ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The family of the 18-year-old who was shot and killed in Albany Saturday is remembering the life of their loved one, and calling for an end to gun violence.

According to an incident report released by the Albany Police Department (APD), witnesses say they heard seven to eight gunshots the day Christian Jones was gunned down on 11th Avenue in Albany.

“He’s a wonderful person, and I know most of all we lifted him up to God. So he’s a child of God,” Pamela Hagan, the grandmother of Christian, said. “It hurts me because of what happened to him; it shouldn’t have happened. This has taken a lot out of us.”

As of now, four people are in custody in connection with the killing. 18-year-old Chasside Balkcom, her brother 17-year-old Skyler Balkcom, their grandmother 51-year-old Tharia Harrell, and 18-year-old Makhail Watson.

Authorities say they need the public’s help finding 16-year-old Dykerrius Patterson, as warrants for murder and aggravated assault have been issued for his arrest.

“It’s time to put the guns down,” Jose Jones, the brother of Christian, said. “A lot of people are losing their lives to guns, to violence. I just want to take a stand, put the guns down.”

On Wednesday, WALB learned from family that Jones was dating Chasside Balkcom. According to police, there was an apparent altercation involving several individuals that resulted in the shooting.

Those closest to Jones say he took part in media at church, songs for praise and worship, and read church confessions.

“We believe in God, and God said do not touch my anointed,” Shatoria Butler, Christian’s sister, said. “He is with the Lord, and I take solace in that fact.”

Dougherty County District Attorney Greg Edwards says that a “ghost gun”, which is a homemade firearm that generally lacks a serial number, was found at the scene where Jones was killed.

The DA says he wants to remind people that having a gun as such can bring federal and state charges.

“The different issues are number one, the legality of having a ghost gun. As a general safety issue, using a ghost gun is an issue as it could have defects in your assembly thereof,” DA Edwards said. “If you’re putting your life and your self-defense on the line with such a weapon, that is ill-advised.”

The family and police are asking anyone with information regarding this case, or the whereabouts of 16-year-old Dykerrius Patterson, to please give APD a call at (229) 431-2100.

Remember, tips can be made anonymously through the APD mobile app.

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