What started out to be a day of celebrating my granddaughter’s 19th birthday instead would be a day we will never forget. Her father, Jamal Hodge, my son, was robbed and shot to death on November 5, 2016, while he attempted to sell something through a Craigslist’s ad, just two weeks short of his 39th birthday. As he met with someone on 1400 Flat Shoals Road in College Park, Georgia, he was shot multiple times and died outside of his truck.
He was a devoted Christian who raised his children to live a nonviolent life not knowing that violence would end his. He left behind a wife and six children. He worked hard to provide for his family and would give you the shirt off his back. He was a wonderful, loving person with an infectious laugh. We didn’t know of him having any enemies. Who? Why? A part of me died the day he did. I never knew a person could feel as much pain as I was feeling and wonder how do I go on! We were devastated, and his children are emotionally scarred at losing their father. Our lives will never be the same. No person/persons have been held accountable for this senseless act of violence. Our faith in God continues to push my family forward to make a difference in the lives of others by sharing our story. My son Jamal did not deserve to die like this nor does anyone else! Gun control is out of control and our voices must be heard!