Neighbors, state lawmakers, parents of murder victims discuss ways to end gun violence

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Columbus has experienced a deadly few days with three homicides, including two incidents where men were killed by gun violence.

Ohio Rep. Christine Cockley, whose Hilltop neighborhood recently was the site of a shooting, emphasized the widespread impact of such violence.

"There was a shooting in my front yard," said Cockley, a Democrat representing the 6th District. "That is something that impacts every one in some type of way."

Cockley is partnering with several democratic state lawmakers organizing a citywide conversation to address gun violence in the community.

"We are seeing a large number of people who die by suicide using firearms," she said. "So there's still more work to be done."

The group Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children is working to keep that number below triple digits.

Brenda Johnson, whose son James was shot to death nearly five years ago, shared her pain.

"One is way too many, coming from a mother who lost a child, it is hard," she said. "My life is never going to be the same. We want to stop this madness in our community and all this violence. They need to put the guns down."

While homicides are declining, the number of teens aged 17 and under charged with homicide and felonious assault has seen a dramatic increase compared to this time last year.

Ohio Rep. Dontavius Jarrells, a Democrat from the 1st District, stressed the importance of gun violence education.

"I think it's really about amplifying the training and helping young people about the dangers of using a firearm illegally," he said.

Lawmakers also are working on gun violence prevention legislation at the Statehouse, which includes safe firearms storage, despite Republican opposition.

"No one is against the Second Amendment," Jarrells said. "What we are saying is there is actual common sense laws that we can pass that lead to safer communities."

As Johnson awaits the outcome of legislative discussions, she remains committed to her cause.

"My fight is so no other mother has to feel my pain," she said. "Because it's deep and won't go away."