Dougherty Co. Coroner Fowler, Albany city officials hold processional of hearses spreading a message hoping to end the violence
ALBANY, Ga. – Dougherty county families came together downtown Tuesday afternoon to pay their respects to their loved ones.
CBS 44’s Brian Roche has the details on why these families are coming together, asking for an end to the violence.
A harrowing site Tuesday afternoon as hearses lined Pine Avenue, each one representing one of the more than 20 homicides in Dougherty county in 2023.
And to Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler, a few choice words come to mind…
“…So, it’s frustrating to me, because every time I zip up a body bag up, I think it could have been my little one, it could’ve been my child, could’ve been my brother. That’s why I’m raising the saying. That’s why we as a community need to stand together and say no more!” said Michael Fowler, Coroner, Dougherty county.
And, many of the families of the victims came out to pay their respects to their fallen children and siblings…
Like the family of Dominique Henderson, who was killed in a shooting in June.
His brother Dontavis spoke to us about these families coming together through their respective tragedies.
“It’s like I’ve been saying, it still hurts, and at the same time, it’s bittersweet. You know what I’m saying? It could’ve been done, but I’m sorry that it took a lot of people losing their lives for everyone to come together,” said Dontavius Henderson, Brother of victim.
Dougherty County Commission Chairman and local pastor, Lorenzo Heard offered a prayer to the still-grieving families…
“…But, the truth is it’s all our job. Let’s do a better job of touching the lives of our children and our young people. Let’s do a better job of creating a village,” said Lorenzo Heard, Dougherty Co. Commission Chairman.
And, while these families will still be grieving, many are hoping that the message sent today will reach those needed to stop the violence.
“We have to live up to the name of the Good Life City. And, we’ve got to live up to it. Don’t let anyone make you feel like ‘no, I’m not fittin’ to move, my house is here. My children are here, my grandkids, I’m not letting you run me out of my neighborhood. You’ve got to stick up for your neighborhood…” said Fowler.
“Every day is hard, you know. Especially how he died. So, if we can get the message out to put down these guns, and put the Bible first and God first, I feel like this world would be better,” voice of Teriney Henderson, Sister-in-law of victim.
As Dougherty county moves into 2024, Coroner Fowler, the funeral directors, the preachers, and those affected by the homicides this year are hoping that the violence comes to an end.
Fowler says the homicide rate in Albany was 26 deaths per 100,000 people in Dougherty county.
Brian Roche reporting.
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