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Toledoans hoping for more answers at gun violence press conference Wednesday

Toledo has already seen six homicides this year including a police officer and children.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Phenique Davis and her two young kids are all too familiar with the reality of gun violence.

A snow covered memorial to Ahmir, Ashton and Gabriel Phillips close to where her children are playing serves a constant reminder.

Two of the three brothers died less than two weeks ago, shot by their mother's boyfriend here at their home in the Byrneport Apartments.

The third fights for his life at just four years old.

RELATED: TPD: 2 children dead, 1 'fighting for his life,' suspect in custody following south Toledo shooting

"How many other kids are going to have to pass away accidentally or on purpose or whatever the case is for you guys to wake up and realize that this is real life, this isn't something we're watching on TV now," Davis said.

Toledo saw more than 60 homicides last year, adding six more in the first five weeks of 2021, including children and a police officer.

RELATED: 'We in Toledo are still in mourning and will be for a long time' | TPD chief, mayor discuss events surrounding fatal shooting of Officer Stalker

The city has announced part of its plan declaring gun violence a public health crisis last year.

On Wednesday, the mayor, police chief and other leaders will be providing more details.

WTOL 11 asked you, what's it really going to take?

And you answered suggesting more people with guns, more law enforcement and better parenting.

RELATED: Father mourns loss of two sons killed in shooting; third fighting for his life in hospital

The neighbors at the Byrneport Apartments see the memorial to three young brothers and they had different answers.

They're calling for our community to heal and for more programs to give young people something to do.

"Programming all that, just more physical work not just press conferences and talking about it," Davis said.

RELATED: Toledo groups push to engage youth in positive ways amid recent spike in gun violence

The people we spoke with say they are ready to have these conversations with local leaders who are willing to come into the neighborhoods where violence is happening.

"Make people feel more safe because at this moment, nobody feels safe," Davis said.

RELATED: What does it take to fight gun violence as a public health crisis? The city of Toledo is about to dive in and find out

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