Mother’s Heartbreak: Teen Son Killed in Little Rock Shooting
Sherica Lewis received a devastating call while at a family member’s home on the night of June 5. Her 17-year-old son, Darrin Matthews, had been shot at the Summit at Town and County apartments on Chicot Road in Little Rock, Arkansas, a call no mother ever wants to receive. First responders worked frantically to keep him alive, but unfortunately, Darrin never made it home.
More than a week after losing her son, Lewis is reliving fond memories of love, laughter, and what she hoped would be a bright future. Friends, family, and Lewis herself never imagined it would end this way. She is outraged at the senseless gun violence that ends lives so young, saying, “It’s babies. They’re getting hurt from this gun violence. And it be over something stupid.”
Lewis is pleading for a change within communities through more resources, mentors, and outlets to curb the crime rates. Her message to other parents is: “Don’t give up on your kids. Don’t give up. I know it’s hard… I know it’s stressful… I know they carry you through a lot but don’t give up on them.”
Darrin Matthews’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday, June 22. The family has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs and will continue advocating against gun violence in the future.
