One Lexington talks about downward trend in homicides

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — “I don’t want to see young people lose their lives,” says Devine Carama, the director of One Lexington.

It’s a trend that Carama wants to see continue to trend downward.
Homicides in the city, particularly those between the ages of 10 to 29.
In an effort to continue to curb gun violence, Carama says One Lexington is doing everything they can to provide opportunities to young people.

“I think just the fact of knowing that, just giving an opportunity can be what changes someone’s life. So that’s for me being in a position where I’m able to give somebody an opportunity that they may not have had, that that wakes me up in the morning, it gives me joy,” said Kenneth Payne, the Community Outreach Advocate at One Lexington.

Lexington’s latest homicide on Tuesday night, brings the total to six this year. At this same point last year, the city had already seen nine. And the numbers get even lower between the ages of 10-29 according to statistics from one Lexington.

This year, there’s only been 2 homicides in that age range, that is lower than the previous two years, in 2023 there were 5 and in 2022 there were 6.
Carama says he believes the downward trend is due to partnerships.

“The thing that we’re most proud of is just seeing young people develop. That’s what it’s about, gaining opportunity, some of these young people are dealing with mental health and untreated trauma issues, they’ve been affected by gun violence,” said Carama.

Carama spoke on what has been his driving force leading one Lexington the last three years.

“I think for me is just being a black man, understanding that gun violence disproportionately impacts young black males. That’s the driving force for me right there, knowing that these are our future leaders,” added Carama.

To date, there’s been less than 30 non-fatal shootings.