When I saw this report on television the other day, I wondered why... Why did this kid have to die? I remember raising my boys on this block. They were both born while we lived on East Walnut Lane (one on the West and one on the East side of Walnut Lane). Oh yes, I raised my family right across the street from where this tragic incident/accident occurred. I know the 'Reed' family very well. The TV interviewed 'Tia Reed' who is the mother of one of the boys involved in the shooting. I remember 'Tia' when she was just a child...she was a baby when her Dad, 'Marvin Reed,' brought her home after her birth. We knew; were friends with the entire family - our children played and grew up together. I knew several of the children who witnessed this horrible affair.
The abandoned house in question was the home of one of my old neighbors who were close and dear to me and mine. The house was only abandoned because the owner's wife passed and he wasn't able to maintain the unit due to him being an elderly person who had become a widower. Everyone in the neighborhood knew this. Why were the boys allowed to have access to the property in the first place? They only did what any young adventurist boy(s) would do...investigate and explore. The finding of a gun is another story. Where it came from is a continuing mystery.
These young fellas as I knew them were good and decent young men. They have never had any run-ins with police or ties to neighborhood vandalism or crime. They were simply just good average everyday boys who were well mannered and good natured.
This event is simply another series of events that plague the nation - GUN VIOLENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY! If there was no gun this child would still be alive. The good people of East Walnut Lane have been a solid group of folks for more than the thirty-three years that I've known them. Like me, they worked hard and raised their children to do the same... Education was a major push from one door of the block to the other. Many of our young people have gone on to higher education and strong careers while raising children of thier own. We were a proud group of neighbors. Many of our older folk have gone on to greener pastures after reveling in the many graduations and birthing of new babies before departing this Earth. Our family pulled up stakes due the "Empty Nest Syndrome." My wife and I decided to downsize our lifestyle of a four bedroom, three-story domicile to something a bit more manageable in our silver years. Although we have moved from the Unit Block of Walnut Lane; previously we resided on the West Side of Walnut Lane two years prior to moving to the East side due to our growing family endeavors; I have maintained contact with the neighbors of the block and friends as well throughout the neighborhood with visitations and communications that remain intact.
My heart is saddened by this tragic loss of life while being so close to heart and soul. My relationship with Walnut Lane and Germantown as a whole, will always be known as home. May God Bless the families who were struck by this horrible and tragic affair. We wish them all the best as this event plays out.
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Police say a 15-year-old turned himself in to police Wednesday night in connection with the shooting death of a 13-year-old boy in Germantown. They add that a 17-year-old is also in custody in connection to the incident.
The victim was found on the Unit Block of E. Walnut Lane. Police say that several juveniles were playing with a gun in the backyard of the property when the teenage boy was shot in the face.
Authorities say the 15-year-old was brought in by a family member.
Police say that the 15-year-old boy has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. They add that the 17-year-old has been charged with recklessly endangering another person as authorities say the teen loaded and played with the gun.