Early this morning, in the southwest Atlanta neighborhood of Oakland City, tragedy struck when two 13-year-old boys were fatally shot, and a 12-year-old was wounded at an apartment complex. Atlanta Police were called to the scene on Sparks Street, near Peeples Street SW, shortly before 1 a.m. They found one 13-year-old deceased. The second 13-year-old, who later died at the hospital, and the injured 12-year-old were transported for medical care, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Homicide Commander Andrew Smith indicated that the shooting took place in a stairwell leading up to an apartment. Both victims were identified by the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office as Jakody Davis and Lamon Freeman. The 12-year-old, whose injuries were described as non-life-threatening, is reported to be in stable condition. Details surrounding the circumstances of the incident remain unclear, and authorities have yet to apprehend any suspects, as noted by 11Alive.
Insights into the life cut short emerged from family members, with one of the 13-year-olds remembered for his love of riding bikes and playing basketball with friends in the neighborhood. He was about to commence 8th grade at Sylvan Hills Middle School, and as fate would have it, today would have marked his 14th birthday, according to a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta.
As the community grapples with the senselessness of the event, a relative of one of the victims expressed her disbelief and grief over the incident to reporters. "I don't think he deserved this, and I think it was wrong of whoever did that (the shooting)," she said, according to a 11Alive interview.
The investigation continues as Atlanta Police work with local communities and canvass for witnesses and video evidence that may shed light on the motives behind this tragic event. However, those with information about the shooting are urged to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.
