Phoenix is reeling from recent violence as two families are left grappling with the aftermath of separate drive-by shootings that have shaken the city. Jonathan Walke, 17, was injured in an incident near 48th and Sonora streets on Saturday, Sept. 13, while riding his e-bike. His mother, Brenda Mallory, recounted to FOX 10 Phoenix the harrowing moment she received a call from her son, who told her, "Mom, I've been shot, I've been shot, I've been shot." Jonathan managed to flag down a fire truck that was en route to a car fire, who quickly started to provide medical assistance before police arrived.
In a separate tragedy, 15-year-old GiaGinette Brown was killed while sleeping in her bedroom early Sunday morning. The fatal drive-by occurred between midnight and 3 a.m., with neighbors reporting multiple gunshots around 1 a.m., as detailed in a report by 12News. Gia's family did not discover she had been shot until several hours later.
Sgt. Robert Scherer informed 12News that there's no indication that Brown was the intended target. Her sister, Paris Holmes, lamented her loss by saying, "Gia was a great person. She was an innocent soul. She didn’t do anything to deserve what happened to her." Investigators believe that Brown's house was targeted, but Brown herself might have been struck unintentionally. Her aunt, Terri Smith, expressed her grief and outrage, stating that Gia's room, "which should be a safe spot," was pierced by bullet holes.
Jonathan Walke's bullet wound was severe; it traversed his stomach, liver, and damaged his kidney, forcing surgeons to remove his gallbladder, a portion of his colon, and appendix. Mallory shared with FOX 10 Phoenix her gratitude that Jonathan's life was spared and her desperation for answers: "This isn’t how we should have to raise our kids, in fear that they’re going to get shot just going out and getting food." Meanwhile, Brown's family has started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses and is urging anyone with information to step forward and assist in bringing justice for Gia.
As of now, the Phoenix Police have yet to arrest in either case. Any individuals with information related to these incidents are encouraged to contact the Phoenix police or call Silent Witness to remain anonymous, as two families try to mournfully piece together a narrative shattered by bullets in the hope of finding some semblance of justice.
