Family hopes for more arrests in stray bullet death of grandmother
It has been a tough return home for Kenneth Martin. He showed FOX 5's George Franco the path of the bullet that killed his mother while she was playing cards on her front porch two Monday nights ago.
"You can see the bullet hole came from down the block some 400 yards through the glass, through the hedges, through her seat. The funny thing about it is she typically doesn't sit here, she usually sits against the wall" said Kenneth Martin.
He said the fate of his mother is a painful reminder of the decline in safety in the neighborhood since his childhood here in the 60's and 70's. When FOX 5 News was present police responded to at least one shot fired nearby. It is unclear what prompted that shot on Proctor Street, but Atlanta Police said two men, Johnny Avery and Dominique Bryant were arrested and charged with felony murder for the death of Mildred Martin.
"I think that there will be more arrests involved. I think there are other people involved as I'm led to understand," said Kenneth Martin.
Rev. Herbert J. Bridgewater Jr., a chaplain with APD and Georgia Public Safety, stopped by to pay his respects. He is also an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity brother who will be attending the organization's national convention this weekend in North Carolina.
Mr. Martin will be in Atlanta at his mother's funeral.
"We're not going to plan a funeral, we're going to plan a celebration for a life well lived," said Rev. Bridgewater.
The life of Mildred Martin was known to many as 'auntie' because she always had an open door, offering food, clothing shelter, and her love.
"She just had a big heart and I'm sure she'd love to see things get better in this neighborhood," said Kenneth Martin.
Mildred Martin's funeral is scheduled for Saturday at Andrews-Chennault Funeral Home at 116 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW in Atlanta.