Local families of gun violence victims urge community to speak up about crimes
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) - The search is still on for two suspects wanted in connection to the murder of three teenagers in Aiken. Tuesday marks day two of the search. Sunday, the Aiken County Sheriff's Office arrested 18-year-old Xabian Bailey. He's expected to be charged with three counts of murder. This incident is the most recent act of gun violence in the CSRA.
Gun violence crimes have lasting impacts on the community. Families who experienced this first hand say it's hard to continue seeing others lose loved ones.
Some of the recent gun violence victims this month include Jakwan Gunter, Logan Etterle and Eurl Kittles. These are just three of at least eight shootings in the CSRA in June. Now, the community mourns the loss of three Aiken teens.
"Our communities, our families…When is it going to end, Lord?” said Judy Duncan, mother of Jeremiah Duncan.
"Just thought of the parents, the grief, the hurt, the pain..” said Arthur Anthony, father of Arbrie Anthony.
Judy Duncan lost her son Jeremiah Duncan to gun violence two years ago. Arthur Anthony is grieving the loss of his daughter, Arbrie. She was killed in an apparent drive-by shooting earlier this year. Both parents say gun violence takes an unbearable toll on families.
"I’m still in counseling. If I didn’t have counseling, I don’t know if I’d be here today.” said Duncan.
"Some days I open her [Arbrie] phone that I just got her for Christmas and her friends are still texting her we miss you, can you come back, we love you…So, it hurts.” said Anthony.
Anthony and Duncan say they don’t want to see anymore families go through this. The parents believe community members speaking up made a difference.
"I'm so thankful for the many that spoke up in Jeremiah’s situation. Yes it took a year, but the young man is behind bars today.” said Duncan.
"I mean, in Arbrie’s case if you know cameras, and people speaking up, probably wouldn’t be able to you know done what they’ve done so far.” said Anthony.
Anthony encourages the community to do the same to help solve this recent case.
"They think they’re going to get away with it if we don’t talk. Put the guns down.” said Anthony.
Duncan warns others against violence.
"This need to end. You’re throwing away your life. You’re just destroying other family lives. You don’t realize what you doing until you’re caught. The gang leaders you commit yourself to - they're not there for you. They weren't there for the young man that murdered my son. Yes it appears that just one person was involved, but it was more. My son was caring and loving. From the street there was talk that they were trying to get him into a gang. But, my son wasn't about gang life. I personally believe he was targeted because he didn't want to be a part of a gang.” said Duncan.
For the Wadley Drive death investigation, if you have any information as to where the suspects may be, you can contact the Sheriff's office at 803-648-6811. You can also share tips through Midlands Crime Stoppers. Another option is a new app, P3 Tips, for download. The Sheriff's Office says both Wadley Drive suspects are considered armed and dangerous.
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