The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting of 12 people early Sunday morning at Carolyn Crayton Park.
Authorities initially reported eleven victims. At 12:24 p.m. Sunday, Macon-Bibb E-911 received word that a 19-year-old guy had arrived at a local medical institution with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Investigators determined that he was injured during the park shooting, raising the total to twelve victims. He is reported as in stable condition.
Deputies were dispatched to the park at 12:06 a.m. following reports of shooting near the skatepark area. According to investigators, one group had already gathered for a party when another came across the street.
According to the sheriff’s office, the groups exchanged comments before drawing their firearms and fired at each other.
According to authorities, the victims include four 18-year-old men, one 19-year-old man, five 17-year-old men, and two 18-year-old women. One 18-year-old man and one 17-year-old guy were described as critical but stable on Sunday morning. The remaining casualties were reported to be stable.
Sheriff David Davis held a press conference on Sunday to address the media. He stated that the gathering, which was not permitted, reportedly relocated to the park after those there were requested to leave a previously decided area in Jones County earlier. Davis stated that the group comprised students from Central and Northeast High Schools, as well as VIP and SOAR Academies.
Davis made it plain that they would find out who was responsible, adding, “I’m going to give you the truth. I am thinking. When we find out who did this, I guaranty there will be some adult loved ones or guardians who were aware they had guns. No doubt in my mind. If we can charge any adult with this, we will do so. So, we just hope that the good news is that these 11 people are not dead, and that the good news continues to be that they are recovering, that we pray for them, and that they and their families can find some solace in the midst of tragedy.”
When asked for a message to the community, Sheriff Davis replied, “I’m going to tell the community that they should first pray for these victims.” They should pray for our community. They need to pray for the people who are committing this violence and ask for a change in their hearts. And as for their changing their ways, putting down their firearms, and being helpful to one another rather than hurting one another.”
WGXA News interviewed Macon Mayor Lester Miller shortly after the press conference. Mayor Miller stated that he believes Macon-Bibb County is a safe place to reside. “Well, as I often remind people, you have to be vigilant yourself. I believe Macon is a pretty safe community, but if you happen to visit a dark and unsavory location at 2 a.m. when people may be taking drugs, you could become a victim. Again, if you participate in or attend an illegal activity after midnight, and you know or should know that there are guns present, you may become a victim. Miller believes the city is generally safe for ordinary folks who are minding their own business and doing the right thing.
Several injured were transported to a local hospital in personal vehicles. The sheriff’s office claims the emergency room was temporarily locked down due to the large number of automobiles, family, and friends arriving at the hospital.
Seven automobiles were taken to the crime lab for inspection, four of which were used to transport victims to the hospital and three of which were abandoned in the park. Ten witnesses were also brought to the Criminal Investigation Division for questioning.
There have been no arrests announced. The investigation continues.
Anyone with information should call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 or 478-310-5112, or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.
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