x
Breaking News
More () »

Five homicides so far this year in Scranton

This spike in murders is an unprecedented number the city has not seen in more than a decade.

SCRANTON, Pa. — Earlier this week, the intersection of Jackson Street and Filmore Avenue was swarming with investigators after a man was shot and killed, found unconscious in his car.

With the Friday excitement as kids rush home for the weekend, parents not feeling the same. 

"It's scary because I have little ones running around out here," said Lauren Sinning of Scranton.

A sight Bobbie O'Brian of Scranton has never seen in her 20 years of living here. 

"A lot better than it was now. No shootings. I used to walk around the block, feel safe," said O'Brian.

It's an issue that's plaguing nearly every corner of the city, as Tuesday's homicide marks the fifth this year for Scranton.

"The one that was up by Rite Aid? That's close to home. That's really close to home," added O'Brian.

It hits home for those working to combat this spike in violence, as well. Tuesday's violence happened right outside the doors of the nonprofit Youth for Christ.

"I'm hearing from this new generation coming up about the gang violence and shootings. That was not the case when I was growing up. I was like, 'Woah,' when did this start developing here in Scranton,'" said James Sherman, Youth for Christ City Life director.

Police say gang and youth violence is responsible for some of the uptick in violence throughout the city, including the shooting of Scranton police Detective Kyle Gilmartin earlier this year. This is what the police had to say back in January. 

"There's a recruiting effort that goes on trying to get younger kids who are vulnerable to try to join these organizations," said Thomas Carroll, Scranton Police Department Chief.

That's where Youth for Christ's City Life program is stepping in, as home is no longer safe and sound in Scranton.

"Just giving these kids an outlet, too. A lot of these kids don't have an adult in their life that's willing to be able to point them in the right direction or just be an ear for them," added Sherman.

"You know I get my grandkids on Saturdays, and I'm afraid for them to be out here," said O'Brian.

   

Before You Leave, Check This Out