LEXINGTON, Ky. – The city is reeling from its latest homicide, marking the 17th fatal shooting of the year. The victim, 20-year-old Jadyn Sleet of Georgetown, was killed near the Canter Pointe apartments on Tates Creek Road on Thursday night, according to local authorities.
Community leaders are expressing their concern, emphasizing that these incidents reflect the tragic loss of human life rather than mere statistics. “We see that number, and it’s more than just a number – it’s 17 lives that we’ll never get back,” stated Ricardo Franklin, who leads community outreach efforts for the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. With nearly half of this year’s homicides occurring in just the past two months, Franklin noted that the impact of Sleet’s death resonates deeply for him. “It takes me back to 10 years ago when I lost my brother, Antonio,” he added, illustrating the personal toll such violence exacts on families.
Among those affected is Amy Beasley, an unopposed candidate for Lexington’s city council in the 8th district, where the shooting occurred. Beasley emphasizes the need for community engagement to prevent future violence. “Making sure that everybody has something to eat before they go to bed at night, that their mental health is good, and that they stop shooting each other in the street,” she stated, outlining her reasons for seeking a council position.
While overall violent crime has declined compared to previous years, local leaders agree that even a single homicide is too many. Beasley stressed the importance of reopening the Tates Creek Community Center, which had been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Giving these kids a place to go in the afternoon when school lets out is important,” she remarked, highlighting the need for safe recreational spaces.
Franklin echoed this sentiment, asserting, “Those are your family members, those are your friends, those are your neighbors, and so we need to protect them at all costs.”
Devine Carama, director of ONE Lexington, also spoke out on social media, honoring Sleet and other victims of gun violence in the city in recent months. As the community grapples with the rising number of violent incidents, Carama publicly remembered victims, including Chadrick Boone and Kenlon Johnson, among others.
Local law enforcement was contacted regarding Sleet’s homicide; however, the police chief was unavailable for comment. Plans for a future discussion on violent crime trends in Lexington are set for early January.
