Mother of shot Little Rock teenager warns other families about gun violence

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas – As Little Rock police continue to investigate a shooting that resulted in a homicide, one of the families says they are going through a hell of anguish and hope for justice, but also wants to help warn parents about gun violence.

On June 5, LRPD was called to a shooting that occurred at 7700 North Chicot Road. Two 17-year-olds were found shot and taken to the hospital. One was released, but the other, Darrien Matthews, died, according to police.

In an update the following day, June 6, authorities announced that a third person was injured in the shooting. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment but was later released.

Authorities also said they spoke to an 18-year-old during the investigation, but did not provide details.

Sherica Lewis, Matthew’s mother, says she will never forget going to the crime scene after learning her son had been shot.

“I just jumped in my car and drove to the apartment where he was. When I stopped, I saw him lying on the floor. It hurt.” Lewis adds that when she saw him lying on the floor, she screamed, “I want my baby to get up, and I just said, ‘Save my baby, save my baby.'”

Lewis said she had heard rumors about the cause of the shooting, but was convinced Matthews had gotten involved with the wrong people and made fatal mistakes.

“Darrien knew right from wrong, so we can’t blame anyone but Darrien because he knew what he had to do to avoid getting into that situation in the first place and he wasn’t fooling around without weapons,” Lewis said.

She says gun violence has caused her family a lot of suffering. She adds that Matthews was the youngest of four children and loved to laugh with his family, but now she is raising money for his funeral.

“I never thought I would be where I am now because I fought so hard to hold on to him, to talk to him and to show him the consequences,” Lewis said.

Lewis said she hopes she can help someone else by sharing her story.

“I just want to tell these mothers to save their son,” Lewis said.

Investigators have not released any information about a possible suspect at this time. If you or anyone you know has information, you are asked to contact police.