Business owner uses gospel music to calm tensions after shootings
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The sounds of gunfire on 34th and Keystone filled Wednesday night. When the smoke cleared, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department reported four non-fatal shootings all in the same neighborhood. The series of shootings follow the deadly shooting of Jakoby Scott on Sunday.
“This city is crime ridden,” said Jacqueline Pepperhatton, owner of Grandma’s Kitchen.
Pepperhatton’s restaurant sits on 34th and Keystone, near the spot where some people were shot.
“They are killing each other, killing each other, and then crying about it later on,” she said as she stood outside her restaurant.
Since moving in, Pepperhatton has tried to change the atmosphere around her business. She tied up two gray tone speakers above her door, and she plays gospel music through the day. Those passing by can’t help but listen to the music that teaches about Jesus Christ.
“Nothing but gospel, we got to talk about Jesus and the goodness and grace of the Lord,” said Pepperhatton as a Christian song blasted in the background.
Believe it or not, Pepperhatton said the music has calm tensions, and in some cases encouraged those loitering to walk away.
“When the gospel music starts playing, they run away, or when I come out they say how you doing grandma,” said Pepperhatton.
Rev. Malachi Walker with Young Men Incorporated, held a news conference on Thursday afternoon. His goal, he said is to encourage the community to work together with police to address the violence in the neighborhood.
“The purpose of this press conference will be to promote a spirit of peace and unity on the near north eastside,” said Walker.
24-Hour News 8 watched as IMPD officers walked on foot, engaging residents as they were outside. During the walks, some officers even found shell casings in the middle of the street.
Since the deadly shooting of Jakoby Scott from over the weekend, IMPD has sent a flex team of officers. Those officers are charged with addressing the series of shootings that unfolded in the neighborhood over the last couple of weeks.
If you have any information in the recent shootings in the neighborhood, you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS, or 262-8477.
