Grove Street Community Advocate Seeks Law Reform to Protect Witnesses

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – “The fear that’s in our community is real,” says Kevin Muhammad of The Community Haven.
Police say dozens of people witnessed a shooting that killed two women during an outdoor party in September. But it’s been nearly a month. And no one will speak out.

“Fresh on a lot of peoples’ minds, particularly on the Westside, is what happened to Bianca Horton who came forward to be a witness and the system failed her. And she was killed unfortunately and people remember that,” says Muhammad.

The fear of retaliation is so real, there are growing cash rewards of over $9,000 and still no suspects. The Community Haven has raised over eight thousand of that but Muhammad says it’s the legal system that needs to change.

“People have to know and be assured that their safety, and not only their safety but their family’s safety, is important. Their lives are valued,” says Muhammad.

Muhammad says when they raise ten thousand dollars, they will approach both the city and county governments to match the funds – and open a conversation about truly protecting witnesses.

“You have to be serious now about making sure the lives of those that come forward are valued and protected,” says Muhammad.

In a separate reward, Chattanooga Police, with a Crime Stoppers partnership, are allowing witnesses to remain anonymous and still receive $1,000, requiring no conviction of the suspect, only an arrest.

We called the Crime Stoppers tip line today and waited on hold for ten minutes before hanging up.
Donations to The Community Haven can be made on their website at communityhavenchattanooga.org.