Albany Shooting Linked to Gang Activity - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Albany Shooting Linked to Gang Activity

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September 20, 2007

Albany - - A 17 year old high school honor student is recovering in a hospital after he was shot four times outside of his grandmother's home Wednesday night as his two little brothers watched. Albany police believe the shooter is a gang member. People who live in the area say they're getting tired of the gangsters and the violence in their neighborhood.  

A piece of yellow crime scene tape still rests on the fence. Seventeen year old Dearious Williams was visiting his grandmother Wednesday night at her home on Gillespie Avenue when a shooter shot him in the head, back, and chest and then ran.

"He came in the house. Blood everywhere, over his face and back," says his aunt Carol Williams.

She can't fathom why they'd attack her nephew, an honors student at Monroe High School who plays in the band. Word of the shooting spread quickly at the school Thursday. Many immediately linked the shooting to gang activity.

"Based on some information we received, its possibly gang related. We know that's an area that we are targeting for gang activities," says Lt. James Williams.

This isn't the first gang related shooting here. Earlier this year a man was sentenced to life plus five years in prison for shooting and killing a 14 year old boy just blocks away from this crime scene. The offender admitted CME Rattlers gang members played a role in that shooting death.

In May, cops also raided nine gang members homes. One of them was also on Gillespie Avenue. Investigators seized drugs, guns, and other evidence of gang activity.

For many in the community, especially the family of the latest victim, it's getting to be too much.

"We also just got through talking with the mother to ensure her that were going to be patrolling the area to make sure we provide security in that area," says Lt. Williams. 

Extra security in hopes another family won't have to ask questions.

"I wonder why. Why would they do something like that to him?" asks Williams, while her loved one lies in a hospital bed.  

Albany Police haven't announced any suspects yet but hope that could come soon. They encourage anyone with information to call the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 229-436-TIPS.

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