SAVANNAH, Ga. () — On Wednesday, the Chatham County District Attorney addressed recent criticism regarding bond releases, clarifying that she does not have authority over such decisions.

Some have criticized District Attorney Shalena Jones’ office amid recent gun violence and fatal shootings. Elected officials have suggested that bond releases could be linked to two separate fatal shootings involving teenagers last week.

Zaki Lowe was taken into custody in connection with the shooting death of 17-year-old Shinobi Pitts on Thursday, August 21. Lowe faces charges of murder and aggravated assault.

attempted to locate records of Lowe being out on bond but can’t locate any to confirm.

Sixteen-year-old Alexis Milton Jr. was shot and killed on Aug. 22, but no one has been arrested at this time for his death.

Read DA Jones’ full statement here:

“The tragic deaths of two young men over the weekend and the ongoing cycle of violence in Savannah understandably lead people to seek someone to blame. It’s been frequently reported that many of those accused had been released on bond for previous offenses,” she stated.

Bond decisions are legally made by judges, and every American has the constitutional right to seek release. The dedicated prosecutors at the Chatham County DA’s office have consistently opposed releasing violent offenders on bond. Blaming the courthouse for this issue is akin to ‘the tail wagging the dog.’

I am not in any better position to remove guns from the hands of young individuals than any other official or citizen. As a community, we should question not why these individuals repeatedly offend, but why these young individuals are ending up in court initially.

The Chatham County DA’s office assures citizens, those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice. For now, we seek peace for the families who are grieving and pray for their strength moving forward in this most difficult of times. “