Community leaders seeks solutions for Albany gun violence

Dontie Mitchell also known as Mfalme Sikivu was sent to prison at the age of 17. He was granted clemency in 2021 after serving more than 20 years incarcerated. “One of the things that led me to going to prison was lack of adult support,” he said.

Now he has a youth program to help at risks youth. He says he’s disturbed by the recent string of violence we’ve seen in the city, but not surprised. “It’s sad, he said. This is going to happen again if no decisive action is taken.

He said from his experience when their are activities and programs for the youth they flourish.

In response to the three separate homicides in Albany, Pastor Charlie Muller from Victory Church is offering $5,000 to anyone with information. “They can call the church we will talk to them. It will be all confidential and then we will bring that to the police department, and we will see how justice can take place,” said Muller.

Mfalme says more preventative measures need to be in place. He says if more money is allocated to programs like his it can make a difference in saving a life.