Gun Law Anniversary: Graveyard Shooting

AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - At approximately 1:15 pm on May 12, deputies responded to a shooting at Cedar Grove Cemetery on the 100 block of Watkins Street. Upon arrival deputies found Theron Wilson, age 43, a supervisor with Trees and Parks for the City who was shot one time in the abdomen and was conscious and alert. Wilson was transported to GRU by ambulance for treatment. Not the best way to celebrate the first anniversary of HB 60 known as “gun everywhere.”

The suspect, Ed Willie Jordan Jr, age 47 of the 300 block of East Boundary fled the scene on a bicycle, according to the official report.

Jordan is an employee of the City.

Deputies and Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office took Jordan into custody on the 1600 block of Gordon Hwy around 3:20 p.m. where he was still riding the bicycle. Jordan is currently being interviewed and charges are pending.

According to Augusta City Officials, Jordan had not been terminated, but had been sent home for the day after an earlier disagreement with the victim.

The incident occurred on time of the anniversary of the passing of the law, HB 60, that allows gun owners to carry their licensed fire arm in most places, even churches. The cemetery is located two blocks from the Richmond County Sheriff Office.

The Georgia GOP is holding its convention in Athens this weekend and is not clear if delegates will be permitted to carry their guns during deliberations.

The law that went into effect July 1, 2014, was overwhemly supported by the supermajority Republicans in the General Assembly and signed by Governor Nathan Deal during a ceremony and surrounded by gun enthusiasts in April last year.

Also, for taxpayers in Richmond County is not clear if guns should be allowed at the graveyard, specially among city employees. The incident report did not mention a motive of the altercation and if the accused person is a licensed gun owner.

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