BRUNSWICK, Ga. – Brunswick Mayor Brian Thompson and members of the city commission went door to door Tuesday afternoon in one of the city's most violent housing projects to promote rewards available in each of the unsolved homicides from 2007.
Nineteen people were killed in Glynn County last year -- eight of them in Brunswick city limits.
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"Over last year, we've had more incidents of violent crime in Brunswick and in Glynn County than we've had in the history of this city," Thompson said.
The trend has frustrated residents.
Thompson and other officials walked through the McIntyre Court complex beginning at 5 p.m. to publicize a $5,000 reward program for information leading to the arrest and conviction in each unsolved slaying.
Officials said they are trying to overcome the "don't snitch" movement popular in inner cities across the country.
"A lot of these boys are partners. They hang together. Nobody tells on nobody," said Wiladean Pitts, who is frustrated with crime in her neighborhood.
Pitts said the trend of no snitching is why criminals are often not being caught. However, she said that trend could be turned around.
"I don't think it's too big to fix. It will just take a little time because they waited so long to get started on it," Pitts said.
Now, the city has a plan to stop the crime with a hefty load of cash.
The mayor said he wants is to get the word out, and keep children at the playground in the community and to keep criminals out.
"We have raised our reward money from $1,000 to $5,000," Thompson said. "If it costs $5,000 to get someone off the street, it's $5,000 well spent."
Anyone with information that could help police is asked to call Silent Witness at 912-264-1333 or Brunswick Police Department's non-emergency line at 912-554-3645. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible to receive a reward.
Previous Stories:
- January 2, 2008: Fatal Shooting On New Year's Eve Ends Violent Year In Brunswick
- December 17, 2007: 14-Year-Old Charged In Stepfather's Slaying
- December 7, 2007: Brunswick Police Ask For Help With Unsolved Homicides
- October 26, 2007: Brunswick Teen Found Shot To Death
- August 20, 2007: Brunswick Teen Slaying Suspect Caught In S.C.
- August 18, 2007: 15-Year-Old Boy Killed In Glynn County Shooting
- May 24, 2007: Glynn County Police Investigate Slaying, Name Suspect
- March 21, 2007: As Slain Boy's Viewing Begins, 3 Charged With Murder