A bi-partisan group of state lawmakers have introduced a bill package intended to discourage drive-by shootings.
The four-bill package is named for a young child in Flint.
Three year old Messiah Williams died last October when bullets ripped through his Flint home. Four men have been charged in connection with the drive-by shooting.
Standing in front of a picture of Messiah, Henry Williams spoke about the effect the death of his son has had on his family.
“As you see now, we have a broken family,” said Williams.“We have a picture to look at now.”
Messiah’s law would stiffen penalties for suspects who shoot into homes and vehicles. If passed, penalties would increase for perpetrators if there are children present at the crime scene, with added penalties if a minor child is hurt or killed.
State Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) believes Messiah’s law will help reduce drive-by shootings in Michigan.
“It is sad when you can’t have your home as your refuge,” said Neeley.
Law enforcement officials say there has been an increase in gun violence in Michigan this year.
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