Marcus Tibbs and Georgia Smith are facing a series of firsts this holiday season. They were shocked to find themselves among the victims of a crime. Tibbs received a call from his father on Saturday morning informing him that his car had been stolen and set ablaze. As he walked outside and saw the empty spot, a rush of emotions overwhelmed him. Looking at the vehicle, he realized there was nothing salvageable and that there wasn't much they could do. This is just the latest in a crime trend we've been reporting on throughout the year - older model Kias and Hyundais being targeted and set on fire across the Metro area. "Instant heartbreak," said Smith. "That was our car, and now we don't have one." Now, they are trying to decide on the best next step. Should they move away from where the crime occurred to a safer place, which would cost them several hundred dollars more per month? Or should they get another car, hoping that it won't meet the same fate? They are grateful to be safe and that most of their holiday shopping is over, but they still can't understand why someone would do such a thing. "The time of the season," said Smith. "To do something like this to somebody is just crazy." Metro Police are actively investigating the theft and subsequent fire. A GoFundMe has been set up to assist the family with the cost of a new car.
Understanding the Victims' Dilemma
Marcus Tibbs and Georgia Smith find themselves in a difficult situation. On one hand, moving to a safer location would provide them with a sense of security but would come at a significant financial cost. On the other hand, getting another car means taking a risk, especially considering the recent trend of Kias and Hyundais being targeted. They are torn between these two options, each with its own pros and cons. Tibbs explains, "If we move somewhere safer, we'll have to deal with the higher monthly expenses. But if we get another Kia or Hyundai, we're worried that the same thing might happen again." Smith adds, "It's a tough decision to make. We just want to move on and get our lives back to normal."The Impact on Their Lives
The theft and fire of their car have had a profound impact on Marcus Tibbs and Georgia Smith. Not only do they now have to deal with the loss of their vehicle, but they also have to consider the financial implications. As they try to figure out their next move, they are constantly reminded of the incident. Tibbs says, "It's hard to forget seeing your car like that. It's a constant reminder of what happened and the sense of violation we feel." Smith agrees, "We're just trying to move forward, but it's not easy. Every time we see a car like ours, it brings back those painful memories."The Investigation and Hope for Justice
Metro Police are working hard to investigate the theft and fire. They are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. Tibbs and Smith are hopeful that the police will be able to solve the case and provide them with some closure. Tibbs says, "We appreciate the police's efforts and hope that they can catch the person who did this. It will give us some peace of mind." Smith adds, "We just want to know why someone would do something like this. It's hard to understand." In the meantime, they are relying on the support of their community and the GoFundMe campaign to help them get through this difficult time and get a new car.