Residents in the Virginia Highland neighborhood said they are thrilled to hear that three men were found guilty in a violent crime spree in the area.
A jury found 19-year-old Tamario Wise, 18-year-old Robert Veal and 21-year-old Fernandez Whatley guilty Thursday in a series of crimes that occurred two years ago. The three, known as the "Jack Boys," were accused of numerous crimes, including murder, rape, armed robbery, aggravated assault, home invasion and kidnapping.
Kay Stephenson, a street captain for the neighborhood watch in Virginia Highland, says the crime spree gripped residents.
"Because this was sort of a random situation, that made it that much more scary," said Stephenson said.
The Jack Boys reign directly led to unprecedented participation in the neighborhood watch.
"I guess as the neighborhood watch coordinator, I had to somewhat view this as the silver lining in a cloud that hung over the neighborhood," said John Wolfinger.
The number of residents who signed up for email crime alerts tripled and the program that pays for off-duty police officers to patrol the area, also grew.
"It's really a dramatic, dramatic change," said Stephenson.
All that extra attention has continued to pay off. Recently when a police description of a man who was wanted for home break-ins in this area went out on social media, a woman happened to see the guy on her street. She called 911 and police arrested him right away.
"I think we're far more aware of what's going on around us every day," said Wolfinger.
Residents said that they feel safer because they know how to not make themselves open to crime and they feel they can protect themselves a little better.
The three convicted men could face decades behind bars.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:11 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:11:27 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:35 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:35:39 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:17:23 GMT
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:35:16 GMT
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country.
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country. They're stepping up to defend their neighborhood and organizing residents to form civic associations.
1551 Briarcliff Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30306
Main Number: (404) 875-5555 News Tips: (404) 898-0100
