Two 13-year-olds killed, 12-year-old injured in Atlanta shooting
Two teenagers were fatally shot and another child was injured early Tuesday in an Atlanta neighborhood, authorities said.
The shooting happened in Oakland City, a neighborhood in southwestern Atlanta. Someone called authorities to the scene around 12:30 a.m., the Atlanta Police Department said on Facebook.
Officers found three victims inside an apartment complex stairwell, including two 13-year-olds and a 12-year-old.
One of the 13-year-olds was pronounced dead at the scene while the other later died at the hospital. The 12-year-old was also taken to the hospital for treatment.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office identified two of the victims as Jakody Davis and Lamon Freeman.
“At this time, homicide investigators are on scene,” said Homicide Unit Commander Lt. Andrew Smith at a press conference early Tuesday morning. “We’re combing through video and doing a canvas and speaking to witnesses.”
Smith said investigators have no motive yet and they are actively trying to figure out what happened.
“Initially, it was tragic, but when we have juveniles, it makes it more so,” Smith told reporters at the scene.
Victim was about to celebrate his birthday
One of the victims, Lamon Freeman, was set to celebrate his birthday soon, according to loved ones who grieved the loss of the boy Tuesday.
“(I’m supposed) to be saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY…but now I’m saying LongLiveLame,” wrote a loved one Tuesday morning. “I love you Lamon … May you rest in peace and tell your dad bone we love him 2. Y’all watch over your mama and the rest of the family.”
In the post, the child’s loved one pushed for people to put guns down and stop the violence.
Police ask that anyone with information call the Atlanta Police Department Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her at[email protected].