Grandfather speaks out about grandson's murder

CREATED Sep. 24, 2012

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  • This marks the 18th homicide investigation for Fort myers police this year. The grandfather of the victims speaks with Fox 4. Video by fox4now.com

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FORT MYERS, Fla. - Fort Myers Police Chief Doug Baker says this most recent murder is not gang-related. But it's going to take a community to end the violence captivating the city.

Willie McBride says he's outraged by the horrible scene, where his grandson 19-year-old Jamaris Williams lay dying outside 2157 Davis Ct. 

"My grandsons, i'm not saying they're no goody-too-shoes but I'm saying they are kids," said McBride.

Jamaris along with his brother, Tommy, 18, and friend Paul Baldwin, 19, were shot during a drive-by shooting before 10 p.m. Sunday night. Jamaris's death now marking the 18th homicide in the city of Fort Myers. Fourteen remain unsolved.

"If the witnesses would come forward that we have spoken to who wish to remain anonymous , i could clear half our homicides this afternoon," said Chief Baker about whether there's enough cooperation from the community to help solve these murders.

And Chief Baker says that includes last night's homicide, for which he's identified a suspect.

"For a witness to come forward and tell us what they may know and what they saw, would move this along, i honestly feel we would make an arrest in the next 24 hours," explained Baker.

Fort Myers City Councilman Levon Sims agrees saying his community is too apathetic to come forward.

"We can use the police as a scapegoat, but that's just it, it's a scapegoat," said Simms. "It's not just the police department."

But for this distraught grandfather, the violence isn't going anywhere until police can show more compassion.

"The only way you can stop the violence is for the police department to do their job," said McBride. "Besides trying to be an officer, be a person who says 'well, I've got a family, too.'"

Jamaris's brother Tommy and Baldwin were treated at Lee Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. And f you have any information about this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-(800) 780 tips.