MAGEE, Miss. — Gunfire on Magee’s northeast side has once again left residents with questions about safety, trust and what happens next.
The Magee Police Department responded at approximately 9:30 p.m. following reports of a shooting at Jacob’s Crossing at Woodgate Apartments, near the Goodwater community. No one was hurt.
But the latest gunfire has brought a larger conversation back into focus: How do you stop the cycle of violence when people may be afraid to come forward, residents say they want more police visibility and community leaders are being asked what can be done differently?
Police Chief Denis J. Borges said investigators believe the latest shooting is connected to other shootings.
“We do believe this shooting is connected to the other recent shootings, and we will continue investigating those connections,” Borges said.
Because the investigation remains active, Borges said he cannot publicly discuss evidence recovered, possible suspects or vehicles, or whether a particular person or property was targeted.
“Releasing those details could affect the case,” he said.
Investigators will continue gathering information and evidence. Borges said crime-lab results can take time, but the department will continue following the case.
Officers are also giving the northeast side extra patrol attention.
Borges also had a direct message for anyone who may have information but is hesitant to come forward.
“Victims will continue to be victims when the people hurting them can count on their silence,” Borges said. “Every time someone speaks up, it gets harder for a shooter to hide behind that silence.”
Borges acknowledged that some people may hesitate to cooperate because they are concerned about retaliation.
He said the department does not publicly release the names of people who come forward and takes retaliation concerns seriously.
Anyone with information can call the Magee Police Department at (601) 849-2366 or message the department directly through Facebook.
Borges said the department’s Messenger is monitored only by him and one other person he trusts.
Harper: Goodwater deserves action
Ward 4 Alderman Julian Harper said he has a message for residents who are worried about what comes next.
“I understand the fear because this is home for me too,” Harper said. “I’m not going to tell people to simply be patient.”
Harper said he wants to see a focused response in Goodwater, including more communication with residents, attention to problem areas and regular follow-up when incidents occur.
“People deserve to know what is being done and whether it is working,” he said.
Goodwater residents have raised concerns about whether their neighborhood receives the same security focus or rapid-response attention as other areas.
Harper said he does not believe Goodwater residents are being overlooked.
Instead, he said he makes it a priority to listen to residents, understand their concerns and take those concerns directly to his colleagues at City Hall.
His focus includes practical measures such as better lighting, cameras where needed, infrastructure improvements, patrol visibility and identifying problem areas residents want addressed.
Harper also said public-safety spending should come with accountability.
“If we invest in something to improve safety, we should be able to come back and ask, ‘Did it work?’” he said.
He wants public-safety efforts to reach the neighborhoods where people live, not simply the areas with the most traffic.
“To me, public safety means being proactive, not waiting until another incident happens,” Harper said.
Looking beyond the next shooting
The conversation also extends beyond what happens when police respond to a shooting.
Harper said addressing violence requires looking at opportunities available to young people and the relationship between the community and law enforcement.
“We need more opportunities for our kids, sports, recreation, mentorship, education and job opportunities, but we also need a strong law-enforcement presence and relationship with the community,” Harper said.
He is continuing conversations around a Boys & Girls Club-type resource and stronger youth programming.
Harper said prevention and accountability have to work together.
“We need both sides of this,” he said. “Accountability when crimes are committed and prevention that gives our young people a different path before they ever get to that point.”
Building trust with residents is another part of the conversation.
Harper said the city needs to make it easier and safer for people to come forward by making sure residents know how to report information, what anonymous options are available and who they can contact.
But he said trust has to be earned through action.
“If we ask people to trust us, we have to show them through our actions that their safety and their information matter,” Harper said.
Harper also said city leaders need to be honest about what has and has not worked in the past.
He said officials have met, talked with the appropriate people and put a game plan in place.
Now, he said, the important part is following through, monitoring what happens and being willing to make adjustments if something is not working.
“I believe the community deserves to see action, communication and accountability, not just promises,” Harper said.
Harper said his focus is on what happens beyond the immediate response to another shooting.
“My goal is not just to respond to the next shooting,” Harper said. “I want to see measurable progress in Ward 4, and I believe the people who live there deserve to hold all of us accountable for getting there.”
And Harper had one final message for the community he represents.
“Goodwater is home to me. I’m going to keep showing up, asking questions and pushing for results, not just promises.”
Magee police are continuing to investigate the latest shooting and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
More from Ward 4 Alderman Julian Harper tomorrow
There is much more to Harper’s thoughts on safety in Goodwater and throughout Ward 4.
Tomorrow, The People’s Paper MS will publish our full Q&A with Harper, where he talks about gun violence, neighborhood safety, police visibility, resources for Ward 4, building trust with residents, youth programs and what he believes needs to happen next.
We asked the questions. Tomorrow, you can read his answers.
