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'Louisville, we gotta do better': LMPD Chief asks witnesses to come forward in 2023 Chickasaw Park shooting

Families impacted by gun violence and city leaders reflected on the mass shooting that also took 28-year-old Deaji Goodman’s life and injured four others in 2023.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One year after the death of his son, David Huff Sr. is remembering the loss of his only child, 17-year-old David Huff Jr.

“I think that’s that most devastating thing that I go through is that all I wanted to see was him be a man," he said, returning to the park he swore he would never come back to.

Through prayer, families impacted by gun violence and city leaders reflected on the mass shooting that also took 28-year-old Deaji Goodman’s life and injured four others.

"Every family should be able to come to Chickasaw Park and any Metro Park without fear of something like what happened a year ago happening to them or their loved ones," Mayor Craig Greenberg said.

Although hundreds gathered in the park the night of the mass shooting, LMPD still needs witnesses to come forward with information.

"Our investigators did not forget families and faces, those who were shot and killed. They are working tirelessly to build cases, but if no one will say they know or they see anything, then how are we able to bring justice to the families? Louisville, we gotta do better,” LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said.

Credit: Ian Hardwitt/WHAS-TV
Community members gather at Chickasaw Park to remember victims of gun violence.

Despite the tragedy, Chickasaw Park remains one of the cornerstones of Louisville's west end—still expanding as a place where families can come together. And it's been that way for more than a hundred years.

“We never went away. We knew that this was the exception and not the norm,” Aretha Fuqua said. She's the president of the West Louisville Tennis Club. They've coached kids as young as six in the sport in Chickasaw Park for over a century. Fuqua encourages mentorship to reduce violence. 

"We nurture these kids. We follow them through high school. We give them scholarships to go to college. Because you can't fix a problem in a week. You follow these kids through their life, and you become an encouragement to them. And you mentor them. And you be a good example before them," she said.

Anonymous tips in this case can be submitted to LMPD by calling 502-574-LMPD. Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers is an option too. Their number is 502-582-CLUE. 

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