Concerned Citizens Seek Justice for Shooting Death Victim
Residents in the Six Flags and South Cobb area are unified and ready for change.
A grassroots movement is beginning in South Cobb. A group of about 10 concerned citizens gathered at Riverside Townhomes on Riverside Parkway to pray, discuss an action plan and to ask neighbors if they had any information about the Tuesday shooting death of 20-year-old Samuel Wilkins.
Police arrived on the scene at 10:28 p.m. on Tuesday after receiving an emergency call about the incident at 10:26 p.m., said Officer Mike Bowman, spokesman for Cobb Police.
According to Russell Robertson of Occupy the Hood, an outreach organization, Wilkins was an up-and-coming rap artist with several connections to influential individuals in the music business.
Wilkinson visited his girlfriend frequently who lived in the townhomes.
Three men jumped out behind him on Tuesday night as he left his girlfriend’s home, Robertson said, and tried to rob Wilkins.
“He had nice clothes,” explained Robertson. “You know, he looked like money, but he had no money.”
Robertson said he also lives on Six Flags Drive and wants to actively engage the community to unify and improve the neighborhood.
“We’re trying to find justice for this young man,” he said.
The group of concerned citizens walked through the townhome complex, stopping individuals to ask if they had any details about the shooting death.
Most could not provide any details, but Terry, who did not wish to give his last name, said he saw Wilkins outside and 30 minutes later heard gunshots.
“I’ve only lived over here two weeks,” Terry said. “I don’t know him personally.”
Because news reports listed the address of the complex as Twin Hill Road, the name of the street within the complex, District 4 County Commission Candidate Monica DeLancey said many parents had no idea it had occurred in the Six Flags area.
DeLancey, who lives in the Six Flags area said, “I should’ve seen parents standing with their children the next morning at the bus stops, but I didn’t because we didn’t realize it happened in our community.”
Gerald Rose, founder of the human rights organization New Order, encouraged the citizens and told them to make noise, to “start talking. Get on Facebook.”
“That could’ve been anybody’s kid,” Rose told the group. “Bullets don’t have names.”
erica okelly
8:22 pm on Saturday, March 10, 2012
We need your help !
Shauna
8:49 pm on Saturday, March 10, 2012
Please do not wait for the violence to be at YOUR door before you speak out on issues in the community...It takes a Village! And it is each and everyone of our responsibilty to clean up OUR community...who do expect to do it?
Lisa Cupid
5:44 am on Monday, March 12, 2012
I hear you Shauna, you are so true in that it takes a Village. I was truly touched by the village that responded on Friday.
Russell Robertson and Gerald Rose brought people together and attention to this matter in a short amount of time.
Pastor Young of Vision for Souls was also there and provided support of the church as well as ideas for a longer term solution.
Moreover, Tina Starks who is dealing with the incarceration of her teenage son was there in support.
I was humbled by the dozen or so persons praying over the passing of this young man, his family, his child's mother, and the community.
I hate for things like this to happen to spur action. Still, the quick reaction reflects that we have people in our midst who are actively serving and championing the cause of others.
I pause like you to think If the village of support were larger could we have reached the person or persons who did this beforehand?
History continues to remind us, however, that the laborers are few.
Abiodun Henderson
1:00 am on Sunday, March 11, 2012
Its time for the violence to end in our neighborhoods. We are sick and tired of being sick and tired
James Bell
10:40 am on Sunday, March 11, 2012
Thank you for seeking justice. Has the police interviewed anyone in the community? Are they doing their jobs? Is there a reward?
Nuggie
11:41 am on Monday, March 12, 2012
It's different when it hits home. You stay numb then you get angry. Then you finally realize that nothing we could do will be as effective with those guilty as the wrath of God. We have to protect our families and remember who has all power. I pray those responsible get exactly what they deserve. Be strong Cobb County and know that Detroit feels your pain.
Monica DeLancy
2:30 pm on Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Thank you Kiri, with South Cobb Patch for covering the story. Please also remember to attend local community meetings on a regular basis. The Austell Community Taskforce meets the first monday of each month at the South Cobb Recreation Center at 7 p.m. At the meetings topics discussed are education, safety and crime awareness. It is a time reserved for residents to meet and discuss proactive options . In addition please attend a local school PTA meetings even if you don't have children to attend that school, it is time to see that parents do care about there kids. The Six Flags community is full of potential and as we work together we will prosper and thrive ....we thrive on the drive.
Kiri Walton
3:28 pm on Tuesday, March 13, 2012
I've always wanted to attend an ACT meeting, but they are held on the same day at the same time as Austell City Council meetings. Maybe we could have a blogger from ACT update the community on what the organization is doing!