Many years later — and I don’t know if we have the answers yet to curb street violence

Today, July 28, I read the editorial about the death of Tyrick Keyes, 14, who was shot and died to street violence in New Haven.

The article also mentioned the death of Danielle Taft, 7 months old.

I was among the first responders to 810 Orchard St. on Feb. 3, 1994, at 10:30 p.m. on report of a shooting. Upon arrival, we found Danielle mortally wounded being held in the arms of her mother.

Moments before, Danielle had been sitting quietly in her stroller. Danielle’s grandmother had also been severely injured by the random gunfire.

After a long night, I wrote in my personal journal, “After 26 years as a cop I thought I would be numb to this kind of violence but I am not. Her death deeply affected me.”

At the time, our partners at the Yale Child Study offered counseling to any of the first responders and any family members. Thinking I could tough it out, I declined their service.

Later, when I knew that I was having a hard time with this infant’s death, I accepted the service.

On Sunday, Feb. 6, I attended a rally at 810 Orchard St. for Danielle.

Many speeches to curb street violence but many years later, it is still with us. A short time later, we responded to another shooting on Townsend Street where we found a gunshot victim and recovered a handgun that was linked to Danielle’s death.

By Feb. 24, New Haven detectives arrested Adam Carmen 20/20 for the crime. A witness to the shooting played a crucial part in solving this crime.

Six months later on Aug. 7, 1994, I was once again involved with street violence on Audubon Street.

Danny Silva quietly walked into a coffee shop and severely stabbed seven people with a hunting knife. Thankfully, all survived. Many years later — and I don’t know if we have the answers yet to curb street violence.

I find it hard to understand why some parents are not aware that their children are at risk by living in the street life.

We will never know if Tyrick, Jajuana, Danielle or Justus might have found a cure for cancer. We will never know if they would have made a difference in other people’s lives. Al Grieco is a former New Haven police sergeant and a Hamden resident. At the time of Danielle’s murder, he was District Manager in Newhallville District 7.