Lexington’s latest murder victim was scheduled to graduate from high school this month
The 18-year-old killed in Lexington’s latest homicide was supposed to walk at Bryan Station High School’s graduation ceremony this month, according to a letter sent to Bryan Station families Monday evening.
Damar Weathers, who was found dead from a gunshot wound in Castlewood Park Sunday morning, had completed his graduation requirements a few weeks ago, the letter said. He was a part of Bryan Station’s Jobs for America’s Graduates program and had a special connection with many Bryan Station students and staff, the letter said.
The letter said additional resources will be at Bryan Station beginning Tuesday to support grieving students.
“A sudden and violent death like Damar’s brings many feelings to the surface and we want to assure you that we are here to support all of our students, regardless of why they are hurting,” said Executive Principal Eric Hale in the letter.
Hale expressed the importance of monitoring children to look for changes in behavior that may indicate children need additional support.
Some warning signs include: Excessive fear of darkness, separation, or being alone; clinging to parents; fear of strangers; worry; increase in immature behaviors; not wanting to go to school; changes in eating or sleeping patterns; increase in either aggressive behavior or shyness; persistent nightmares; headaches or other physical complaints.
“If you feel your child is having any of these or other problems, please talk with his or her counselor or pediatrician so we can work together to help our students,” Hale said in the letter.
Early Sunday morning police officers were sent to Castlewood Park, where Weathers was found dead. He was identified by the Fayette County Coroner’s Office Monday afternoon.
Anyone with information about this case can call Lexington police at 859-258-3600. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers by calling 859-253-2020, online at www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com, or through the P3 Tips app available at www.p3tips.com.
Weathers’ death marks the city’s fifth homicide of 2023. Three of the killings happened in April.
One Lexington to host event for youth support
After recent deadly shootings, members of One Lexington and the community will gather Thursday to support youth heading into the summer. The event is called “100 Black Men of Lexington United” and it will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at William Wells Brown Elementary School.
There will be guest speakers at the event to talk about surviving gun violence, mental health, faith and opportunities for men to serve the youth this summer. After the event, officials will deliver food and resources to the 400 block of Chestnut Street.
Less than two weeks ago Timonte Harris, 43, and Lakeisha Hill, 32, were shot and killed on the 400 block of Chestnut Street. Corry Jackson, 37, was arrested in connection to the case but his murder charge was reduced to manslaughter at a preliminary hearing Monday.
This story was originally published May 2, 2023 at 7:34 AM.
