Macon Residents React to Teen Violence

Five teenagers all shot in less than a week and now one is dead.

Macon residents are saying it’s time the community steps up to make a difference.

“It’s so sad that this is happening, especially right here in our neighborhood,” says Billie Crawley.

It’s a problem that some are saying is caused from the lack of extracurricular activities available.

“There’s too many kids out here running around on the street that really don’t have any guidance, they don’t have anything to do,” says Bob Hunt.

Crawley believes everything starts at home.

“Maybe we should put some programs into place for parents, maybe our churches need to get involved.”

For the last four years, Amanda O’Neal says she has watched gang-related activities take place right outside of her front door. She’s had enough.

“I’ve got two small children and I can’t let my kids ride their bicycle out here, I mean it’s just horrible, it’s sad, it’s really sad.”

People say now is the time for better parent involvement, more after school programs, and the community coming together. It’s what we need for future generations to come.