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 2:23 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:23:35 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 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:36 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:28:25 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:24 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:24:23 GMT
Atlanta fire crews are battling a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown.
Atlanta fire crews battled a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown on Wednesday morning. Authorities say the fire sparked at United Transmission Service, which is located at 350 Marietta Street NW.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:53:01 GMT
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Tuesday morning.
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Wednesday morning. Fire crews say the bus stalled on the railroad tracks in downtown Decatur, and those onboard had just seconds to get out before an oncoming train hit it.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
