Civil Rights Group Demands Answers After Cherry Tree Crossing Shooting

Civil Rights Group Demands Answers After Cherry Tree Crossing... (Added: December 18, 2008)

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Civil Rights Group Demands Answers After Cherry Tree Crossing Shooting

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference marched through the Cherry Tree Crossing community to protest the shooting of Justin Elmore. It says Richmond County deputies overreacted and the group is demanding answers. The Sheriff say Elmore was a drug dealer and had drugs and weapons in his vehicle. Elmore more died Tuesday from his injuries. There have been several nights of unrest among residents following the shooting and Elmore's passing. Count on Renita Crawford for the latest in this developing story.

By: WJBF Staff | WJBF-TV
Published: December 18, 2008

(Augusta) – Members of the Southern Conference Leadership Conference are demanding answers after two officers shot and killed alleged drug dealer Justin Elmore in the Cherry Tree Crossing community.

James Ivery is president of the local chapter of the SCLC.

Ivery: “If there is an illegal killing in Cherry Tree Crossing by the Richmond County Sheriff's Department. The SCLC, The National Action Network, the NAACP we will address this problem.”

The Sheriff says deputies shot Elmore when he refused to stop. Officers say he used his SUV as a weapon to try to run over them.

Yusuf Shahid lived in Cherry Tree Crossing, and knew Elmore.

Yusuf Shahid: “If the officer’s lives were in jeopardy, why did they not shoot the tires out? What's the protocol for this type of incident? We're asking all people, regardless of your nationality, your religion, or whatever, to come and support this issue to stop this madness.”

A candlelight vigil was held in Elmore's memory, Tuesday, after news of his death. But a short time later, unrest once again descended on the neighborhood.

State troopers and the SWAT team worked to restore order.

Wednesday, Ivery called for calm from residents and asked them to let the SCLC and other civil rights groups work to get answers.

Ivery: “We cannot do anything angry. We cannot solve anything by burning down dumpsters. We cannot do anything by throwing rocks and bottles at the police.”

Shahid and Ivery want to know why they haven't seen other elected officials.

Shahid: “Deke Copenhaver came prior to him being elected and drank with us at the Sunset reunion, but has not sent anyone with us to talk to us.

Ivery: “The Mayor should have been here when it first happened, but he's not. Where is the Mayor?"