For the second time in a month, the Mechanicsville community was rocked by the news that a teenager had been shot and killed.

Once again, however, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office moved quickly and apprehended suspects and made arrests.

This most recent incident is the type of news none of us likes to report or read, but, sadly, it’s a reality.

While deputies were out pursuing leads in their investigation, the dialogue on our website, http://www.mechlocal.com, and Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/mechlocal, moved at a rapid pace. Comments varied and speculation and rumors were rampant.

We worked to keep the news provided by the Sheriff’s Office posted in a timely fashion. We knew you wanted to be made aware of any and all aspects pertaining to the crime.

Deputies were swift in making arrests. Three suspects were facing charges, including first-degree murder, in less than 48 hours.

Now, while two families — that of the victim and the survivor — await justice, we must trust in our legal system.

Should we be alarmed by these crimes? Absolutely. Should we consider ourselves immune? Unfortunately, no.

We won’t delve into the circumstances behind either of the recent homicides other than to say both are tragedies in our community. Victims in both cases were too young to have met such a sad fate.

Etc.

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