Fighting for Justice
Fighting for Justice
In a case that shook the University of Georgia community to its core, Tritavious Malik Harris was sentenced to 63 years in prison for the brutal attack of a 19-year-old UGA student in September 2021. This sentencing, handed down by Judge Lisa Lott, marks a critical moment not only for the victim but also for the broader conversation on campus safety and justice.
Harris stalked the young woman from downtown Athens to the North Campus Parking Deck in the early hours of the morning, where he viciously attacked her, leaving her unconscious on the cold concrete. She laid there for an agonizing amount of time before help arrived. The fact that UGA police, despite the resources at their disposal, didn’t have the necessary real-time surveillance at this location raises serious questions about how institutions can do better to prevent such horrific incidents.
What adds to the complexity of this case is the disparity in sentencing recommendations. The Western Circuit District Attorney sought 40 years, while the defense attorney argued for a mere 18-year sentence. It is beyond disturbing to think that a public defender could push for such a lenient sentence after the violence and trauma inflicted on the victim. Fortunately, Judge Lott saw the gravity of the crime and imposed the maximum sentence allowed under the law. Her decision sends a clear message: violent crimes like these will not be minimized or brushed aside in her courtroom.
However, this case highlights a crucial issue we must confront as a society—the battle for justice doesn’t end when the attacker is caught. It continues in the courtroom, where sentences are debated, and victims' trauma is often downplayed. It’s up to us to stand behind those who seek the justice they deserve.
Demanding Better Protection
As we reflect on this case, it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect students. The absence of real-time surveillance in such a high-traffic area as the North Campus Parking Deck raises critical concerns. How many more tragedies must happen before we demand proper security measures on our campuses?
UGA police and university leadership must prioritize student safety through better security infrastructure. Integrating round-the-clock real-time surveillance cameras in parking decks and other high-risk areas should be a basic standard of care for all universities. This situation highlights the importance of a partnership between UGA and ACCGov for downtown student safety ambassadors as we have expressed in our Block by Block proposal to UGA. Students deserve to feel safe, whether they are walking home from a late-night study session or a night out.
Take Action: What You Can Do
Promote the use of the new Campus Safety Ambassadors: They are on duty from 7:00 pm to 3:00 am, each day of the week. Although they are not police officers, they do work directly for the UGA police department to provide an additional security presence, act as “eyes and ears” for other police department personnel, and give walking escorts to students on campus. A Campus Safety Ambassador can be requested by calling the UGA Police Department at (706) 542-2200.
Advocate for Campus Safety: Push for real-time surveillance in parking decks and other vulnerable areas on campus. Utilize the
Contact UGA Administration: Ask President Morehead and VP of Public Safety, Dan Silk why UGA has not integrated their cameras into the ACCPD Real-Time Crime Center. Several months ago, we were informed that a memorandum of understanding was forthcoming, but it has not yet materialized. Note: We have also requested a copy from the UGA Police Department through open records, but have not received a response to date.
Engage with ACCGov Leadership: Click here to learn more. Send a message or comment to the Mayor & Commission here.
Support Justice for Victims: Share their stories, demand accountability, and fight for accountability and fair sentencing for perpetrators of violence.
This case reminds us that while justice was served, the fight isn’t over. By staying vigilant and advocating for stronger protections, we can help prevent these tragedies and create a safer future for students at UGA and across campuses nationwide.
Sources:
State of Georgia v. Tritavious Malik Harris: Harris, age 25, was charged with numerous felonies for attacking a 19-year-old woman early on Sept. 18, 2021, inside the North Campus Parking Deck off South Thomas Street, where she was beaten then body slammed so hard it knocked her unconscious. The State claimed that Defendant admitted committing the crime. “Western Circuit Assistant District Attorney Eric Whitmore argued the evidence shows Harris was a predator who followed his victim to the dark location. The assault resulted in the young woman having a brain concussion, a broken collar bone, bruises and skin scrapes, according to the state's case.” The Defendant was convicted of felony crimes of attempted rape, aggravated assault, robbery, and aggravated battery. Additionally, the jury convicted him of six misdemeanor counts ranging from simple assault to theft. ~ MoreLaw