Proposed gang crime bill would add prosecutors in response to Goldsboro teen’s murder

GOLDSBORO, N.C. (WITN) - State Rep. John Bell says House Bill 1173 puts state funding toward adding more prosecutors and an investigator focused on gang cases. The bill is named after 13-year-old Jaleeyah Tune, who was shot and killed three days before Christmas.

Three teenage boys were arrested in connection with Jaleeyah’s death in December. Authorities say the boys jumped out of a bush and started shooting at her and her sister.

Bell says the legislation would help solve these types of crimes and possibly lead to more arrests in Jaleeyah’s murder.

“Law enforcement, what are you seeing? What’s hindering you from doing your job? Because there are some issues with this case that I believe more people will be arrested later on down the line, but law enforcement has to go off the evidence that they have,” Bell said.

The bill would also increase sentencing enhancements. Some felony convictions could be punished at a higher felony class if a jury finds the crime was committed as part of gang activity, with even stiffer penalties for gang leaders or organizers.

The bill is still working through the legislature, and if it becomes law, most of the criminal changes would take effect on December 1 of next year.

Whitney Brown-Tune, Jaleeyah’s mother, gathered with family and lawmakers Thursday, still mourning the death of her daughter while pushing for legislation named after her to crack down on gang-related crime.

“It means a lot. It means everything because she’ll be statewide, and everybody will get to know her name and save other lives as well because she was so loving and caring,” Brown-Tune said.

Brown-Tune spoke about what it has been like without her daughter.

“Hard. Missing her. The absence of her. Her laugh, smile, blowing us up, dancing, asking for Takis, and French fries, but just missing her. Her spirit,” Brown-Tune said.

Whitney’s sister, Shalanda Tune, has been by her side through the grieving process and says it’s time for a change.

“If we don’t give these kids either something more positive to do or real repercussions, we’re not going to be the last family y’all talk to,” Shalanda Tune said.