In the summer of 2016, a life was tragically cut short in Albany, Georgia. Malik Hassan McAllister, a 43-year-old African American male, was shot and killed on July 17th. The incident unfolded in the early morning hours, around 1:14 a.m., in the 1900 block of West Gordon Avenue. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing a single gunshot and then seeing McAllister staggering near the road before he collapsed. He had sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen and was transported to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The Albany Police Department's Robbery/Homicide Unit immediately began an investigation into the shooting. In the days that followed, authorities appealed to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest. Friends and family of McAllister described him as a kind-hearted man who wouldn't hurt a fly, though they acknowledged he had been going through some difficult times. Those who knew him expressed shock and sadness over his violent death, remembering him as having a joyful spirit and a love for laughter.
A significant break in the case came in August when the Albany Police Department identified Edwin Reeves Jr. as a suspect. On August 16, 2016, Reeves was arrested at an apartment on West Gordon Avenue, not far from where the shooting occurred. He was subsequently charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the death of Malik Hassan McAllister.
