A tragic incident unfolded this past weekend at the Freedom Park Apartments in South Fulton, leaving a father and his daughter dead. The South Fulton Police Department was called to the scene on Delano Road yesterday morning, where they discovered the two victims with gunshot wounds. The Fulton County Medical Examiner identified the deceased as 58-year-old Stanley Neely and his 35-year-old daughter, Heather Neely, according to Atlanta News First.
Following the events of the shooting, the South Fulton police have issued arrest warrants for the suspect, who remains unnamed at this time, the ongoing investigation looks to the community for assistance. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the City of South Harry Fulton Police Department, or to stay anonymous, reach out to Crime Stoppers, as reported by Atlanta News First. Councilwoman Helen Willis, representing the district, claimed that crime rates in the area have significantly decreased in recent years, despite the recent violence.
Family members revealed to FOX 5 Atlanta a history of violent encounters at the apartment complex. Prior incidents include the death of a family member who was shot years ago, and just last month, the complex was the site where 30-year-old Dave Prater was found dead after an altercation.
In her statement to FOX 5 Atlanta, Councilwoman Willis noted that the city's police department is taking "proactive measures for community safety" which includes installing monitored surveillance systems, and increasing patrols and visibility within the complex. "Our goal is to ensure that every member of the community feels safe and secure in their homes and neighborhoods," she said. Shaunya Johnson, a relative of the victims, is calling for the apartments to be shut down due to the lack of security and safety.
The community now mourns the loss of the Neelys as they confront the brutal reality of gun violence that has struck close to home. Nancy Neely Gibson, sister of Stanley Neely, lamented the tragedy, telling FOX 5 Atlanta that "Whoever did it will pay for it will pay for it dearly." This sentiment reflects a family, and a community, grappling with grief and seeking justice in the aftermath of a senseless act.
