Neighbors weigh in on violence after arrest made in Macon’s 32nd murder

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb County Deputies now believe they may have one of two suspects in connection with the murder of a Macon teen. While investigators are searching for answers, community members are still trying to process what happened.

“It’s just sad the way the kids are going around and doing today. It’s sad,” she told 41NBC.

Some residents who spoke to 41NBC say they moved to Macon from Miami to get away from crime. But after Monday night, it just seems like more of the same.

“You have to stay prayed up. The devil is at you all kind of ways,” said Catherine Gummer.

Gummer and other neighbors on Villa Crest Avenue are trying to keep the faith after tragedy struck right across the street from a church.

“We came out asking ‘what happened?’ Oh, somebody got shot–a 17 year-old boy,” said resident Freddie Harvey.

Catherine Gummer and Freddie Harvey say they were at home when they heard a sound that was all too familiar.

“We were looking at television and we heard a shot, but we didn’t think nothing of it,” Gummer explained.

Just after 11:00, Bibb County deputies found 17 year-old Pedro Garcia dead hit with a gunshot wound.

“17 year-old Pedro Garcia seemed to be the victim of a robbery. There are two suspects identified very quickly in that,” said Sheriff David Davis at a news conference on Tuesday.

One of them is 17 year-old JA’Reyse Pollard.

“We have yet another suspect that is still at large that we’re looking for,” Sheriff Davis continued.

Gummer and Harvey say they see kids that age roaming the streets day and night.

“They don’t want to go to school, they don’t want to go to work. They’d rather go out here and pedal the streets,” said Gummer.

Though it may have happened on their street, it’s the entire community’s issue.

“Young people are the future of tomorrow. They’re the ones who’ve got to lead on. It’s not going to change until the people change,” Harvey added.

Neighbors in the area say they used to see Garcia walk down the street to the corner store almost every day around the same time and they can’t believe yesterday was the last time they’d see him alive.

Investigators are still looking for the other person they believe is responsible. If you have any information call Crimestoppers at 1-877-68Crime or the sheriffs office at 751-7500.