04/21/2026
An arrest has now been made in the prom night killing of 18-year-old Ladainian Cathey, and the heartbreaking part is that police say the suspect is only 17 years old.
That means one family is grieving the loss of their child, while another family is now watching their child face the system. That is the reality of what happens when children are taking the lives of other children. Everybody loses.
This should never be normal. These are supposed to be years filled with prom, graduation, memories, and making it back home safe. Instead, one young life was cut short, and another young life is now headed down a road that can change everything forever.
We have got to start talking to our children more. We have got to check on them, guide them, correct them, and be more present. Too many of our young people are dying, and too many are throwing their own lives away. We cannot keep sitting back like this is just another story.
One family is preparing to bury their child. Another family is dealing with their child being arrested. This is sad all the way around. We have got to do better for our youth.
Prayers for Ladainian Cathey’s family and for every family impacted by this tragedy.
