“Another child is dead. And another child’s life has been changed for the rest of her life,” Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens said Tuesday.

Syracuse leaders are making an emotional plea to the community to help put a stop to violence after four teens were involved in two deaths in recent days.

Xomara Diaz, 16, is accused of stabbing and killing Naj’ee Wright, 13. A few days earlier, Sebastian Oliver, 14, was accused of shooting and killing 15-year-old Radames Francisco.

“I seen on the news I almost teared up. It’s just sad. We need to do something about what that is, I don’t know,” said resident Tyrone Bowens.

The deaths occurred within a mile of each other on Shonnard Street and West Onondaga street. Residents said they’ve seen the violence increase in recent years.

“I can’t believe it. This used to be a decent neighborhood,” said neighbor Dorothy Christen.

Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner said Tuesday that Diaz is being held at a juvenile detention center in Erie County because there isn’t room at Hillbrook, the juvenile detention center in Onondaga County.

“Our children are dying. We are the ones that need to step up and be responsible,” said Syracuse Common Council President Helen Hudson.

Officials said increasing mental health support, jobs for the youth and providing safe havens are some ways they are trying to combat the violence. But they are looking for any ideas on ways to decrease the violence among young people and ask the community to help them out.