LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Experts say the shooting death of a teenager in the Arts District is shining a light on the growing issue of youth violence.
As the community mourns 15-year-old Carth Onasi Jacobs-Rodgers, one business owner wants to provide a safe space for teens to express themselves and stay out of trouble.
While some businesses have called for a crackdown on unsupervised teenagers at First Friday, others say the groups have nowhere else to go.
Ravewear shop owner: ‘They have nowhere to go’
Karina Carancho says Onasi’s death hits close to home.
“My own teenagers were here walking around, so I was obviously extremely concerned,” Carancho said.
Carancho runs Plur City, a ravewear store just blocks away from where Onasi was shot.
She says the solution to First Friday’s issue isn’t fewer teens, but what they do with their time.
“I actually think it is a positive thing that more teens and kids are out. They have nowhere to go. Let’s face it, Vegas is filled with casinos and bars, so there are not many places where kids, adolescents have a safe space,” she said.
Carancho now wants to turn her store into that safe space during the next First Friday, featuring local teen talent.
“I want to have some local teenage DJs, artists, musicians, vendors, young entrepreneurs to come and perform. We would love to feature them in our next First Friday here at Plur City,” she said.
‘In idle time, these kids are finding places to get involved’
Keeping kids occupied is how Sheree Corniel has spent the last 13 years at Real Talk Youth Impact Program.
“In idle time, these kids are finding places to get involved in. They’re finding dumb stuff, you know, irreversible stuff to get involved in. You know, these just senseless deaths,” Corniel said.
Real Talk connects youth with formerly incarcerated adults who share their experiences. The program also supplements activities for youth up to $150 a month.
“If you excel at basketball, let’s get you involved. If you excel at drawing, let’s get you in the drawing class. If you excel at coding, let’s get you involved in the coding class,” Corneil said. “We don’t care what it is as long as it’s legal.”
As the community picks up the pieces, Corneil has a warning for other parents:
“Your kid is at risk no matter what you say. So, until it hits you, then you figure it out.”
Corneil says Real Talk isn’t just a youth program — they offer wraparound care for families in need.
For more information on Real Talk’s resources, visit Nonprofit Organizations For Youth Las Vegas – Prevention, Reactive, Troubled Teens & At Risk Programs | Real Talk Youth Impact Program of Nevada.
Carancho is encouraging those interested in participating in her Youth First Friday, to message her on Instagram @plur_city.
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