URGENT UPDATE: The mother of a young man fatally stabbed in a violent altercation is calling on adults across Scotland to take immediate action against escalating youth knife crime. Lynn Burns, whose son Sam Johnston was murdered at just 22 years old over a bottle of vodka in Saltcoats in 2013, is imploring community members to join the fight against this pervasive issue.
In a heartfelt plea, Burns emphasized the need for collective responsibility among adults, stating, “It takes a village to raise a child. We all have a role to play here.” Her comments come as the youth branch of charity Crimestoppers, known as Fearless, launches the campaign ‘It Takes a Village’. This initiative aims to foster open conversations about violence and knife crime among children and adults alike.
The campaign will utilize social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat to spread crucial messages about the devastating effects of carrying a knife. This effort is particularly urgent as Scotland grapples with a worrying uptick in youth violence. Just last month, Kayden Moy, a 16-year-old from East Kilbride, became the third teenager to die from knife crime in under a year.
Burns reflected on her son’s tragic death, highlighting the senseless nature of the violence. “There was an argument over a bottle of vodka,” she recalled. “I don’t believe for one moment that that young man who murdered Sam woke up that morning intending to kill.” This sentiment underscores the unpredictability and danger posed by knives in the hands of young people.
Statistics reveal a grim picture: over the past year, three young lives have been claimed by knife crime in Scotland. In addition to Kayden, Amen Teklay, 15, was murdered in Glasgow’s Maryhill on March 5, while Kory McCrimmon, 16, lost his life over a £50 dispute on May 31, 2024, in Greenfield Park. The community is left reeling as the justice system takes its course, with several suspects currently facing trial.
Authorities are calling for a renewed focus on prevention. Lyndsay McDade, manager of Fearless Scotland, stated, “Every adult has a role in helping children feel cared for and included.” She emphasized that while prevention messaging is essential, the responsibility cannot solely rest on young people. “Adults shape the environments children grow up in,” she added, highlighting the need for a united community front.
The Daily Record has been actively covering youth violence through its Our Kids… Our Future campaign, advocating for the Scottish Government to invest in safe spaces for youth mentorship and guidance. As knife crime continues to plague communities, the urgency for action has never been more critical.
As this initiative unfolds, community members are urged to participate actively in discussions about youth safety and violence prevention. The need for change is clear, and every individual can contribute to a safer future for Scotland’s youth.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and how you can get involved in making a difference.
