Teens Finding Families In Dangerous Places

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By Rodney Dunigan

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Metro police said there are more than 5,000 known gang members or associates in Nashville. Gang violence is showing up more often in other Middle Tennessee towns as well.

NewsChannel 5 reporter Rodney Dunigan took a hard look at what's leading young people into this life and if they can be saved.

Shamika Jones can still remember the day her son Demetrice was born, Sept. 22, 1992. She described her relationship with her son as being best friends.

"He was just special to me. He was really special," said Jones.

Demetrice was gunned down just days before he was set to turn 17-years-old.

"When we got there he was already dead," said Jones. "Once your child dead, you can't bring them back."

He was killed at his own birthday party, and the suspected culprit was 16-year-old Jacdouglas Buford. Investigators believed it was gang affiliation that led to the violence.

Davidson County Juvenile Court Judge Betty Adams Green said she sees everyday a revolving door of youngsters in and out of trouble, trapped in the gang life.

"We're seeing a lot more gang involvement, particularly in serious crime," said Green. "It's taken us several generations to get to the point where we are today. The gang has actually taken the place of family."

That idea of family is something Eddie Nazario can speak to.

"You know just hanging out with the wrong people at school. I always wanted to be with the in crowd," said Nazario.

Nazario was a student at McGavock High School when he was lured into the bloods street gang.

They gave him love, support and a family. It wasn't until he was deep in that he realized the truth about gang life.

"I was to the point where I had guns in my house every single day, you know, because I was scared for my life, and I was scared for my families' life," said Nazario.

After numerous problems he was kicked out of school. Life went into a tail spin when a rival gang member tried to take his life by shooting rounds into his family's home.

"Nothing good comes out of it. I just had to learn my lesson the hard way," said Nazario.

Tommy Vallejos knows the draw gangs have on teenagers like Nazario.

"These young kids today are even more vicious than they were in my time," said Vellejos. "When I saw my brother killed, it left a lasting impression on me."

He spent years on the streets. It was the family business. Two brothers and countless friends were killed.

"I grew up thinking this was the norm – drugs, gangs and violence," said Vallejos.

He himself was no innocent bystander to the violence.

"I was involved in numerous shootings that I'm not proud of at all," said Vallejos. "I'm ashamed of anything I ever did."

After a complete 180, Vallejos speaks out against the gang life. He's a care pastor at a Clarksville church, and his mission is to pull children away from the gang life.

"Prevention is the strongest measure for gangs," said Vallejos.

Every Tuesday afternoon at Hadley Park Community Center on the city's west side, a group of young men meet to talk about school, sports and life.

The organization, All the Kings Men, aims is to serve as an inspiration to Nashville's inner city youth.

"I really feel like we are a vital part to this community," Eric Capehart with All the Kings Men.

Capehart founded the mentoring group that teaches the youngsters how to become men.

"Respect towards your elders and being a leader, growing up to be a young successful man," said Tyrone Edmiston, White Creek High School student.

Capehart said students get mixed up in gangs and violence if someone does not step in early to lead them on the right path.

"If more people would get out and actually show a child love, be more caring and show that person that their life is important - I really feel like we would see less gang activity in our communities," said Capehart.

Both the experts and gang members agree the gang problem did not start over night, and it certainly will not be wiped out without plenty of work and commitment.

email: rdunigan@newschannel5.com