When the Tables are Turned... *

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, tragedy struck close to home for Justin Baxley, the Digital Content Manager at WMAZ (Macon), when he experienced the unthinkable: the murder of his own father, Michael Baxley. The pain and anguish he endured following his father's senseless death inspired him to forge a new path in reporting on victims of such horrifying incidents.

Sitting in a quiet corner of a restaurant, Justin shared memories of his father, Michael Baxley, who often regaled him with stories of their visits to Fish Port Two. Justin fondly recalled his father's passion for the restaurant's renowned sauce, reflecting on the cherished moments they shared there. Michael's love for his son knew no bounds; he would go to great lengths to support his son and lend a helping hand to others.

The tragic incident occurred in the fall of 2017, when Michael Baxley was fatally shot, seemingly as a result of a robbery. The crime scene was marked by tape, and reporters swiftly descended upon Justin, seeking interviews and quotes for their stories. Justin was thrust into the spotlight during a time of immense grief and shock. Struggling to cope with the barrage of media attention, he found himself overwhelmed by the journalists' insensitivity and the relentless pressure of the 24-hour news cycle.

Justin's grief and pain took an even darker turn when he learned the gruesome details of his father's crime scene – a sight of unimaginable horror, one that wasn't promptly cleaned up. Unable to bear the thought of leaving his father's memory tarnished by such a grim scene, Justin, along with his cousin and an investigator, personally undertook the daunting task of cleaning up the remnants of the tragedy.

Turning his personal anguish into a catalyst for change, Justin received a fellowship from the Poynter Institute, a renowned journalism think tank. He channeled his experiences and frustrations into developing a groundbreaking approach to reporting on crime victims. Justin envisioned a resource guide to provide families grappling with similar traumatic incidents with information about available options at the local, state, and national levels.

Presenting his visionary road map to fellow journalists, law enforcement officials, and community leaders, Justin sparked a transformation in how media and society at large engage with crime victims. Sergeant Coleman Lewis, who continues to investigate Michael Baxley's case, praised Justin's efforts as an embodiment of providence, a way to foster a renewed sense of humanity in the face of unspeakable loss.

While Justin can no longer share sandwiches and stories with his father, he has harnessed his father's legacy to drive positive change. His dedication to altering the way we approach reporting on crime victims reflects his father's generous spirit and unwavering kindness. Justin believes that his father's story, if shared with the media in the aftermath of the tragedy, might have spurred someone with crucial information to come forward.

In the face of tragedy, Justin Baxley has become a beacon of resilience and change. Through his fellowship and his commitment to transforming the narrative surrounding crime victims, he's striving to honor his father's memory and ensure that others facing similar heartbreak receive the support and empathy they deserve.

H/T WMAZ