Muskogee Mayor Asks Community To Continue Supporting Mother Of 5 Children Killed In Shooting

The Mayor of Muskogee says the community is still in shock after last week's murder of 6 people, including 5 children ages ranging from 1 to 9.

Mayor Marlon Coleman says the city has stepped up with prayers and support but says this family needs more help financially.

“We want to be certain that we send a clear message as the days go forward that we want young families to know Muskogee is a place to live work and play. Not a place we can get away with murder,” Mayor Coleman said in a press conference Wednesday.

Just last Tuesday, 5 children were shot and killed as well as 24-year-old Javarion Lee. The children's mother Brittany Anderson was also shot but she lived and is now out of the hospital and is recovering with family. The suspect, Jarron Pridgeon, is being held in jail without bond and has been charged with 6 counts of first-degree murder.

The mayor said Brittany going to need help for years. Therefore local churches are setting up a fund for Brittany as they deal with this tragedy.

"Every morning this young mother will awaken five-voice short crying out to her calling her mother. We want to stand ready as a community to support her in the long-term and hope the steps we take to support her can be used as a model to support other young mothers in our community," Coleman said.

Coleman says 100% of the proceeds will go to Brittany, who he believes will not be able to work for some time. He says he has recently spoken to Brittany’s family. They told him they are grateful for the outpouring of support but they are obviously heartbroken and in grief. Coleman also describes the children who died “full of life, and adventurous.”

Coleman is also making March a month of caring for first responders because many of them had to witness that tragic crime scene. News on 6 also spoke to the Muskogee Police Chief, Johnny Teehee, and he says mostly all the officers who worked that scene are now back on duty.

The funeral for all 6 victims is set for this Saturday at a church here in Muskogee. That funeral is private for many and friends only.