The Savannah community gathered on Tuesday night to channel their sorrow into a demand for change, as they remembered two teenagers who lost their lives in separate shootings last week.
Over a hundred people showed up to honor the memory of 17-year-old Shinobi Pitts and 16-year-old Alexis Milton Jr.
“I’m striving to stay strong, but I would never wish this on even my worst enemy. This has shattered me completely. I could never have imagined this,” said Jade Garcia, sister of Shinobi Pitts.
Pitts was shot Thursday near a gazebo, steps away from his home on Pennsylvania Avenue.
“He did not deserve what happened to him at all,” one of Pitts’ classmates said, fighting back tears as she lit a candle in his honor.
Milton Jr. was shot on LaRoche Avenue just one day later.
“We will miss him dearly. Our prayers are for God’s will to be fulfilled in this matter, for justice to be served, and for those responsible to be held accountable,” said Pastor Errol Roach, who presided over Milton Jr.’s services. “May the judges, the District Attorney, and all legal authorities uncover the truth in the name of the Lord.”
Neighbors, classmates and community advocates sent a message loud and clear at Tuesday’s vigil: enough is enough.
“People keep electing officials while crime continues to spread unchecked. I will be very vocal, regardless of anyone’s identity,” declared Savannah District 3 Alderwoman Linda Wilder Bryan, addressing Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Jones. “We want sentences that match the crimes. She needs to stop giving lenient sentences that allow offenders to commit new crimes.”
One person, 17-year-old Zaki Lowe, has been arrested in connection with Pitts’ shooting death. He’s charged with murder and aggravated assault.
“Do I feel anger towards the person who took my son’s life?” asked Sophy Garcia, mother of Shinobi Pitts. “I’m not angry. My heart is broken, and he needs to know that he devastated my family.”
Both shootings are still under investigation by the Savannah Police Department.
