LANGLEY PARK, Md. — Community members met in Langley Park Thursday night to participate in a healing circle after witnessing a toddler get shot to death in the neighborhood the week prior.
The purpose of Thursday's circle was to jumpstart the healing process for the community by listening to what the community has to say after the sudden and shocking death of 2-year-old Jeremy Poou-Caceres.
"I am here to reach out to the community in their language, to bridge those gaps and to provide the services for them in a way that they feel comfortable not only engaging with them but embracing them," said an organizer with the event, in Spanish.
A week ago, investigators say a mother and her young son were caught in the crossfire of a shooting in the parking lot of their Langley Park apartment. The mother survived. Her 2-year-old son Jeremy Poou-Caceres died.
"Students who were leaving school at the time when the incident occurred. Residents who are walking by. It is a close-knit community. A community that is often outside. So I can imagine. Oh, I can't imagine how hard this must have been on the community," said an organizer.
On Thursday, the Latino Affairs Liaison for the Prince George's County Executive's Office organized the guided community therapy session for Langley Park neighbors with mental health professionals on hand, and follow-up services available.
"What we're hearing is, I think, sadness with frustration," said Councilmember Wanika Fisher. And fear, she added.
Police have arrested two men for the shooting, but say there are more suspects on the loose, and they need more help from the community. Neighbors say they are both afraid for their own safety and because of their personal circumstances.
Organizers of Thursday's event reminded residents that "Prince George's Police Department are not allowed to ask you ever about your status." Adding, "Please don't be scared. Come forward. And there are real tools that have been enacted here in Prince George's County, Maryland, to make sure you're safe."
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