SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The Chatham County District Attorney released a statement Wednesday firing back at recent criticism of bond releases, something she said she has no say in.

Some have called out District Attorney Shalena Jones’ administration in relation to recent gun violent and deadly shootings. Most recently, elected officials have linked bond releases as the possible cause of two fatal shootings of teenagers in separate incidents last week.

Zaki Lowe was arrested in connection to the shooting death of 17-year-old Shinobi Pitts Thursday, Aug. 21. Lowe is charged with murder and aggravated assault.

attempted to locate records of Lowe being out on bond but can’t locate any to confirm.

Sixteen-year-old Alexis Milton Jr. was shot and killed on Aug. 22, but no one has been arrested at this time for his death.

Read DA Jones’ full statement here:

“The deaths of two young men over the weekend is tragic and the current cycle of violence in Savannah is alarming, it is natural to look for someone to blame. As has been reported numerous times, many of the accused are “out on bond” for previous offenses.  

Legally, bond is always determined by a sitting Judge and every American citizen has the right to ask to be free according to the US Constitution. The hard working prosecutors at the Chatham County DAs office have a long track record of opposing bond for violent offenders.  Placing a lack of accountability on the courthouse steps is the very definition of ‘the tail wagging the dog.’

I am no better able to wrestle guns out of the hands of young people than any other elected official, public or private citizen. As a community, we should be asking ourselves, not why are we letting these people offend again, but rather, why are these young people ending up in a courtroom in the first place.

The Chatham County DA’s office assures citizens, those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice. For now, we seek peace for the families who are grieving and pray for their strength moving forward in this most difficult of times. “