May 22, 2007
Media Contact: Jenn Meale
Phone: (850) 245-0150
McCollum Issues Statement on Child's Death In Bradenton
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollum today released the following statement regarding the gang-related death of a nine-year old child in Manatee County last night:
“My sincere condolences are with the family of Stacy Williams III as they grieve the sudden and senseless loss of their young child. It is a true tragedy when the violence associated with organized gangs spills over into the surrounding community and takes the lives of innocent children.
“We cannot allow this dangerous and destructive behavior to persist in our state. As Florida’s Attorney General, I will continue to work closely with our law enforcement agencies, school officials, community leaders, and other groups of vested individuals to develop a statewide strategy addressing gang violence and eliminate this type of organized crime. We owe it to Stacy and countless victims before him to drive these organizations out of Florida.”