Lex Man Stabbed to Death; Gang Violence Suspected
Police Suspect Gang Violence in Lexington Stabbing

A 20-year-old man is stabbed to death in Lexington this weekend, and police believe its gang
related. The incident occurred near 15th and Erie Street at about 2 a.m. on Sunday. Police say they were called to a fight and found 20-year-old Ramiro Prado-Reyes with stab wounds to his chest. He was taken to Tri-County Hospital where he died. 17-year-old Fermin Aldana is charged with 2nd degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony. His bond is set at 10% of $500,000. Gang violence is suspected because of previous incidents.

Chief Charles Clark of the Lexington Police Department said, "We were called to that same area about 1 a.m. that morning to a large crowd confrontation and saw 2 people fighting and arrested them, there are two groups who are vying for supremacy as of late."

Authorities say violence has escalated lately between two groups, the 18th Street and 13th Street gangs. They say it'll take a community effort to get rid of the problem.

"Of late we've had a lot of vandalism and graffiti spray painted on buildings and cars," Chief Clark described. "We aren't going to stop it; it's going to take about 12,000 people here in the Lexington area to stop things like this."

Reporter's Notes by Jake Wasikowski:

More charges may stem from the incident, but not related to the murder.
Aldana's public defender is expected to ask that the case be moved to juvenile court.
Fermin Aldana's perliminary hearing is set for March 31st.
The incident is still under investigation.

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