LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A sharp increase in violence has shaken Louisville in the past week, with at least nine homicides reported, a stark contrast to the two killings in the first half of February. This surge includes multiple shootings, some involving young victims, raising significant concerns about public safety and the persistent grip of violence on the community.
In a particularly grim week, Louisville saw two separate triple shootings. The first occurred on February 16, when Michael Saye Wehdah, 44, a Louisville Metro Corrections officer and recent U.S. citizen, was found fatally shot in the Russell neighborhood. Wehdah, who had immigrated from Liberia, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds in the 2700 block of Cedar Street at approximately 10:30 a.m.
The following day, another fatal shooting occurred near Pleasure Ridge Park. A man was killed at the scene in the 6500 block of Hackel Drive, while a teenager was hospitalized. Later that day, three more lives were lost in a shooting at an apartment complex on Crums Lane. The victims—18-year-old Sabrie Johnson, 19-year-old Simeon Watson, and 18-year-old Mia Lee—were all pronounced dead at the scene.
“The loss of young lives is deeply saddening,” said Christopher 2X, executive director of the local nonprofit Christopher 2X Game Changers. “Many citizens are heartbroken to see the impact of gun violence on our youth, and it’s a reality that can flip their lives upside down forever.”
Just a day after the triple homicide, Samuel Thruston, 43, was found shot and killed in the Park Hill neighborhood. Then, on February 21, a deadly shooting outside a driver’s license branch on Dixie Highway further shocked the community. Three individuals—29-year-old Raysa Pacios Valdes, 33-year-old Antwanette Chillers, and 18-year-old Leslye Harbin Jr.—were killed in the midday shooting. Some witnesses suggested the shooting may have been targeted, reporting seeing masked individuals approach the victims and open fire before fleeing the scene.
“I just saw two masked men run up, shoot the guy a couple of times, and then run off,” witness Jalen Eddings told WDRB News.
The violence has left many residents of Louisville questioning how to address the rising tide of gun-related deaths. In the span of just six days, nine homicides occurred, including four teenage victims. The spike has intensified the demand for solutions to curb the violence and offer hope to those most affected.
2X, who has long been advocating for the safety and well-being of Louisville’s youth, pointed to the need for programs that provide young people with positive alternatives. The Christopher 2X Game Changers organization has focused its efforts on initiatives such as the Future Healers program, which partners with the University of Louisville’s Trauma Institute and the UofL School of Medicine to introduce children ages 4 to 13 to medicine and science. By fostering early education and career exploration, the program aims to offer young people a way out of the cycle of violence.
“The magnetic pull of street life is real,” 2X said. “Teenagers want hope. They want encouragement. We need to provide them with the tools and the support to pursue positive futures.”
The recent killings serve as a harsh reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Louisville communities. Although the city experienced brief moments of calm earlier in February, the hope has been shattered by this latest wave of violence. For 2X and other local leaders, the fight to offer youth hope through education and positive engagement continues to be a critical part of the battle against the rising tide of violence in the city.
As Louisville grapples with this crisis, citizens and organizations alike are working toward meaningful change to protect the community and offer a safer future for its youth.
