ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The mayor of Albany has declared Saturday, Sept. 21 as Austin Tyler Day. The day marks 20 years since four-year-old Austin and his mother, Ladonna, were victims of domestic violence.

On September 21, 2004, Austin was shot to death by his father as he stood outside his preschool in Dougherty County. Austin’s father, an on-duty police officer, shot both Austin and Ladonna before committing suicide.

During Friday’s proclamation, Mayor Dorough went on to reaffirm the city’s commitment to ending domestic violence.

“Now therefore I, Bo Dorough, mayor of the city of Albany, do hereby proclaim September 21, 2024, as the day to honor memory of Austin Tyler, and recognize the impactful contributions of Ladonna Wilkerson-Roberts through the Austin Tyler Foundation,” Dorough said.

He encourages all citizens to educate themselves about domestic violence, support local initiatives and resources, and stand in solidarity with survivors.

Austin’s mother, Ladonna, lived through the shooting and advocates for victims through the “Austin Tyler Foundation.”

Reporter McKenzie Blaze will have more on this proclamation as the community honors the memory of Austin on WALB News 10 at 6.

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