Community makes another plea to end gun violence at balloon release Wednesday

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- Another passionate plea from South Bend community members to put the guns down was heard Wednesday at a balloon release in the memory of those lost to gun violence.

 In just the last month, three young men were victims of gun violence in the community.

27-year-old Brandon Williams was killed outside of Kelly’s Pub in June. 32-year-old Chris Chism, was killed near Corby’s Pub this weekend, and 23-year-old William Wilson, who was found with a gunshot wound to his head on Sunday. While the St. Joseph County coroner ruled Wilson’s death as a suicide, the family suspects foul play.

“His friends, his loved ones are here. They will all tell you he did not kill himself,” Vernado Malone said, a spokesperson for the family.

As of Wednesday there have been no arrests in the shootings of Williams or Chism and Wilson’s family is hoping police will take another look at his death.

All three deaths are something those who gathered for the balloon release Wednesday view as senseless. They’re not only demanding justice for the three victims and their families but for change from the community as well.

“Put the guns down. Put the guns down,” Malone said. “There’s no sense in having guns in South Bend. South Bend, Indiana should be a place where your kids can go out and enjoy themselves.”