Youngstown police Lt. Mohammad Awad, left, and Mayor Jamael Tito Brown take part in a news conference inside the police department to announce the arrest of Shamara Chantelle Green, 29, in the shooting death of London Jones, 13.

YOUNGSTOWN — Police detectives made a quick arrest Friday of a 29-year-old woman suspected of fatally shooting a 13-year-old girl.

This is the second shooting death of a teen girl in Youngstown within the last six weeks — the previous was Amya Monserrat, 15, on April 15.

Shamara Chantelle Green of the Columbus area was taken into custody just hours after the shooting of London Jones, 13. The girl was struck by gunfire shortly after midnight Friday morning at an address in the 400 block of Carroll Street on the South Side.

Green was booked into the Mahoning County jail and is expected to be arraigned next week in municipal court.

Police Chief Carl Davis said at a news conference that he went to the shooting scene and was disturbed — moreso than anything he’s seen in his career — by the alcohol-fueled party atmosphere.

Davis said he observed trails of cups and empty alcohol bottles, which suggest “irresponsible” things were going on “that a child should not have been a part of.”

Police said adults partied and lied when questioned about the shooting scene. Many of the adults had fled before law enforcement arrived.

Eight shell casings were recovered.

London was transported to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, about 2 miles from the shooting scene, where she was pronounced dead.

According to police, homeowners in the area said such parties are a “common occurrence,” as “mini block parties.” Police said neighbors told them they lock their doors in case of something tragic happening.

Investigators did not release information about the argument that preceded the girl’s shooting, but did describe it as a “disagreement” among the adults there.

Police did confirm that Green and the mother of Jones knew each other and were friends.

PLEA TO ADULTS

Lt. Mohammad Awad said: “This incident has shaken our community to its core, and we mourn the loss of young life filled with potential and memories.”

Issuing a plea to the community, Awad urged people to address the underlying issues that contribute to such tragedies. Jones was standing on the sidewalk when she was struck down.

“We cannot keep turning a blind eye to the factors that lead our children down dangerous paths,” Awad said. “It is disheartening to learn that London Jones was out late on a school night accompanied by her mother and a group of adults who were drinking and engaged in irresponsible behavior.”

While Awad said he holds the alleged perpetrator accountable, he called it crucial for parents, guardians and community members to reflect on their own responsibilities.

“We must ask ourselves why a 13-year-old was out at such an hour,” he said, saying he cannot understand such behavior — especially by parents.

WITNESSES LIED

Awad also cited “a disturbing lack of truthfulness” by adults during the investigation.

“It should be a wake-up call for us to prioritize truth and cooperation. We cannot bring London back, but we can work together to prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said.

He called the moment a “turning point for the community … not only to see justice but to foster an environment of safety, accountability and responsibility.” Awad called for the collective effort of Youngstown residents to create an environment where children are “protected and nurtured.”

As a recent parent, he said, “I don’t get it” when thinking of the circumstances leading to London’s death.

Asked if the parents involved could be facing any charges, Awad said that is a pending matter — but did say her parents are under investigation.

Awad credited the work of Youngstown detectives Nicholas Bailey and George Anderson.

“Our dedicated team of detectives and crime personnel swiftly responded to the scene commencing a thorough investigation,” he said. “They have worked tirelessly following leads and gathering evidence that ultimately led to the arrest of Shamara.”

Brown said block parties should not be unregulated. He let it be known there is a permit process in Youngstown and asked that people go through the proper channels when having such gatherings or other events.

This is the fifth homicide in Youngstown of 2023, while city detectives investigated a total of 19 homicides in 2022. Awad said of the five homicides this year: “Every one of them is under 22.”

On April 15, Valley Christian School cheerleader Amya Monserrat, 15, was shot and killed as she attended a party at a Southern Boulevard tavern. A few of the accused perpetrators in that shooting have been arrested and are being prosecuted in court.

cmcbride@tribtoday.com