Survivor Speaks After Old Sacramento Stabbing Spree, Youth Advocate Calls for Community Investment

A terrifying early morning in Old Sacramento has left the community shaken. Five people were stabbed near the popular entertainment district early Saturday, and one survivor is now sharing his story. Avontae Brown, a 23-year-old member of the advocacy group Voice of the Youth, says he’s just glad to be alive.“I’m glad that I’m still alive. I’m glad that it could have been worse and I’m okay,”Brown said.

But Brown’s recovery is only part of the story. Local youth advocate Berry Accius, who runs Voice of the Youth, is sounding the alarm. He argues that Saturday’s violence is a direct result of a lack of community investment in young people. Accius is calling for more safe spaces and better tools for young people to manage conflict. He summed it up by saying,“An idle mind is a devil’s playground.”

The 18-year-old suspect is currently in custody and faces five counts of assault with a deadly weapon. He’s expected to appear in court on Tuesday. As the legal process moves forward, many in Sacramento are left wondering what can be done to prevent another tragedy like this. Do you think more youth programs could make a difference in our community? Let us know in the comments.