PRICHARD, Alabama (WALA) – Prichard city officials expressed their frustration, anger and sadness during a press conference Monday afternoon.

The press conference was called to discuss the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy.

On Sunday evening, Prichard police found the child dead from a single gunshot wound on Snyder Drive.

The victim’s 16-year-old brother, J’yquavious Hill, is wanted for questioning in connection with the murder.

This is the second time in less than two weeks that the City of Prichard has dealt with senseless gun violence.

On July 31, 67-year-old grandmother Ethel Thomas was found dead in her home.

Lt. Robert Martin and Mayor Jimmie Gardner say gun violence is getting out of control.

“These young people are getting guns offline, they’re getting guns from people who are buying them for them. So they have more access to guns than we do here,” Lt. Martin said. “So we’re just asking lawmakers to pass stricter laws against this gun violence.”

Mayor Jimmie Gardner agrees.

Mayor Gardner even criticized the law on carrying weapons without a permit, which is set to take effect in 2023.

“I’ve pleaded with the people of Montgomery. I’ve pleaded with the governor, the ATF at the federal level, and all the other law enforcement agencies to come together,” Mayor Gardner said. “I think even the sheriff himself, Paul Burch, talked about how you can’t require a permit for a person. Folks, we need to do something.”

The mayor says they are taking matters into their own hands by educating the people in their community.

At the press conference on Monday, a new initiative was presented that will provide the population with almost 200 gun locks free of charge.

…but there is a catch.

“You have to go through the training that the chief puts together and makes available to the public, that’s the requirement,” Mayor Gardner said. “You get it for free, but you will go through the training before you get it.”

Since there is no information about the whereabouts of the 16-year-old, the police are again asking everyone to come forward.

“I know people don’t like dealing with the police, but this is what you have to do to curb these things,” he said. “We have to go out and fight for you.”

Investigators say they have not found the weapon used in the crime.

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