Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Another young life ended by senseless violence. Why does this continue to happen? Another young person has been taken away from us because of, what? Thirteen-year-old Stanminyunna "Yaya" Cobbs died Friday night (January 22) from a shooting on South Sixth Street in Monroe LA. The young victim was taken to an area hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The new year is still in its infancy and there have already been several conspicuous shootings in the area that have led to several deaths. In the meantime, a community is forced to come to grips on how and what it can do to reach our young people where some seem to think that violence is the only solution/answer to disputes or strong disagreements. Now, another family is going through the grief process as they get ready to lay their loved one to rest, not knowing (as of press time) who shot "Yaya" as she was called and why was she killed. The family spoke to the media and said that they are struggling over Stanminyunna's death, but is trying to stay strong through the difficult days that lay ahead of them. According to reports, Cobbs was shot inside of her home and the only person who heard the shots and saw Cobbs on the floor wounded was her younger sister Stanminyunna Cobbs. The younger sister said that she was inside sitting by a window when she heard shots fired. She said that she "went to her mama's room" and a few seconds later Stanminyunna came out of the bathroom, falling to the floor. Police and ambulatory services came to the residence and Stanminyunna was taken to a local hospital. Neighbors that lived next to Cobbs' family were "stunned" to hear the sound of multiple gunshots, saying that "nothing like that had ever happened before". However, neighborhoods all across the area know that no area "is safe", knowing that a tragedy such as what happened to Stanminyunna Cobbs can happen anywhere, anytime. As of press time, there has been no arrest made by Monroe Police, but reports say that the Department is actively looking at all leads as it investigates this tragic incident. A reward for the capture of Cobbs' killer(s) has been doubled in an effort to swiftly find whoever is responsible for her death. Monroe Police Chief "Vic" Zordan said that his department "is committed" to solving this case and is asking the community for their help. Everyone who believe that they have information, is urged to contact the Monroe Police Department or Crimestoppers of North Delta at 318-388-CASH (2274). A reward of $4,000 is being offered and all information is strictly confidential.

Dispatch

Friends comfort family member balloon launch in memory of Stanminyunna "Yaya" Cobbs

Photo 13 year old shooting-Friends comfort family member balloon launch in memory of Stanminyunna "Yaya" Cobbs