Police in Helena, Arkansas (pop. 10,000) have charged four people in connection with the shooting of Elijah Mondy, owner of Christian Radio KJIW-FM. He was shot while trying to help a man lying in the street 4/29. Now two adults and two juveniles are in jail, reports WREG-TV Memphis. Mondy is now in satisfactory condition after being in critical condition upon arrival at the hospital. Helena is about 50 miles south/southwest of Memphis.
Helena-West Helena Police say 20-year old Fredrick Willis was lying on the side of Porter Street early Monday morning, pretending to be hurt. Mondy and his wife stopped to help Willis, but police say that’s when Frank Ross, Junior and two juveniles came out of the darkness.
They were armed and tried to rob the Mondys. One shot was fired as Mrs. Mondy drove away and it struck her husband in the chest.
The victim’s son told WREG that his parents were just being Good Samaritans, “I just felt angry that somebody could take advantage of somebody who was trying to help them.”
The four suspects are in jail on bond ranging from 3.5-million to 4-million dollars.
Elijah Mondy III believes the high bond sends a strong message, “I think anytime a person has such disregard for somebody’s life, they shouldn’t be walking the streets. I was happy when I found out how high it was, because they’re not going to be able to make that bond.”
Since the shooting, family members have taken to the airwaves, updating KJIW listeners on their father’s condition and asking for prayers for his recovery.
Police say Fredrick Willis was identified by a driver who was nearly robbed in the same manner as the Mondys. Police say the two juveniles will be charged as adults and all are set to appear in Phillips County Circuit Court in June.
