WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The issue of gun violence is a serious concern for residents in West Palm Beach.
Two people were shot Thursday night in the city's Northwood Hills neighborhood. One man died and a 17-year-old is in a hospital.
The shooting marks the fifth open homicide case this year in addition to 140 unsolved cases since 2015.
The unsolved cases include the death of Kaleb Watson — the 1-year-old who was shot and killed while in the back seat of a car.
Police said right now there's a desperate need for the community to step up and come forward with information in these cases.
As a result, the West Palm Beach Police Department has teamed up with local pastors for a special gospel block party on Friday.
The goal is to connect and engage with the community and make the city safer.
"We know in a lot of these homicides, people are present, but nobody speaks," said the Rev. Kevin Jones. "So, we want to continue to build a relationship with the community at least there are trusted citizens here in the city that they can talk with."
The event will be held from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Tamarind Avenue, between 18th Street and Grant Street.
In the meantime, anyone with any information that can help investigators is urged to call the West Palm Beach Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 800-458-TIPS. Anonymous tips called in to Crime Stoppers that lead to an arrest can result in a cash reward for the tipster.
