(The Center Square) – Prevention of violent crime, protection of the most vulnerable and stronger tools for lawmen and prosecutors are in a North Carolina proposal to crack down on gang violence.
Jaleeyah’s Law, named in memory of the Goldsboro 13-year-old killed in December, cleared the House of Representatives 111-2 on Wednesday and next is to be taken up by the Senate. Democrats Marcia Morey of Durham County and Pricey Harrison of Guilford County were the lone lawmakers in dissent.
Jaleeyah Tune was shot and killed Dec. 21 in what prosecutors say is a case involving an ambush-style shooting by teenagers believed to have gang ties in the Wayne County community. Tune was walking home with her sister when it happened.
Goldsboro police charged three teenage boys with first-degree murder and felony conspiracy in connection with the shooting. Because the suspects are juveniles, their names have not been released.
The legislation, known also as House Bill 1173, toughens laws against firearm possession by criminal gang members; toughens penalties for recruiting minors into gangs; increases punishment for gang-related crimes; and offers stronger tools to break up gangs and target organized criminal activity.
“What happened to Jaleeyah is an unbearable loss, and no family should ever have to go through what her family has experienced,” said Rep. John Bell, R-Wayne. “We will never accept gangs that prey on children and tear families apart as normal. With Jaleeyah’s Law, we are targeting these criminals by giving law enforcement and prosecutors the power they need to hold them accountable and better protect our communities.”
