Albany Mayor Proclaims 'Austin Tyler Day' to Mark 20 Years Since His Death

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – The Mayor of Albany has declared Saturday, September 21, 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 and killed by his father while outside his preschool in Dougherty County. Austin’s father, an on-duty police officer, shot Austin and Ladonna before killing himself.

In Friday’s proclamation, Mayor Dorough reaffirmed the city’s commitment to ending domestic violence.

“Therefore, I, Bo Dorough, Mayor of the City of Albany, do hereby proclaim September 21, 2024, as a day to honor the memory of Austin Tyler and recognize the lifelong contributions of Ladonna Wilkerson-Roberts through the Austin Tyler Foundation,” Dorough said.

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

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

Reporter McKenzie Blaze will have more on the proclamation as the community honors Austin’s memory on WALB News 10 at 6 p.m.

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