Parents address school safety amid gun violence in the community

Keith Murphy addresses the McKeesport Area School Board on Jan. 25, 2023. Jeff Stitt / MVI

By JEFF STITT
[email protected]
Gun violence impacting teenagers and a recent school lock down as a result of a student bringing a mock weapon to school dominated the conversation Wednesday at the McKeesport Area School Board meeting.
The atmosphere was tense at times as several community members spoke during public comment to say they’re fed up with gun violence and safety concerns among young people, and to offer suggestions or criticism related to the district’s response to recent happenings.
On Monday, shortly after the McKeesport Area High School’s regular day ended, a 16-year-old male was shot multiple times in the area of Dinsmore, Meadow and Craig streets in McKeesport, which are side streets of Versailles Avenue. As of Tuesday, Allegheny County police said the unidentified MASD student was in stable condition.
Less than two months prior, on Dec. 13, two teenagers — both of MAHS students — were shot outside a gas station/convenience store on Versailles Avenue — not far from the site of Monday’s shooting.
One of the teens, 16-year-old Chance Naylor, died as a result of the December shooting. An update on the condition of the other teen hasn’t been released since the days following the December shooting.
Arrests have not been made in either incident.

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