Former Macon Mayor calls for an end to gun violence

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Former Macon Mayor C. Jack Ellis is outraged an innocent 14-year-old girl lost her life in a drive-by shooting this week. He’s asking for community leaders to help put a stop to what he calls nonsense.

“Terrorists. That’s what I’m going to call them because they’re terrorizing this community,” said Ellis.

Ellis is referring to the people who shot and killed 14-year-old Ta’shuntis Roberts Sunday night. 

“It’s time for this nonsense to stop. It’s time for these people to put down these guns,” said Ellis.

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office said the drive-by shooting that killed Roberts is gang related.

“We’ve always had “gangs,” if you will, where people are territorial, even when I was a kid,” explained Ellis.

Ellis thinks the problem is guns in the hands of the wrong people.

“It’s unacceptable and I am outraged about it and everyone else should be,” said Ellis.

Ellis’ solution starts with intervention and prevention.

“We must have activities and other things going on. Our Parks and Rec Department, the sheriff’s department, police athletic league and things of that nature,” explained Ellis.

His solution also includes the entire community.

“The school system, the faith community, everyone must come together and we must let these children know that we care about them,” said Ellis.

Ellis recently protested Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump’s campaign stop in Macon. He’s also asked for the confederate monument to be removed in Downtown Macon. 41NBC asked him if he plans to run for office again.

“I have no idea. This has nothing to do with politics and I detest you asking that question. I would not use a 14-year-old’s death for a political gain. Shame on you,” said Ellis.

Ellis said he’s talking with people to come up with a plan to address the violence.

Robert’s funeral will be Saturday December 19 and 1 p.m. at Harvest Cathedral Church on Rocky Creed Road. She will be buried at Cherry Blossom Memorial Garden.

No arrests have been made in this case. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a small, possibly gray, American-made car. They believe two suspects shot at the house. If you have any information about this shooting call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at (478) 751-7500.