‘I just need some kind of closure’: Mother pleads for information after son’s death at a Hinesville park

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) - 18-year-old JaMonta’e Barnes was shot and killed while hanging out with around 25 to 30 teens after the park closed, and his mother, Tillia, wants justice.

Another female teen was also injured in the shooting at Irene Thomas Park. Barnes was found with gunshots between two large trees near the Edna T. Frasier Pavilion on Sunday night.

His mom, Tillia Barnes, had a simple message on Tuesday afternoon -- say something. She said she understands the fear of going to the police, but wants people to know they can go to her first, and then go to the police to get justice.

“I ain’t going to tell them your name or nothing. Tell me. I just need some kind of closure.”

It’s been a difficult two days for Barnes and her family, who are from North Carolina. They were with Barnes, going up to people in cars, people living nearby, and checking cameras to find out any information they could at this time.

Trying to get answers.

“If I got to get out here and knock on everybody’s door to find out what I need to find out, I’m going to find it out.”

She said she tried her best to raise him and his two siblings. He was 18 years old, and Barnes said he had a job lined up in Savannah to make $15 an hour starting next month.

The Hinesville Police Department said a flyer was going around social media asking people to go to a house party on Sharon Street, about 400 feet away from where JaMonta’e was found with gunshot wounds.

They said on Tuesday morning that it is related to the gathering after the park closed.

“We’ve got to monitor who our kids are with y’all, who they’re hanging with, and we’ve got to make sure our kids out of the streets somehow.”

His younger sister said she’s lost her best friend, and his youngest sister, who is 10 years old, is processing the significant loss.

Barnes intends to have a balloon release ceremony soon to honor his life. They also have not set up a GoFundMe to help with costs during this time.

“Everybody going to think what they want to think, but he’s my baby, and I love him,” she said. “That was my only boy. I could get out here and retaliate, but why? God got the last say on what happens.”

Hinesville Police continues its search for the suspect.