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Published on January 14, 2025
Teen Son of Murdered Mother Gunned Down in Austell GeorgiaSource: Google Street View

A 17-year-old, Kenneth Collier Jr., was found shot multiple times at the Residence at Riverside apartments in Austell. His death mirrors the murder of his mother, Tamika Trimble, who was killed in 2017 under similar circumstances, according to a report by Atlanta News First.

Kenneth's father, Ken Collier, remembered his son fondly, saying, "One of the smartest kids I know. He had a beautiful smile, full of energy, a beautiful soul," as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. Kenneth was described as a young man who loved music and aspired to start a fashion brand.

The Cobb County police have opened a homicide investigation into Kenneth’s death after receiving a 911 call on Thursday last week about gunshots.

"Kenneth didn’t deserve to be killed that way. Nobody deserves to be killed that way," Ken Collier said to Atlanta News First, reflecting on the deep grief he feels from both his son’s death and the loss of his wife years earlier. Tamika Trimble was shot and killed on Kenneth's 10th birthday, with Kenneth's younger sibling in the backseat.

At the age of 11, Kenneth wrote a book titled "Button Buddy Stops Bullying: And So Can You," which earned a proclamation from the City of Atlanta. Keith Lewis, from the mentorship program I'm A Father First, told Atlanta News First, "We're just looking for fire to stop. We need a cease-fire."

Cobb County police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact them at (770) 499-3945.