COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A Columbus mother is appealing for justice in her son’s death and asking for gang violence in the community to stop. Her 18-year-old son was shot and killed while sitting in a vehicle at a busy intersection two years ago.

Sharlene Sumrell’s son, Jermaine Thirkield, was shot and killed Nov. 21, 2023. He was a front passenger in a black SUV when his friend was driving. They were ambushed with gunfire near Shatulga and Macon Roads. The friend was also injured but survived.

“I think it was approximately over 30 shell casings located at the scene,” said Sergeant Demetrius Battle, lead investigator with the Columbus Police Department’s violent crimes unit.

Battle said he believes the victims were targeted. They were in the process of moving to another residence and had

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