A Fourth of July shooting in southwest Atlanta has turned into a homicide investigation after a 16-year-old boy was found dead days after the initial gunfire, according to Atlanta police.
Homicide Unit Leads Investigation
In a news release from the Atlanta Police Department, officials said Zone 3 officers were first called out around 10:07 p.m. Saturday to a report of a person shot near the 900 block of Washington Street SW. When officers arrived, they found two men, ages 27 and 26, who were described as alert, conscious and breathing.
Detectives later returned to the scene, and the department’s Homicide Unit determined there might have been a third victim connected to the same incident, which prompted a more extensive canvass of the area.
Teen Found During Canvass
During that follow-up canvass on Monday, investigators discovered a 16-year-old male dead from an apparent gunshot wound, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Officials have not released the teen’s name.
Police have not publicly identified any suspects, and investigators have not said what led up to the holiday weekend shooting, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.
Neighborhood Has Seen Recent Shootings
The area around Washington Street SW has seen deadly violence before. In April, a 3-year-old was killed in an overnight shooting on the same street, according to 11Alive.
Nearby blocks have also grappled with homicides and shaken residents, as detailed in Man Gunned Down On Coleman Street, which highlighted ongoing safety concerns in the corridor.
Police Seek Witnesses
Investigators are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Atlanta Police Department. Tips can be called in to (404) 614-6544, according to the department’s news release.
Police say the investigation remains active, and no arrests or charges have been announced.
