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'It really hits home': Lexington mourns local activist killed in recent spate of gun-related deaths

Josh James
/
WUKY

Among the string of homicides that shook Lexington over the holiday weekend was the name of a beloved community advocate.

Quaynell King spent the weekend ahead of Thanksgiving serving meals to homeless Lexingtonians, and it was far from an isolated act of goodwill.

Friends say King was a regular at the East End Shared Kitchen, giving out food to those in need. The 44-year-old father, known for his giving spirit, was killed in a shooting off Versailles Road Sunday night — one of several victims of gun violence in recent days.

Mayor Linda Gordon says King's death struck at Lexington's core.

"A lot of people knew Quaynell. People inside government knew him and it really hits home when it's someone well-known to a lot of people," she told WUKY. "And we keep trying to knock those numbers down and we've had really good success."

The mayor is referring to the drop in annual homicides, especially since 2022, when the city saw 44 gun-related murders.

"We aren't giving up. We'll just keep working," Gorton said. "I'm very sorry for the families and the friends, right here before the holidays especially."

This year, the city's anti-violence leaders are still hoping to see a drop from last year's total of 24. With the latest string of deadly incidents, Lexington is nearing that number again.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.