Franklin Academy owner looks forward after shooting near school

Despite death in front Margaret Franklin's school, she will soon celebrate grand opening of new facilities.
Bria Wesley | The Famuan

After only 10 months of purchasing a new location for Franklin Academy, the last thing owner Margaret Franklin imagined–a fatal shooting in the neighboring complex resulted in 17-year-old, Cobi Mathis, dying in front of the school’s parking lot.

A drug-related altercation in Monterey Apartment Complex led to the victim climbing over the fence knocking on the door of the Academy. Blank later passed in the parking lot where he later passed.

In the incident’s freshness, Franklin’s eyes glazed a hate message–the first she’d seen a letter of what she calls ‘filth’ in her 22 years of ownership.

It read from an anonymous person, “You should’ve opened the [explicit] door! I hope it lives with you forever.”

Caroline Thomas, a mother of three, couldn’t fathom an event of this magnitude happening in close proximity if her children were attendees.

“It’s scary to know “It saddens me even more to know innocent people were at risk, but it’s a blessing that everyone was okay.”

Many perceived the school being involved, but once details surfaced, the outpour of help came at the fingertips of Franklin and her academy.

“Everywhere I go, people are offering to volunteer and service in anything that I may need,” said Franklin. “” where she recognizes the nobility and community action.

Commissioner Rick Minor reached out just this week to offer help ensuring safety within District 3 and the Tallahassee Community.

Minor wants to pose and develop safety training and volunteer to ensure proper security to prevent violence in the area

“We want to do all we can to help,” said Minor. “It’s important we keep our city as safe as possible for prevention.”

Margaret Franklin began looking at the light at the end of the tunnel and didn’t let this setback hold her back.

Later this year, Franklin is eager to have a grand opening of new facilities within the academy. This includes a night adult education program where students can who didn’t receive a high school diploma can work towards it. Also, new operating hours are destined Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.