Gun violence has been an issue in the city of Youngstown for years.

The Community Initiative to Reduce Violence or CIRV hosted a call-in at the municipal courthouse.

Members of the Youngstown Police Department including Chief Davis and Mayor Tito Brown spoke with people who have a criminal history.

Leaders told those in attendance that they don't have to throw their lives away and end up behind bars. They instead can become role models for their kids and community.

"Stop that violence, be the role model for them," YPD Captain Jason Simon said. "Even if you can't be it for yourself, even if you don't think you have it in you, we think you do."

"Y'all raising these kids out here and I just want to let y'all know, y'all got to do better," Jaismin Morris said. "If you tell your kids that you're in here today, how do you think they would feel?"

Morris is the mother of Amya Montserrat who was shot and killed in April 2023 while attending a Sweet 16 party at Martha's Boulevard Tavern on Southern Boulevard.

Saun Peterson, 21, pled guilty to charges connected to Montserrat's death. Another suspect, 17-year-old Danyo Sellers, who went by the alias "Legend Pless" is also facing charges in that case. He is due back in court on April 2.