Huntsville anti-violence organization offers help after 19-year-old found near burning vehicle
by SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
DECATUR — The shooting death of a 19-year-old found near a burning vehicle has prompted a Tennessee Valley anti-violence organization to offer support to Decatur residents as police continue investigating the weekend killing.
Cynthia Igboin, a board member of Chill Huntsville and Stop the Violence, told WAFF that the death struck a deeply personal chord because she has an 18-year-old grandson.
“I want Decatur to know that we are here, we are available,” Igboin told the station.
Founded by the Rev. Cornell Martin in 2018, the nonprofit promotes youth violence prevention, school partnerships and community outreach, according to its website.
Decatur police responded around 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, to the 100 block of Ridgewood Court SE. Officers found a vehicle on fire and an unresponsive male with apparent gunshot wounds in the roadway.
Morgan County Coroner Jeff Chunn confirmed the victim was 19. WAFF reported that he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police described the shooting as apparently isolated. The reports reviewed did not identify a suspect or announce an arrest.
The victim’s name had not been released in the initial reporting. Authorities also had not publicly explained the relationship between the burning vehicle and the shooting.
Igboin said the organization is willing to help residents talk through what is happening and work together on responses to violence.
People seeking support can contact Chill Huntsville through its social media pages or call 630-660-7593, according to WAFF’s Oct. 19 report.
Police are separately seeking information about the killing. Anyone with information can contact the Decatur Police Department at 256-341-4660.
The organization’s outreach extends a Huntsville connection to the Decatur community while the shooting investigation continues.