MACON, Ga. — Earlier this month, people in Lokchapee Landing voiced their safety concerns after Matt Brown’s murder. Now that someone has been arrested in Brown's death, Homeowner Association president, Larry Burdge, said it offered some closure.
"I think everyone here thought it was great news. I've read several different you know things that were sent out to the community and it was either great news or wonderful news," Larry said.
His wife Jackie Burdge said the news is an exciting surprise but also heartbreaking. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office said they’ve arrested a 16-year-old for allegedly shooting and killing Brown.
"That’s the heartbreaking thing...and I think that’s what has been mentioned, too, is how can we as a city of Macon help those kids?" Jackie questioned.
Jackie said it’s scary knowing that there are armed kids out there.
“I don’t think they are old enough or mature enough to understand what they’re really doing. I don’t know if the reality of what’s happening to what they’re doing so that is really frightening," Jackie said.
The Burdges said their community was already close, but this incident has brought them even closer. Shortly after his death, the neighborhood held a candlelit vigil to remember Brown and the neighbor he was.
They even made an appearance to speak at the Bibb County Commission meeting to address their safety concerns.
Larry and Jackie said after that meeting, Macon-Bibb officials met with people in the neighborhood to hear their concerns and reassure them of the future.
"Obviously when the mayor was there the other night and Valerie Wynn, the commissioner, she was there and they were all doing their best to try to help us to try to gain some sense of security and safety in this neighborhood," Larry said.
Jackie wants people to start being neighbors to each other again.
"Don’t wait for something like this to even happen. Start being like we were years ago. Be neighbors and check up on each other," Jackie said.
Sylvia Rose-Brown, Matt's wife, is working with the Bibb County Sheriff's Department to form an on-site victims advocacy group. She said she doesn't want anyone to go through a traumatic event like this alone.