Church to Host Conversation on Gun Violence

The father of a slain teenager later turned gun-control activist will speak at a public forum on gun violence in Englewood Wednesday night.

Ron Davis’ 17-year-old son, Jordan, was gunned down on Thanksgiving in Jacksonville, Fla. He will speak at Englewood's Community Baptist Church along with State Sen. Loretta Weinberg and radio host Mark Riley from 7 to 8 p.m. at 224 First Street.

Englewood Councilman Wayne Hamer, who helped organize the event, said the discussion would offer a legislative and personal viewpoint on gun violence.

Michael David Dunn allegedly shot Jordan Davis after confronting him over loud music the teen was listening to in an SUV, the Associated Press reported.  Dunn reportedly claimed he thought the teen was armed, but police said they didn’t find any guns in the vehicle.

"It was loud, they admitted that, but that's not a reason for someone to open fire on them and take action," Jacksonville Sheriff's Lt. Rob Schoonover told the AP.

Spurred by his son’s killing, Ron Davis vowed to push for restrictions on guns.

"Law enforcement should be the only people who should have guns on the street," Davis said, according to the AP. "That's what's killing our kids more than anything."

The case has stirred more debate over Florida’s “stand your ground” law, which faced criticism after teenager Trayvon Martin was shot dead by a neighborhood watch volunteer. However, legal experts have said the Davis shooting was significantly different.