Fatal Kroger Shooting Sparks Protests, Conversations About Police Corruption
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – More than 50 people rallied in downtown Macon carrying signs that read "Justice for Junebug" and "Wanted for Murder: Clayton Sutton".
Marchers were protesting the fatal shooting of a Sammie Davis, known to his family as 'Junebug'. Davis was shot and killed by Macon Police Officer Clayton Sutton outside of Kroger last Friday.
Chants of "No justice, no peace!" filled the air at Rosa Parks Square across the street from Macon City Hall.
According to Macon police reports, Officer Sutton shot Davis. Davis was then handcuffed and searched for weapons, but nothing was found. An officer performed first aid after Davis was shot. Sutton is now on administrative leave and Internal Affairs is investigating the case. But for many people, like protest organizer Anthony Harris, that simply isn't enough.
"I think it's an outrage, I think it's absolutely ridiculous that this guy is getting away with murder," Harris said.
The family of Davis huddled together at the protest. Former Macon Mayor C. Jack Ellis comforted the family telling the group, "We will not allow you to stand behind a badge and take the lives of innocent people."
The fatal shooting that sparked Friday's protest also prompted conversations about police corruption and whether race played a role; some participants compared Davis to Trayvon Martin. Cheryl Davis, Sammie's sister, just wants answers.
"Don't let this be about black and white," Cheryl said, "let this be about right and wrong.
