As the State takes steps to make guns more widely available, many of us remain concerned that will result in increased carnage, both with adults, and with our youth. April is child abuse prevention month. That goes hand in hand with the need for common sense gun laws.
Last week, Chief Magnus released these data related to juvenile deaths in the region last year. Of the total 23 non-medical deaths, 10 of them involved firearms. Seven were homicides, 2 were suicides and one was classified as accidental.
2020 Tucson Police Data
- 23 non-medical juvenile deaths
- 13 Accidental Causes (co-sleeping as an example)
- 1 Firearm Related
- 1 Drowning
- 2 Suicides
- Both involved firearms
- 8 Juvenile Homicide Victims
- 7 involved firearms
- 7 of the 23 Deaths victims tested positive for illegal drugs
**TOTAL OF 10 GUN RELATED JUVENILE DEATHS IN 2020**
Mom’s Demand Action has on their website a program called Be Smart. Smart is an acronym for the elements of the program; Secure your weapon, Model responsible behavior, ask your youth questions about how they’re doing, Recognize the role of guns in suicide, and Tell friends about the program. Especially this month. With new shootings in the news every day, and our State legislature doing what they can to get guns into as many hands as possible, please redouble your efforts to be sure any weapons you have are secured. And be sure the homes your kids visit are doing the same.
And a special thanks to these two groups who are helping monitor the on-going gem shows. Veterans for Child Rescue and Power over Predators are non-profits that deal with sex trafficking, primarily of youth. Trafficking is an issue in every major city in the nation. And it emerges alongside large events such as bowl games, trade shows – and our gem show. We’re grateful to groups such as this who take the issue of sex trafficking seriously and don’t try to reframe it into some sort of voluntary choice being made by victims.
More Stories
Frontier Airlines returns to Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Congratulations to NCO-Tech. Sgt. Maciel Moreno
What’s new in the draft $2.46 billion Regional Transportation Authority plan that benefits you and your family?
Tucson International Airport (TUS) launches Spanish-language campaign
Raytheon in Arizona wins $2 billion missile contract
Primary Elections: Tuesday, July 30, 2024