BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The family of three-year-old Devin Page Jr., a child who was shot and killed by a stray bullet in his sleep, held an event in his memory.
The toddler died one year ago on April 12, 2022, due to gun violence in Baton Rouge. He was killed by a stray bullet while lying in bed.
Devin’s grandmother Cathy Toliver said the one year has been difficult for the family.
“We have arrived to this day, and it’s just heartfelt,” said Toliver
Family and friends gather downtown Baton Rouge at Town Square, for the remembrance event. The event was a way to remember Devin, and for those affected by gun violence to come together.
One mother who was affected by senseless gun violence is Elizabeth Robinson. Robinson said May will mark five years since her son’s passing. She said she knows what the family is going through.
“I know what this mother is going through,” said Robinson. “This is a journey that no mother should have to walk on and this is a second problem, you know you have to live second by second because every day is a different day.”
Metro Council passed Devin’s Law in the parish last September, an ordinance aiming to make rental properties safer by requiring safety lighting. It encourages landlords to install security cameras. It also allows tenants to break a lease based on criminal activity.
“Landlords have to be accountable, and tenants must feel safe,” said Toliver.
The family was contacted by State Rep. Edmond Jordan about taking Devin’s Law statewide. Jordan is the author of HB606, which proposes requiring “any owner, property manager, or property management company shall provide proper security cameras and lighting on their residential properties.”
The family said taking this statewide would involve “firmer” rules. This is in hopes of preventing another tragedy like what happened to Devin.
“I am a fighter, I have always been a fighter and I will die fighting,” said Toliver. “We’re fighting for the right of people.”
No arrests have been made in Devin’s shooting death. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867.
