Credit steve carmody / Michigan Radio
Some people in Flint are turning to a higher power to deal with a rise in violent crime.
“We pray right now for protection, Lord. We pray for strength, Lord,” Pastor Chris Martin used a megaphone, as he led a small march from his church, past a city park where the city’s latest murder victim was found Saturday.
This year, Flint has recorded 52 murders, up from 45 in 2019. That number includes, four people, including a 10-month-old boy, shot dead in Flint the day after Christmas.
Flint’s not alone. Grand Rapids, Detroit, Lansing and Saginaw are among Michigan cities with rising violent crime rates this year.