MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A teenage girl was shot and killed in Frayser, Memphis Police say.

According to MPD, they responded to a shooting in the 2700 block of Birchfield. The girl was found and taken to LeBonheur in critical condition.

She did not survive, police say. No suspect information was given.

The community is now asking for help as they say crime is taking over their neighborhood.

Damous Hailey is a father and retired corrections officer who has lived in the Frayser community for more than 30 years and says what he is seeing in Memphis is unbelievable. 

“Well, I am guessing a lot of the kids are coming around and starting to steal cars and stuff and it’s just making it badder and now murders are coming in and we don’t know where that’s coming from so that’s making a big change,” Hailey said.

Hailey says his neighborhood is developing into something he doesn’t recognize.

“I don’t know what’s going on, who’s passing by you. If a car slow down around me while I am outside, I am looking back seeing what’s going on because you just don’t never know because Memphis has changed so much,” Hailey said. “It makes me feel kind of scared because you don’t know where it is coming from and it’s just all of a sudden coming to our neighborhood.”

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital says it’s treated more children for gunshot wounds this year than last – So far, more than 120 kids this year. 

“Since 2020, we’ve been seeing an uptick in violence, particularly firearm violence,” said Dr. Nick Watkins, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. “And we’re seeing more and more children who are affected by this either directly or indirectly.”

“We even called trying to get more cars to come through and just show appearances We need a lot more appearances, more cops to come and make rounds through here,” Hailey said.

While police are still investigating the shooting, Hailey says he will continue to help youth as much as he can.