Decatur police responded to a vehicle fire on Ridgewood Court late Saturday night and discovered a 19‑year‑old victim of a shooting, unresponsive on the street. The Morgan County coroner pronounced the young man dead at the scene.
Local nonprofit steps forward
Cynthia Igboin, a board member of Chill Huntsville and Stop the Violence, said the tragedy hit close to home. “I have an 18‑year‑old grandson, and if something like this happened to him it would destroy our family,” she told reporters, her voice shaking.
Igboin’s organizations focus on reducing violence in the Tennessee Valley. After learning of the weekend shooting, she announced that the groups are ready to provide counseling, crisis assistance, and any other resources families may need.
“We want Decatur to know we are here, we are available, you can talk to us, you can reach out to us, and we are willing and able to support you in any way we can,” Igboin said. “If you just need to talk about what’s happening, we can all strategize together to get a better answer.”
How to contact Chill Huntsville
Anyone seeking help may contact Chill Huntsville through its social‑media pages or by calling 630‑660‑7593. The organization encourages residents to reach out without hesitation, emphasizing that early conversation can help prevent further tragedy.
Police view the incident as isolated
Decatur police officials, at the time of reporting, indicated they believe the shooting appears to be an isolated incident. No arrests have been announced, and investigators continue to search for the suspect who may still be at large.
Community response
The loss has sparked a wave of sympathy across Decatur and Morgan County. Local churches, schools, and civic groups have expressed condolences and offered prayer vigils. Many residents echoed Igboin’s call for open dialogue, noting that community solidarity is essential in confronting violence.
While the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on supporting the victim’s family and preventing future incidents. The combined effort of law‑enforcement, nonprofits, and faith‑based groups underscores Decatur’s commitment to protecting its youth and upholding the values of family and community.
Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.
