KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Kalamazoo Investigators say no charges have been filed in the death of four-year-old Kharisma Richardson because they still aren’t sure what killed the little girl, who was found battered and dead in her mother’s apartment on Douglas Ave.
More tests are being conducted.
2016 has gotten off to a very violent start. This week, Kalamazoo County commissioners were asked to not only address the issue of child abuse, but also gun violence in the community.
Several members of the interfaith organization ISAAC told the commission that February’s mass-murder triggered their request for the county board to divest any holdings they may have in the gun industry.
There was also a request from a constituent to ban gun shows from the fairgrounds and expo center on Lake Street. Local boards and commisisons are banned by state law from enacting local gun regulations that are stricter than state laws, so their options are limited.
Several members of the board brought up the subject of child abuse. Commissioner Dale Shugars said the death on Douglas after the little girl was tortured and beaten was just unacceptable.
They tossed around several ideas. Commissioner Julie Rogers said there are many professionals in the community who are required by law to report signs of child abuse, but we should all be mindful of the signs of neglect and abuse, and not hesitate to report it to the proper authorities.
Commissioner Stephanie Moore says its time to start a conversation about what the signs of neglect and abuse look like.
Board members also approved a resolution declaring this Child Abuse Awareness Month.
