Avondale celebrates one full year without a homicide

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Avondale neighborhood in East Chattanooga has historically dealt with violence.

However, a milestone has been reached today that community leaders say is a sign things are changing for that area.

It has been a full year since there was a recorded homicide in the Avondale neighborhood.

This is defined by Chattanooga Police’s Zone 3, which is bounded by Wilcox Boulevard, Citico Avenue, Missionary Ridge, and Holtzclaw Avenue.

The last recorded homicide was on May 1, 2024 outside of the Bayberry Apartments, where two young men were shot and killed.

Community activist Norman Kerr said, “We got a win. But what’s next? We need a win today, because today is day 366. If we can get through today, and then tomorrow. Let’s focus on today. What do we need to get through today without any homicides?”

Leaders attribute the success to the 423 Chainbreakers, who are a group of former inmates who mentor young people to help equip them with the tools needed to avoid a tragic ending.

Chris Sands, who heads up Chattanooga’s gun violence prevention task force, said, “Some of them have paid their debts to society, and now they are out giving back to the community which is great for the opportunity to see a decrease through programming, through wraparound services, through mental health opportunities, and through job opportunities.”

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly pointed out today at the Avondale Community Center that there’s a lot of statistics to keep up with how much violence going on.

However, he says there’s not a lot of statistics to show when violence reduction is working.

Thursday, on the other hand, does provide that statistic.

The group is funded by the city of Chattanooga, who say that this group is giving the young generation a chance.

Mayor Kelly said, “These guys, these chain breakers are by definition have been guys who have been in trouble before, come back after touching that hot stove and are telling kids, “Don’t do that, it doesn’t end well. It ends in two places, either jail or a coffin.”

Chattanooga Police Chief John Chambers says that this work is proof that fixing crime needs to come from a community based approach.

Chief Chambers said, “The violence we have experienced, at least throughout my career here in Chattanooga has never been a policing problem… Today we see the proof that it’s not. What it is, it’s a community problem.”

One area leaders say has been critical for dealing with this issue has been treating mental health and trauma.

Mental health professional Ruben Muriente said, “Find better ways to have our opinions be heard, but not necessarily have our opinions felt in the community through violence.”

The initiative plans to expand to other neighborhoods across the city who have suffered issues with crime.