Local church leaders hold community prayer to stop violence in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — A local church leader held a community prayer and meeting Wednesday to address the recent shootings in the Orlando area. He hopes to bring the community together to find ways to solve the areas crime problem.

There have been three deadly shootings in the Ivey Lane area in just the last month.

Residents told Channel 9's Michael Lopardi that they're tired and have had enough of the violence.

“There's some people in the community that have made a decision to do evil and create trouble and peril and that's what we've got to attack and address,” said Kelvin Cobaris, bishop of the Impact Church.

The yellow tape around the crime scenes is long gone, replaced by condolence messages. Neighbors said they just want those responsible for the crimes to get caught.

“Say something. You know who it is. Step up. Just say something,” Valerie Camacho said.

Cobaris told Eyewitness News that he's tired of officiating funerals for the victims. He's helped put together a barbecue for the community to develop a plan.

“It's important to me because I grew up here. This is home,” Cobaris said.

The bishop said people who aren’t involved in the situation but know something must come forward. Otherwise, he worries the violence will continue.

Orlando has recorded 32 murders this year, the same as last year, and there's still one month to go. Orange County has 56 homicides this year, up from 52 last year.

“It's not going to stop until you say something. We can stop what's happening in our own community,” Camacho said.

Camacho blamed the violence on outsiders. She said people here simply want peace and quiet.

Cox Media Group