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After 16-year-old shot to death on Anthony Way, down the street, one resident decries gun violence

Win Refro has her own history with gun violence. The shooting death of Desmond Rivers down the road from her home reminds her of her brother's killing years ago.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Milledgeville police are investigating a shooting that happened Saturday afternoon on Anthony Way.

So far, three people have been charged with murder. 

Win Renfro lives just five houses down on Anthony Way from where someone shot a 16-year-old boy, Desmond Rivers, Saturday around 12:30 p.m. She says the loss of life to gun violence is devastating.

"This isn't a joke. This is someone who just lost their life. He didn't have a chance to make a family or nothing. All he could do was think about his future," Renfro said. 

The loss hits too close to home for Refro because someone shot and killed her brother, Voisel Renfro in 2017. Voisel was just 22 years old at the time. Renfro says she misses him.

"I always still like to hear his voice one more time but also like to enjoy those that are around me and have them enjoy me as well," Renfro said. 

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Renfro says the gun violence is unnecessary and "it shouldn't happen in the first place."

According to the Milledgeville Police Department, they got several calls about homes and cars being shot at. Callers described a red Dodge Charger and a dark blue blue Toyota Corolla with bullet holes. 

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the 16-year-old shot in the front seat of the blue Toyota Corolla. 

Renfro says the neighborhood isn't perfect but it is quiet. She says everyone is just trying to live their life. 

RELATED: 3 people charged in murder of 16-year-old in Milledgeville; 2 suspects on the run, police say

"Everyone over here is looking for the regular necessities. A house, food, water. Everyone is trying to make it by," Renfro said.

Renfro told 13WMAZ she was inside her home at the time of the shooting and doesn't know how it started. She feels for the mother of the teen and all those who have lost someone. She hopes everyone will take a step back and change their life. 

"Are you really going to listen to the signs? Are you going to see the improvement in yourself? Are you going to look yourself in the eye and actually tell yourself the truth like hey this is enough, this is not right," Renfro said.

In a press release, the MIlledveille Police Department says they have charged three people — aged 14 to 18 — in the murder of Rivers. 

18-year-old Derquavious Kier, 17-year-old Dillion Chapman and a 14-year-old have been charged with murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and four counts of aggravated assault. 

Credit: Milledgeville Police Department
Police are looking for Derquavious Kier and a 14-year-old in the shooting death of 16-year-old Desmond Rivers

So far, Chapman has been arrested but Kier and the 14-year-old are still on the run. 

If you have any information, the Milledgeville Police Department says you can call the department's detective bureau at 478-414-4090 and request to speak to lead detective Nick Reonas. 

They also say you can send anonymous tips at 478-414-4413 or by calling the Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 478-742-2330.

More than a Number:

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More Than A Number is a Poynter-Stand Together award-winning project by Justin Baxley designed to help families of loved ones impacted by tragedy and trauma interact with journalists in a less intrusive way. Families are able to fill out a form about their family and also receive an in-depth guide on the next steps.

More Than A Number officially launched in August with a streaming special available on 13WMAZ+ for on-demand streaming. For any questions or concerns about More Than A Number, contact us here at the following email: MoreThanANumber@13wmaz.com.

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