x
Breaking News
More () »

Family Grieves Shooting Victim

WILLIAMSPORT — It’s been a heartbreaking 24 hours for Jamil Bryant’s family. The 21 year old was shot outside his family’s home in Willi...

WILLIAMSPORT -- It's been a heartbreaking 24 hours for Jamil Bryant's family. The 21 year old was shot outside his family's home in Williamsport Monday night.

His family has a message for Williamsport.

"Put the guns down, man. You are tearing families apart."

A group of friends stood behind Evan Bryant just hours after his younger brother, Jamil Bryant, 21, was shot multiple times on Anthony Street in the city. Bryant later died at the hospital.

"My little brother he was one of the best people I knew."

The street is now marked with paint. At least 16 bullet casings were found while investigators pieced together the shooting Bryant's family says should never have happened.

"He took care of us. He took care of all of his family and friends. He was the nicest person," said Davayah Jacob.

Jacob was beside herself while talking about Bryant. He is the father of her daughter Jamya.

"This is why it happened because he was too nice. Everybody that did this to him was a friend. He thought they were his friends," Jacob said.

"It's breaking my heart even more because when I look at her I see him."

"People are getting the wrong perception because of what's going on," said Khalil Baines. "This is now what Williamsport is. This is not what we do."

Friends and family of the victim say enough is enough. They are ready to start making those changes on their own. That's why they are planning an event later this month at Flanigan Park.

"Peace in Williamsport on May 23. We are having a cookout, free food, free drinks."

As friends seek comfort and push for a change. Police in Williamsport continue to search for a killer.

"A little girl will never get to meet her dad. For what? Over something stupid as a fight," said Evan Bryant.

Police are still investigating, but say they have several leads in the case.

The community came together Tuesday night near the crime scene to remember Bryant.

“It makes me feel good to know that so many people actually cared enough to take time out of their day to come in and see my brother of properly,” said Evan Bryant.

“The chant for today is 'enough is enough.' We are tired of burying our loved ones, like at the hands of an argument or something, something so minute, something so very petty. Stop the violence. No more guns, enough is enough,” said Selina Sapps Jettel of Williamsport.

The Lycoming County DA has scheduled a press conference for Wednesday to address the recent rash of violent crime in the city.

Before You Leave, Check This Out