Disturbing photos surface of 13-year-old robbery suspect - WBRC FOX6 News - Birmingham, AL

Birmingham Police continue to investigate the case of a 13-year-old shot dead while he allegedly robbed a couple.

Police says Jaqures Walker had just approached a car and told the male driver to "give it up," when the man pulled a gun, shot and killed Walker. Part of detectives' investigation includes determining if the act was gang related. At this time, they say they have no information that it was.

But pictures on Walker's Facebook page have emerged. One shows him posing with a gun. Another photo shows him flashing what appear to be gang signs. Also, one witness told police that two men wearing blue bandanas were watching the robbery and shooting go down. That's another suggestion it could be gang related.

So is there a gang problem in Birmingham? Officer Jamarah Nevitt says there is a gang issue in the city, but a gang problem, he says, is questionable. Nevitt is a teacher with the police department's G. R.E.A.T program (Gang Resistance and Education Training).

Nevitt says the curriculum starts with fourth graders and focuses mainly on bullying. He says in sixth grade, all Birmingham students take part in a 13-week program that focuses on gangs. It talks about crime, violence and drug abuse. It also addresses decision making, goal setting and empathy. Nevitt says the program is aimed at preventing young people from becoming part of a gang.

These days, he says most gangs are referred to as "clicks" or "hoods." He defines a gang as a group of young people who identify themselves through signs, colors, symbols and who also commit crimes. Nevitt says these days, most gangs are neighborhood based.

He says they may be hybrids of the older Crypts and Bloods and other gangs but they've modified to become more modern. He also says there are girl gangs and that members include all races and can be found in all parts of the city.

As for how many gangs there are in the Birmingham metro, Nevitt says that's hard to say.

"It's hard to put a number on that. I've been working in the school system for a number of years and we do have a gang issue. To say it's a gang problem, that's questionable."

He feels most kids are not part of a gang. He says the few that are make it seem like the issue is greater than it is. And he says the number of kids involved in gangs is down from the 1990s, when he says it appears gang membership was at its peak.

Nevitt strongly urges parents to talk to their kids about the consequences of the choices they make. He also says it's important they monitor their behavior such as changes in any clothing and hair styles. Lastly, he says it's important to be active in kids' lives and to get them involved in activities like sports and band to keep them surrounded by positive influences.

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