Arrest made in 2021 cold case homicide of Nigel Brown

ALBANY, Ga. – It was three years ago this month on this very street where nine-year-old Nigel Brown’s life was cut short when he was killed in a shooting, while he was asleep in his bed.

But… Nigel’s family can breathe a little easier tonight as one of the men allegedly responsible has been arrested.

Albany Police announced Thursday morning that 35-year-old, Gernardric Deangelo Pittman has been charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm while Committing a Crime in the August 2021 killing of Nigel Brown.

And… after three years of investigations, the police came across some new evidence, thanks to an anonymous video.

“This citizen did provide this information, retrieved this video from another individual. They were very compassionate about this case. They indicated they have children and they did not want anyone else’s child to lose their life at the hands of someone else,” said Investigator Terrance Bryant, Criminal Investigations Bureau, APD.

For Nigel’s mother, Yolander Brown, her family can finally start the healing process after years of heartbreak.

“We don’t have full closure right now, but we are working on it. And, we have, you know, somewhat to our closure. We’re working, this just the beginning, like I said before, this just the beginning,” said Yolander brown, Nigel Brown’s mother.

While they’ve been able to make one arrest after three years of searching, this cold case is far from finished.

“Just because we made an arrest does not mean this case has to stop. There’s other things that we must do to ensure that a true conviction in this case comes to come to place,” said Inv. Bryant.

But… for Yolander, this finding is a big step forward.

“And, this day I’ve been praying for and I thank god most of all, you know, I thank God for leading us where we are today. You know, leading us with the video. It took three years, but I thank God for it. And, without him, we couldn’t be where we are today,” said Brown.

Investigator Bryant said during Thursday morning’s announcement that multiple other people of interest have been named.

However, he’s not able to disclose who they are due to the active nature of the investigation.

Yolander also wants to thank the community in Albany for all the support they’ve provided her and her family over the past three years.

Brian Roche reporting.

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