LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- As the search continues for the person who shot and killed a Louisville mother near a bus stop last week, a group of men continue to volunteer their time to help keep kids safe at the bus stop.
Redaja Williams was shot four times at the intersection of 10th and Chestnut Streets on Aug. 13. Louisville Metro Police said several children watched it all unfold -- including Williams' young daughter, who was holding her hand.
"I hope she remembers that moment that in those seconds before the nightmare, there was calm and there was love and they were having a good time," LMPD Deputy Chief Emily McKinley said.
There have been two shootings at that bus stop since school started on Aug. 7.
Officers arrested two 15-year-olds in the first shooting and are still working to solve Williams' murder.
LMPD has received at least 15 anonymous tips in this case, but no one has been arrested yet.
"There's people that know who did these homicides and others, and we need people to speak up," McKinley said.
Since Williams' shooting, LMPD has maintained a heavy police presence in the area each morning. Nearly a dozen officers were seen patrolling near the bus stop Wednesday morning, along with at least six marked LMPD cars.
Police aren't the only ones making sure kids get to school safely. Several volunteers with Men Against Gun Violence, a nonprofit focused on protecting the youth in the West End, were also nearby.
The group's founder, Kamal Wells, said this bus stop "hadn't been a location known for [violence]" in the past.
"This is something that's new to us and new to the community," Wells said. "Let's put the guns down and protect these babies."
Men Against Guns currently has about 20 volunteers who act as security at various bus stops each morning of the school year.
"I'd like about another 50," Wells said. "That would be great."
Wells believes getting guns out of the hands of minors isn't just an LMPD issue. He said it takes the whole community, and that starts at home.
"Parents got to start teaching their kids respect," Wells said. "Respect themselves and respect one another."
It's not the first time the nonprofit has made headlines in Louisville. In 2022 the group planned to work in teams to recruit block captains for a city-wide coalition.
The teams would make sure there is communication with the family in every home on their street, according to previous WDRB reporting. They also intend to make sure those families have any resources they need, from food to counseling.
Anyone interested in serving as block captains can message the Men Against Gun Violence team on Facebook by clicking here.
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