LEXINGTON — A teenager died and four other people were wounded late Saturday during an East End community celebration at Charles Young Park, authorities said, calling the violence a painful blow to a neighborhood still reeling from the attack.
Police responded to multiple reports of shots fired while officers were already on the scene for the East End Day event. The victim, identified by the Fayette County coroner as Di’Zhon Robertson, 16, was taken to the University of Kentucky Hospital and later died of a gunshot wound, officials said.
In addition to Robertson, authorities said a 4-year-old, a 14-year-old and two adults were shot and transported to hospitals. Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the injuries to those survivors were not believed to be life-threatening.
Arrest and charges
Police arrested Jametrius Griffin, 18, on Sunday night in connection with the shooting. Griffin faces multiple charges, including murder, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault and tampering with physical evidence, according to law enforcement statements.
| Individual | Status | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Di’Zhon Robertson | Deceased | 16 |
| Unidentified child | Injured, hospitalized | 4 |
| Unidentified youth | Injured, hospitalized | 14 |
| Two adults | Injured, hospitalized | Not released |
| Jametrius Griffin | Arrested; charged | 18 |
Community and political response
Local leaders and community organizations that were present at the event expressed deep sorrow and vowed to support affected families and neighbors. Devine Carama, director of ONE Lexington, which had volunteers at the park when the shooting occurred, said the group plans to be visible at schools Monday to offer comfort to children and families.
“Our hope is that our presence can offer a little comfort and a sense of community as they navigate this weekend’s events,”
Lexington 1st District Council Member Tyler Morton, whose district includes Charles Young Park, said he was “heartbroken” and demanded more resources for community safety and healing. He posted that he felt anger and disappointment and that words alone were insufficient.
“I am heartbroken. I am angry. I am frustrated. And, quite honestly, I am disappointed,”
Morton said his office will work to provide resources and supports for residents and emphasized the need for neighborhoods to feel safe and for children to believe in better futures beyond their present circumstances.
What we know and what remains pending
Authorities have not released additional details about a motive or whether the suspect and the victims knew one another. Lexington police said their investigation is ongoing and that they will release more information as it becomes available.
Officials also noted that officers were already deployed at the park for the East End Day event, underscoring the challenge of preventing sudden acts of violence even during supervised community gatherings.
- Victims included minors: a 16-year-old fatality and two other minors among the wounded.
- An 18-year-old has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including murder.
- Police described surviving victims’ injuries as not believed to be life-threatening.
Local leaders urged residents to look out for one another and to report tips that might assist investigators. They also called for increased community resources to support grieving families and to address broader safety concerns in the East End.
As the city awaits further details, many residents said the shooting left them shaken after what should have been a night of neighborhood celebration. Law enforcement officials encouraged anyone with information to contact the Lexington Police Department to aid the ongoing investigation.
Further updates will be provided by the police department and through official coroner releases as the case progresses through the criminal justice system.
