A tragic event unfolded on Christmas Eve in Atlanta's East Lake neighborhood, when a 67-year-old woman was fatally shot. The victim, whose identity has not been publicly released, was discovered with an apparent gunshot wound at a residence on Tilson Drive SE, near East Lake Golf Club, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Responding to an emergency call at approximately 1:50 p.m., Atlanta police found the woman in critical condition, she was quickly transported to a local hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries, according to a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta. The Atlanta Police Department's Homicide Unit is actively investigating the circumstances of the shooting, but details surrounding the incident including the motive or if the woman was targeted, remain unclear. No suspects or arrests have been announced and whether a weapon has been recovered is still unknown.
On a personal note, the woman was a mother of five children. Her son, Timothy Wansley, shared with Atlanta News First that she had been battling mental illness, which had become more evident in recent weeks. "She would call me every morning, at seven o'clock in the morning. Wake me up. I get on my way to work, and she’ll talk to me. But I know the calls got few and far between this past week," Wansley told Atlanta News First.
Mental health issues, especially around the holidays can be gravely exacerbated, as noted by Chris James, a wellness counselor and mental health first aider with the National Council of Mental Wellbeing. In an interview with Atlanta News First, James said, "Cultural stigmas are something that, you know, it’s a real thing. It’s a real thing, it’s a real thing." He urged the importance of being more intentional in asking about emotional well-being and creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their true feelings.
James also cautioned against isolating during depressive episodes, advising "Don’t isolate. Don’t spend this season by yourself, right? Like, be intentional, be aggressive, be assertive about getting outside and spending time with people. Don’t turn down the invitations. You got to be around people. Don’t try to lift things that are heavy by yourself." This guidance may resonate with many during a season that often amplifies loneliness and stress. Meanwhile, Atlanta Police continue to investigate the case, with a woman being questioned Wednesday evening, as reported by Atlanta News First, the reason for her questioning has not been disclosed.
For those finding themselves in a mental health emergency, help can be reached at any time by calling the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline number, 988.
