Local group seeks to heal wounds

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A local organization is trying to heal the wounds created in the community of the the recent beating of Matthew Owens on Delmar Drive.

Connecting with a victim

Owens has been moved from the intensive care unit at USA Medical Center to a private room after he was beaten in the street by a group of people, according to neighbors.

It's the positive news many have been waiting to hear, including local minister Rev. Jacob Davis.

"He is rebounding slowly, but surely, and I just know God will answer our prayer to help him continue to heal," Davis said.

Davis is president of the "People to Advance the Dream", an organization that is also trying to heal a community experiencing racial tension following the beating.

Davis and several other members of the group visited with Owens in the hospital this week. He said they were welcomed.

"I went out, and had a prayer with Matthew, and he really thanked me for coming out," he said.

Neighborhood tension high 

Terry Rawls, 44, was arrested and charged with first-degree assault in connection with the beating. Police said the incident stems from an ongoing dispute between Rawls and Owens.

On the day of the attack, witnesses said a mob surrounded the two men and others joined in the attack. They said Owens was struck with a number of items, including a paint can.

Some have portrayed the attack as racially motivated, but Floyd King said the group has talked to both sides.

"People are upset naturally, but we found it's just neighbors getting into arguments with each other," King said.

King and Davis said their organization's goal is to bring the people on Delmar Drive back together.

"Our city don't need this, and we are trying to see what we can do to bring back the community, the neighbors together," Davis said.

Still, the investigation is ongoing into the attack, and police said more arrests are still possible.