'We need to take our streets back.' Hempstead community demands justice in wake of fatal shooting of teen

A prayer vigil that was set to remember a teenager who was fatally shot was canceled following an outburst from a neighbor.

News 12 Staff

Jun 10, 2022, 2:20 AM

Updated 854 days ago

Share:

A prayer vigil that was set to remember a teenager who was fatally shot was canceled following an outburst from a neighbor.
Organizers also say issues with the sound system led to the cancellation of the event, but residents still want justice and change.
The rally was held to honor Jaden Johnson, of Hempstead, who was killed in a shooting in Hempstead Saturday.
Six other men ranging in age from 23 to 35 were also shot but survived.
People in Hempstead want justice and peace.
"We need to take out streets backs," says Latesha Fowler, of FCA Hempstead SNUG. "These parents need to get involved because this is not going away unless we come full circle at the pandemic."
Bishop J. Raymond Mackey planned to speak at the rally.
He leads the Project Restoration Terrace Avenue, which helps residents in the community with education, employment and mental health resources.
He says the shooting is another reminder of the critical need for his program.
"The biggest issue that we have today is mental health, mental health issues," Mackey says.
The day after the fatal shooting, Johnson's grandmother Yvonne Bettis spoke to News 12.
"I'm angry that someone would do that to someone's child, and everybody thinks it's OK apparently because no one is speaking up," Bettis told News 12.
A funeral for Johnson will be held on Monday.
Detectives are still searching for the shooter or shooters.