MACON, Ga. — It was a typical Monday morning at Daybreak, Macon's homeless day center. People were being fed, and taking showers. But one man's presence was missing who's typically there.
"Ken Knight was kind a gentle man," Daybreak Assistant Director Rhonda Williams said.
Albert Knight is the man who the Bibb County Sheriff's Office said died in a Macon alley on May 26. They said he was hit in the head repeatedly and believe he died from blunt force trauma.
"Oh, we were devastated. Absolutely devastated because he was such a kind man, stayed to himself, never bothered anyone," Williams said.
She said Knight had been coming to Daybreak on a daily basis for several years. He died less than a mile from Daybreak, in an alley near Poplar and Second Street.
Williams said other homeless people who visit Daybreak held a memorial for him on Friday. People shared stories and prayers, and they shared this concern about their friend.
"It could've been me, some people said. You know, 'I sleep on the street too. And that could've been me.' And it was a real worry and concern for them," Williams said.
According to research published in the journal, Violence and Victims, about 14% to 21% of homeless people have been victims of violence. That's seven to 10 times more likely than the general population.
Brandon James works as a security guard at Daybreak.
"There is a sense of vulnerability for our homeless people," James said.
He said he was at the memorial for Knight and also heard people voice safety concerns.
"There are a few people who still remain downtown who felt like they could be next, or it could've happened to them," James said.
He said he's always talked about safety with the people at Daybreak. But he said reminding people about safety tips is more important now, than ever.
"I recommend that they stay in pairs. Stay in familiar areas. And if they do go to these private properties, I say talk to the property owners," James said.
The Bibb County Sheriff's Office said Knight was asleep when he was attacked on May 26. They've released a video of who they're looking for as a suspect in the investigation. You can view that video here.
If you know anything about Knight's homicide, or recognize the man in the video, you can call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 or the Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.