Neighborhood remembers tragedy on Fourth of July
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- A neighborhood is using the Fourth of July holiday as a way to move forward and heal after a tragic shooting dismantled a tradition.
"We do this every year. This is our eighth year. We did it for the kids," says Stacy Harris who organizes the event every year.
It's how this community on the 500 block of Fredrick Ave. celebrates the 4th of July.
"Stay right here in the front yard and have some fun. Barbecue. Everything," says Robert Dombrosky, a neighbor.
But behind the good times lies an emotional scar for many that live on this street.
"We probably won't ever have a block party," says Harris.
It happened on Memorial Day 2006. A block party filled with hundreds of families was set running after shots rang out. Police say 5 to 6 gang members opened fire, killing three people and injuring several others.
"Memorial Day is like a mourning day for us, because we lost like family members. That was our eighth block party, and that was the first time we had so much as an argument," says Harris.
Since then other events have taken place, like a fireworks display put on by the families on the street.
"Pretty stiff competition out here between all the families. I don't think we'll come close to that trophy tonight," says Dombrosky.
Organizers out here say that despite what happened out here 6 years ago, as a community they remain united.
"It'll never tear us apart. I mean we're a close knit community and we're positive. No violence, no nothing. We discipline each others kids. When on can't do it we'll do it. We stick together. We're just a family," says Harris.
Since the shooting six years ago, police have not made any arrests. They say a street code of silence has kept them from charging anyone. The neighborhood hangs on to hope though, waiting for the day the shooters will see justice.






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