LEXINGTON, Ky. — Dozens gathered at El Cid Thursday night, Aug. 8, to mark the end of summer, but shortly after midnight, gunshots began ringing out. 

The Lexington Police Department said Friday, Aug. 9, around 12:19 a.m., first responders responded to calls about a shooting at the bar and restaurant in the city's east end. One victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital while five others sustained non-life-threatening injuries. 

Alisa Hairston said the incident was traumatic for those affected and familiar to herself. In 2021, her then-17-year-old son, Berkley, died in a shooting, also in the east end. She described him as a wise young man with dreams and a heart for others. 

“Never been in trouble a day in his life," Hairston said. "He was a (loving) kid, and he also had a giving heart.”

Berkley Parks was the son of Alisa Hairston, who was killed in 2021 in the east end of Lexington. He was 17 years old. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

It's why she, other parents and groups like Sisters & Supporters Working Against Gun Violence (SWAG) want to highlight more prevention measures in their communities emphasizing ages 17 and older. Like many survivors, Hairston said she has post-traumatic stress disorder and is still seeking answers and accountability. 

Berkley would have been 21 next month, Hairston said, and she hopes city leaders are extending resources to those affected.

“At the end of the day, they're going to need it," Hairston said. "They didn't reach out to me when they murdered my child, so I hope they reach out to these victims and give them resources because they are going to be affected by this.” 

Community leaders like Hairston said if everyone contributes to prevention, it will help save more lives. 

Right now, police are still investigating the incident and asking tips and information be sent to BlueGrass Crime Stoppers at 859-253-2020.