-old. Two adults were also injured and were reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
Gunfire erupts at family event
Police were called to the 200 block of Midland Avenue around 6:48 p.m. Saturday, with firefighters dispatched shortly afterward.
The shooting took place during Eastend Days, an event that traditionally brings members of the community together.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as people scrambled for safety and attempted to help those who had been wounded.
Devine Carama, director of ONE Lexington, said he was only inches away from gunfire and later witnessed members of the community helping victims while police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel rushed to the scene.
“This is not normal,” Carama said while condemning the violence and calling for justice and support for those affected.
Police urge people with information to come forward
Before Griffin’s arrest, the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification or arrest of the person or people responsible.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers also urged residents to speak up if they have information that could prevent future violence.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Griffin has been charged, but the allegations against him have not been proven in court. He remains presumed innocent unless found guilty.
One teenager is dead, four others were wounded, and an entire Lexington community is left asking how gunfire could erupt during an event meant to bring families together.
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