COVINGTON, Ky. -- Officials begged the Covington community to come forward with information in two fatal shootings that happened just days apart at the same intersection.
Police and city and county leaders said in a news conference Wednesday they're actively searching for the suspects in fatal shootings that happened near the intersection of 13th and Wheeler Streets Saturday and Tuesday.
Lazuri Collins, a 24-year-old mother of three, was shot at the intersection Saturday morning. She died later that afternoon. No one has come forward with suspect information.
Antonio Bandy, 25, was shot and killed at the same intersection Tuesday. Another man, 40-year-old Marcus Broadus, was injured in the shooting.
Police said they don't know if the victims were targeted, although relatives at a Wednesday night vigil said they shared an extended family. They also said the intersection is busy, and they believe someone has information regarding the shootings.
Pastor Anthony Gaines with United Community Christian Church will preside over Collins' funeral. He said all shootings, but especially the ones that have rocked Covington, are "tragic."
"It's a tough situation anytime you lose a loved one, but when it's in a situation like this, the hurt runs deep," Gaines said.
Covington Mayor Joe Meyer, Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney Rob Sanders and Police Chief Bryan Carter said they're using every resource available to solve these cases.
"This senseless violence needs to stop, and it needs to stop now," Carter said. "Our community should not and cannot needlessly lose another member."
Bishop Darin Miller said he has talked to scared neighbors who want to see more police presence in their neighborhood. He said people need to report crime when they see it.
"You're responsible for your own area where you live at, so if you're not saying anything, then you're helping those who commit those crimes get away with the crime," Miller said.
Meyer said the perpetrators will be held accountable. He released the following statement Wednesday evening:
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victims of the recent shootings. To the members of the community whose lives have been disrupted by this senseless violence in your neighborhood: you have the full weight of the City's resources at your disposal. The perpetrators of these acts of violence will be held accountable.
"I urge members of the community who have information to please come forward. Chief Carter and his team have worked tirelessly since the first shooting on Saturday. They have the full faith and support of the Covington City Commission.
"Covington is a resilient community with vibrant neighborhoods. We need to work together to prevent these tragedies from happening on our streets. We will not let fear divide us. Through shared responsibility and trust we will bring closure to the community and justice to the victims."
Supporters of the victims and their families held a vigil at the site of the shootings Wednesday night, and police said they would increase patrols in the area for the next several days.
