Balloon release held at Carolyn Crayton Park in memory of Cotina Fuller
The 51-year-old was shot and killed at Fast Trip in the 2600 block of Riverside Drive on Friday morning, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Family and friends gathered at Carolyn Crayton Park Wednesday night to release balloons in memory of Cotina Louise Fuller, who died in a shooting last week.
Attendees wore purple, the color commonly associated with domestic violence awareness, as a tribute to the 51-year-old mother of five and long-time certified nursing assistant (CNA) who left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Cotina Fuller (Photo: Family)
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office identified Fuller’s husband, 44-year-old Wayne Anthony Fuller Jr., as a person of interest in the case. Deputies say he fled in a gold sports utility vehicle and was later stopped by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office in McDonough. Just before 1:45 p.m., deputies say Wayne Fuller took his own life.
Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard addressed the case during a news conference on Monday, speaking about the need for increased intervention in domestic violence situations. Howard said Cotina Fuller had filed a temporary protective order against Wayne Fuller in April, which was extended in May after he violated the order. However, Cotina requested the protective order be dismissed in June, and the judge granted the dismissal.
Howard criticized the lack of intervention.
“That’s social workers. That’s attorneys. That’s judges,” she said. “That’s anyone that comes in contact with victims of domestic violence with mandatory education hours about domestic violence and the cycle.” Howard said her office would push for new domestic violence legislation in the upcoming session.
During the balloon release, Fuller’s children expressed their grief and shared memories of their mother. Her son, Jawaun Ross, urged others in domestic violence situations to speak out.
“Just don’t wait till the last minute, until you’re in this situation,” he said. “If you see something, please speak up, because I don’t want nobody else to go through this.”
Fuller’s daughter, Taquinsia Hamm, thanked those in attendance for their support.
“This was so unexpected,” she said. “Just this crowd alone shows the many hearts that she touched. I know you can only imagine the pain that we feel right now.”
Another daughter, Jayla Mitchell, remembered her mother’s caring nature.
“She just took care of people,” she said. “She always looked out for people if she could.”
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. Click here to make a contribution.
Cotina Fuller with her family (Photo: Family)
