ATLANTA — A tragic shooting in Southwest Atlanta has claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy, prompting an urgent police investigation. The incident unfolded just after 7 p.m. at an apartment complex located along Cushman Circle SW, where two groups reportedly engaged in a confrontation.
According to authorities, the altercation escalated when one group departed the scene in a blue vehicle. Witnesses allege that the car later returned to the area, firing shots at the opposing group. “It was absolute chaos when we arrived—gunfire everywhere,” recounted a nearby resident who wished to remain anonymous. The aftermath left many in the community shaken.
The young victim was caught in the crossfire. A neighbor recalled the disturbing scene, stating, “When I entered the apartment, the child was on the couch, his eyes were open but he wasn’t responding.” The emotional impact of the situation was not lost on Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, who expressed the profound loss felt across the community: “This neighborhood has lost a child. This city has lost a child. It underscores the tragic consequences of gun violence.”
Investigators are actively following multiple leads to identify the occupants of the blue car involved in the shooting. “That child was an innocent bystander and deserved better,” the neighbor emphasized.
While law enforcement has taken at least one person into custody, officials have not confirmed any connection to the shooting. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or potential suspects to reach out to Crime Stoppers for help.
Community leaders and residents are calling for increased safety measures and greater attention to the issues fueling gun violence. As the investigation continues, many hope for justice for the victim and a reduction in similar tragedies in the future.