Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks mentors after Carolyn Crayton Park shooting
Most students on Bibb County’s waiting list are boys, and some wait years because there aren’t enough adult mentors, Betsy Fitzgerald says.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Five people are now facing charges in connection with the shooting at Carolyn Crayton Park that injured 12 teenagers.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says 24-year-old David Pitts and 20-year-old Jaquez Bailey were arrested Monday. Both were denied bond during a court hearing Tuesday.
Investigators also identified 17-year-old Lantonio Hill and 19-year-old Justin Green as suspects. Both were arrested Tuesday and are being held without bond.
Later Tuesday, investigators announced the arrest of 15-year-old Ahmad Lundy.
As the investigation continues, local organizations are looking at ways to help young people.
Betsy Fitzgerald with Big Brothers Big Sisters says the shooting is heartbreaking.
“It’s devastating to hear that, once again, we have some needless violence here in Macon, Georgia, and to hear that so many of our young people were involved, it’s just heartbreaking, and it just makes me angry, because we have the tools and the things here in place to be able to address this issue,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald says Big Brothers Big Sisters has its largest waiting list in Bibb County. She says most of the students waiting are males, and some wait more than a few years because there are not enough adults to mentor them.
Fitzgerald is asking community organizations, faith-based groups and others to work with law enforcement and schools.
She says she wants everyone to work together and find solutions to help young people.
“Right now, this is the time,” she said. “It is call to action, but also, let’s not keep reacting to these kinds of violent scenes. Let’s make this an effort that is ongoing, that before we see anything that hits the news, I want to give positive stories, and we, working together, can help us get there.”
Organizations interested in getting involved can call Big Brothers Big Sisters at (478) 745-3984 or visit BBBSGA.org.
