Warner Robins mayor responds to violence. ‘We are beyond a march or Town Hall meeting’
In the wake of two murders over the weekend, one involving a teenager, Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick held a call to action gathering with community leaders to discuss the impact of violent crime and seek solutions.
On Saturday, a man was arrested in connection with the murder of his girlfriend. On the same day, a juvenile male was arrested in connection with the murder of a 14-year-old male and injury to a 15-year-old male following a fight.
The two murders bring the total to three in 2024 alone. There were seven homicides in Warner Robins in 2023.
Patrick said she was disappointed in the events that occurred over the weekend, saying she was especially concerned about the violence among youth.
“I am disappointed; we had two homicides that occurred over the weekend,” she said. “One of those was a teenager who just happened to be in the vicinity of a shooting.”
Patrick said there has been an uptick in violent crimes being committed by young teens that needs to be addressed.
“We have to follow the data, which tells us that these sorts of violent crimes are on the rise in our community youth,” she said. “It is time for us to get to the root of the problem to help solve these issues rather than just putting a Band-aid on the problem in hopes they will get better.”
“We are beyond a march or Town Hall meeting,” Patrick said. “It is time to take action and think outside of the box to provide a safe environment for our community.”
Patrick also shared her concerns as the mother of a young son.
“I am a mother of a 6-year-old son, I want him to grow up in a safe environment. I want him to grow up the way that I was able to grow up,” she said. “I was passionate about this issue as an attorney, I am passionate about this issue as a mother, and now I am passionate about this issue as mayor.”
Patrick believes mentorship and recreational programs are key in helping solve the issue.
Several community organizations attended the meeting, agreeing to be a part of the solutions. The effort is in its infancy stage, and discussions will continue.
One of those attending was Marion Curtis with Curtis Behavioral Health. Curtis, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, said he is more than willing to help.
“I’m the person people come to see after something like this happens,” he said. “There is a stigma associated with mental health when there shouldn’t be.
“My door is open and I am here to help,” Curtis said.
Also, in attendance was Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity chapter president Tony Hall, who said said it was imperative for the community to work together to find a solution.
Patrick said she is 100% committed to keeping the community safe.
“Warner Robins is a beautiful place to live, work, and go to school, and we want to keep it that way,” the mayor said.
This story was originally published February 7, 2024 at 12:25 PM.