The Statesboro community is mourning the tragic loss of a teenager after a fatal shooting at Pinewood Manor Apartments on Tuesday night, January 14th, 2025. The incident claimed the life of 17-year-old Nasir Johnson and left two 16-year-old boys injured. One of the injured teens was airlifted to Memorial Health in Savannah and is currently in stable condition, while the other was treated locally and released.
The Statesboro Police Department acted swiftly, arresting a 14-year-old male juvenile on Wednesday, January 15th. The juvenile has been charged with one count of murder and two counts of aggravated assault. Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a physical altercation between two groups within the apartment complex.
In the wake of this senseless tragedy, a group of concerned citizens gathered at the Bulloch County Courthouse square on Wednesday afternoon to speak out against the ongoing violence plaguing their community. Among those in attendance was Tralayia Prince, a local activist and founder of the Save Our Youth Movement.
Prince spoke passionately about the need to create safe and productive spaces for the city’s youth. “These kids don’t have anything to do or anywhere to go,” she explained. “If they don’t have that, it leads them to making poor choices.”
Prince emphasized that the violence in the community affects more than just the families of the victims. “When things like this happen, it doesn’t only affect one family, it affects two. It affects the person who is deceased and the person who committed the act. We have to take a stand.”
Prince’s commitment to her community runs deep, shaped by her own experiences growing up in Statesboro. At the age of 14, she lost her mother, a devastating event that led her down a path of poor decisions and eventual incarceration in 1993. Reflecting on her journey, Prince said, “I turned to a life of crime instead of accepting the mental health counseling services and help that were offered to me. I didn’t want to be seen as different. I want kids today to know that it’s okay to be different and to get help, especially with your mental health.”
Prince’s personal struggles have fueled her drive to make a difference in the lives of young people. In 2023, she received the NAACP President’s Award for her efforts to combat gun violence and support vulnerable youth. That same year, she co-organized the “Unity in the Community March to End Gun Violence,” held a winter coat drive for local children, and hosted a Community Impact Day to connect residents with resources and services.
Now, through her nonprofit organization, Save Our Youth Movement, she is focused on long-term solutions like increasing access to affordable sports leagues, promoting literacy, and destigmatizing mental health services.
The gathering location, downtown Statesboro, was intentionally chosen for its visibility.
“Downtown is the heart of the city,” Prince explained. “Most people pass through here. We want them to see that we’re taking a stand for our kids and our community.” The gathering drew attention not only to the recent tragedy but also to the broader issue of gun violence that has affected families throughout the city.
"Our community is heartbroken over the loss of life of Nasir Johnson. Whenever an event like this happens it sheds so much light on the fact that there is so much more work that needs to be done. As a community, we must all come to the conclusion that this is an all of us matter that has no singular solution, yet requires all of us to do a little," said Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar.
The tragic death of Nasir Johnson and the arrest of a 14-year-old suspect have left Statesboro reeling. Community members are calling for action to ensure the safety and well-being of the city’s youth. Prince’s message is clear: “Our youth are our future. Love them, guide and coach them, give them compassion and respect.”
The Statesboro Police Department continues to investigate the incident and encourages anyone with information to contact Senior Detective Dustin Cross at 912-764-9911 or submit anonymous tips through the Statesboro PD website at https://statesboropd.com/ using the "Submit a Tip" link.
Meanwhile, Prince and other community leaders are determined to turn this moment of grief into a catalyst for change. By addressing the underlying issues that lead to violence, they hope to prevent similar tragedies and build a brighter future for Statesboro’s youth.
