Community pushes to increase security funding

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — In a tragic incident that shocked the community, 17-year-old Ebonique Farris was shot and killed on Father's Day in the courtyard of a North Nashville apartment complex .

This is the ninth homicide this year in Nashville where the victim was 17 or younger.

The shooting happened outside the Cumberland View Apartments. The suspected shooter, a 23-year-old man, surrendered to police at the scene. Authorities recovered his gun and during an interview, the man admitted to shooting Farris during a verbal argument.

Ebonique's death is the latest in a series of violent incidents involving Nashville youth. A few days earlier, 16-year-old Justin Robinson was shot and killed in Madison Park. A few weeks earlier, 13-year-old Aayden Hayes was fatally shot at Red Caboose Park.

In response to growing concern about youth violence, city leaders have committed to investing in initiatives to keep the city's youth safe.

During a recent roundtable with reporters, Mayor Freddie O'Connell highlighted the importance of crime prevention and providing opportunities for young people.

“We try to focus on safety, making sure we solve crimes as they happen and prevent crimes before they happen as best we can. And also make sure that young people have access to the best possible opportunities to avoid crime altogether,” said Mayor O’Connell.

The issue of youth safety was also a major topic at the recent state budget hearing, where young residents urged council members to take action.

The Southern Movement Committee proposed a “College Spending Plan,” requesting $2 million to establish restorative justice programs in community centers and schools, and to create a new Office of Youth Safety.

Metro Council Budget and Finance Chair Delishia Porterfield advocates for these initiatives in the operating budget. Porterfield highlighted significant allocations in the proposed budget aimed at improving youth safety.

“One thing I'm extremely proud of is that we were able to invest $1 million in youth safety. Of that, $250,000 will go directly to our parks department to enhance community center programs for our youth and $750,000 will go toward creating an Office of Youth Safety,” Porterfield said.

The Metro Council is expected to vote tomorrow on Porterfield's replacement operating budget. If approved, this budget will guide city spending for the next fiscal year.