Families of Albany murder victims appeal for information

ALBANY — Victims of unsolved Albany homicides during the past year were represented by their family members at the downtown Law Enforcement Center Friday to ask members of the community to come forward with information leading to arrests.

“We’re asking members of of our community to serve as our eyes and ears,” said Albany police chief John Proctor. “Somebody knows who did these acts. Come forward and help us help you.”

Judy Randall, chairman of Albany Crime Stoppers, a community organization providing rewards to citizens providing anonymous information on crimes, said that just “three things” working together are required to eliminate local crime: the news media, local law enforcement and private citizens calling with tips on criminal activities.

“You don’t even have to give your name,” Randall said. “You just call and get a number, then call back later to see if you’ve qualified for a reward.”

According to Proctor, the city of Albany, the Albany Police Department and other organizations have recently raised a “substantial amount” of additional funds for Crime Stopper rewards, which he hopes will provide incentive for more citizens to step forward.

“Investigations can come to a standstill,” Proctor said, “But other times, if you give that little bit of information it can sometimes be all we need to make the charge. With Crime Stoppers, you don’t even have to worry about being a snitch.”

Wildmon Bryant, father of Jessica Nicole Bryant who was gunned down in her home in October, stood with the victim’s aunt, Mary Stephens, to deliver an emotional plea for information.

“I’m making an appeal to you for the sake of her family,” Bryant said. “And to the ones who pulled the trigger — Face up to it. Don’t make it harder than what it is. It doesn’t make sense to take a human life. End it now for all our sakes.”

Alfonzo Lewis, cousin to Kentrell Knighton, also slain this year, and Knighton’s sister, Jacqueline Knighton, made a similar appeal.

“On behalf of our family, if anyone has information, by coming forward and helping us solve this murder you might prevent yourself from being in our position later ,” Alfonzo Lewis said.

“We know somebody out there knows something,” said Andrew Cook, father of Anthony Cook, who was murdered in November. “You can call anonymously and we can stop this crime in Albany, Georgia. (To the criminals) Get a job. make something of your life, instead of the senseless killing that’s going on in town. We miss our son.”

Anonymous information on crimes or crime-related activities by calling Crime Stoppers at (229) 436-TIPS (8477).