Atlanta is on high alert as the hunt for the killer of a young mother intensifies, with police announcing an increased $5,000 reward for leads. D'Asia Hart, 19, was tragically killed on October 29, 2023, near Georgia State University; a vibrant life cut short, leaving behind a one-year-old daughter, WSBTV reported.
The shootout that claimed Hart’s life erupted amidst what has been described as a dispute turned deadly between men; Hart and three others were caught in the crossfire, with three self-transporting to the hospital amid the chaos and Hart, whose friends desperately drove her to medical care after allegedly failed attempts to reach 911, according to a statement obtained by WSBTV.
Authorities are diligently seeking information and have released surveillance footage showing three persons of interest, one seen discarding what appeared to be an AR-15-style rifle at the scene, as detailed by Atlanta police and relayed through FOX5 Atlanta. The RaceTrac gas station, near the location of the fatal incident, has since shuttered permanently following another deadly event in close proximity, the company’s CEO expressing deep sorrow over the violence impacting the community.
In the wake of the tragedy, Hart's family is taking legal action against the gas station and the student housing complex, labeling a "documented history" of violence, crime, and negligence as the backdrop for their daughter's untimely death; they plan to sue both establishments, with an attorney for the family confirming the pending lawsuit to WSBTV.
Anyone who has information that could shed light on this case and bring justice for Hart and her family is encouraged to contact the Atlanta Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (404) 546-4235 or to remain anonymous, the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at (404) 577-8477.
