NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The mother of a Nashville teen killed in a July 2017 drive-by shooting said she has some closure knowing police arrested her son's accused killer.
Metro police arrested 22-year-old Tevin Griffin Wednesday afternoon. He's accused of the first degree murder of 15-year-old Jaezoine Woods in the J.C. Napier public housing.
Shamika Woods said on Wednesday, she got a call from a Metro Nashville police detective who told her about Griffin's arrest. She was getting ready to head to her second job and said she couldn't go because she was too emotional.
"I do see it as some form of justice and I'm glad that they off the street and that they won't hurt nobody else. I knew this day was coming because I had prayed and cried and prayed and cried and prayed and cried and it's finally here and my baby he's got his wings now. He finally can get some peace," Woods said.
Police said Griffin was out on bond for a February 2017 murder. Woods questioned why Griffin was out in the first place and blames the justice system.
"The system. Why is he even out? My son is the third person he killed. Why is he even out? I don't even know this guy until I saw his picture on the news. You just ripped a whole family a part. I ain't the only one lost. His family lost too," she said.
Woods said she plans to go to every court hearing for Griffin. She will continue to fight for justice for her son.
"He's still my child even though he ain't hear. He's still mine and I'm going to do what a mother has to do and ride with her child all the way and I hope he never sees daylight ever again. Just hurting people for no reason," she said.
Former Nashville mayor Megan Barry went on social media on Thursday and reacted to Griffin's arrest.
On July 2017, after Jaezoine was killed Barry comforted Woods. Days later, Barry's son Max died after an overdose and the roles were reversed.
"Today I am grateful that Jaezoine's family may finally have justice....And I will keep praying for redemption," Barry said.
Woods said she considers the former mayor a life-long friend.
"So if I call her, if I need her, she's going to be right by my side that's why I love her cause she's so down to earth. She understands everything that I'm going through," Woods said.
Woods said neither her son nor Griffin had the chance to fully grow up. Griffin is scheduled to appear in court on June 19 at 1:00 p.m.
