ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Albany Police Chief Michael Persley could not hide his dismay Monday, Dec. 29 as he addressed residents about a ream of violent crimes this December.

“We asked for a peaceful holiday season as we move into 2026—That did not happen. I will list several cases that occurred over the past week. Again, it’s highly disturbing that, within our community, people use firearms to settle disputes,“ Chief Persley said.

There have been 23 homicides recorded in Albany this year according to the Albany Police Department (APD). That is compared to 16 in 2024.

Just the week of Christmas, there were four shootings, including one that killed a teen whom Chief Persley identified on Dec. 29 as Jazian Harris (17). Sunday, Dec. 28, there were two more shootings, one of them killing Lovontray Mikal Sims (31) at Bethel Apartments.

“I will tell you that our future is being depleted by these actions. Whether injuries or actual deaths—We are losing our future generation. At times, it feels like we are standing still while it’s happening," Chief Persley said.

December 23

On Dec. 23, at around 11:48 p.m., police said they responded to the 1700 block of West Broad Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a 17-year-old male deceased at the scene. That 17-year-old was identified as Jazian Harris. In addition, four other juveniles, ranging from the ages of 15 to 17 years old, suffered gunshot wounds, according to APD.

Chief Persley announced that three of the other four shooting victims are in Macon still recovering from their injuries. He said the shooting stemmed from a birthday party.

December 24

On Dec. 24 around 8 p.m., a 23-year-old man was walking in the 800 block of Cotton Avenue when he was approached by two people and shot multiple times, according to police. The teen survived and is listed as stable.

Also on Dec. 24: Around 10:22 p.m. in the 2300 Block of West Gordon, a 25-year-old female and a male suspect reportedly exchanged gunfire after the man attempted to kick in the woman’s apartment door. No injuries were reported, according to APD.

December 25

Around 6 a.m. on Dec. 25, a 37-year-old man was shot in the abdomen in the 1000 Block of Whitney Avenue, police said. Another 37-year-old was also shot in the 300 block of South Cleveland in the arm. Investigators later charged the same suspect, David Jerome Payton, in both shootings. Police are still looking for Payton on charges of aggravated assault.

December 28

At 11:45 p.m. on Dec. 28., officers said they responded to the Bethel Apartments on Swift Street and found two Black males with gunshot wounds. Lavontray Mikhail Sims (31) later died, APD said. The other victim was transported to the hospital and is stable, according to APD.

Around 3:30 a.m. on Dec 28., gunshots were reported in the 1400 Block of Drexel Street. A woman reported that she was asleep inside a home when a suspect pulled up and shot several rounds through the home. No injuries were reported. Police said they believe the home was not the intended target.

“It’s a vicious cycle that we’re all on. How do we get off? How do we stop? How do we get a person just to say, ‘You know what, I know that person made me mad, but I am going to leave it alone?’”

Anyone with information about any of the cases above is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 229-436-TIPS, the Albany Police Department at 229-431-2100 or to submit an anonymous tip through the APD App.

Watch the full Dec. 29 APD press conference here:

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