Jhalil Shands, 25 years old, was out on a date with his high school sweetheart in Old City, Philadelphia, when three people jumped out of a car and brutally shot and killed him. He was loved by his family and lived a good life, but still found himself in the middle of a dangerous world. In the final episode of “Ricochet”, we hear from Jhalil’s family and other mothers who have lost their children to gun violence, and two psychologists break down how trauma impacts both parents and children, how race and toxic masculinity are tied into the cycle of violence, and what kids need in order to see a different path.

See photos and read more about this episode here.

Host: Kristen Johanson
Producer: Sabrina Boyd-Surka
Production Assistant: Winston Harris

Sixteen-year-old Kahree Simmons was playing basketball on a Thursday evening when a van pulled up and bullets started firing. He was hit in the neck and died. We hear Kahree’s story, ride along on patrol with police officers in the neighborhood where he was killed, and talk with law enforcement and prosecutors about what goes into a shooting investigation and charging. Plus, we talk about what the word “gang” means in Philadelphia and why young people join these violent groups.

See photos and read more about this episode here.

Host: Kristen Johanson
Producer: Sabrina Boyd-Surka
Production Assistant: Winston Harris

Lou Berrios was coming home from his first Eagles game, about to open his front door, when he was shot in the back in a suspected attempted robbery. He survived, but between surgeries and PTSD, his recovery is a lifelong struggle. In this episode, we focus on the physical impacts of getting shot, how doctors respond, and how guns and ammunition have become more powerful over the years. Medics tell us about how their jobs have changed. And we speak with one advocate who explains how fear is a major factor in gun violence, and how those moments of fear may be the best time for intervention to help stop the bloodshed.

Read more about this episode here.

Host: Kristen Johanson
Producer: Sabrina Boyd-Surka
Production Assistant: Winston Harris