12-Year-Old Boy Killed in Drive-By Shooting in Southwest Atlanta: Police Say He Was an Innocent Bystander

12-Year-Old Boy Killed in Drive-By Shooting in Southwest Atlanta: Police Say He Was an Innocent Bystander

Atlanta, GA — A quiet Thursday evening turned tragic in southwest Atlanta when a 12-year-old boy was fatally shot during a drive-by shooting that police say stemmed from a dispute between two groups. The child, who authorities believe had no involvement in the conflict, was an innocent bystander caught in the gunfire.

Atlanta Police received a 911 call shortly after 7:00 p.m. on June 12, reporting that someone had been shot on the 3200 block of Cushman Circle—an area lined with apartments, located just south of Interstate 20 and east of I-285, near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the 12-year-old with a gunshot wound, unresponsive. Emergency crews rushed him to the hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts to save his life, he later died from his injuries. His identity has not been released, pending notification of his family.

In a late-night briefing from the scene, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum confirmed the boy’s death and said early evidence points to a confrontation between two groups, possibly involving individuals known to law enforcement. However, the child had no apparent connection to the violence.

“This was a 12-year-old child who was outside—just a kid in his own neighborhood,” Chief Schierbaum said. “He had nothing to do with what led up to this, and yet he paid the ultimate price for someone else’s recklessness.”

A second person was also injured during the incident, reportedly while trying to flee the gunfire. The individual’s condition has not been disclosed, and it’s unclear if they were struck by gunfire or hurt in the chaos that followed.

Community Shaken, Police Search for Suspects

The shooting took place in a residential complex where families live, just blocks away from schools and community centers. As word of the boy’s death spread, residents gathered in grief and disbelief, struggling to come to terms with the loss of another young life to gun violence.

No arrests have been made as of Friday morning, and investigators have not yet released any information about suspects or suspect vehicles. Police are continuing to interview witnesses, review surveillance footage, and canvass the area for clues.

Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Atlanta Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477). A reward may be offered for information leading to an arrest.

A Pattern of Violence

This is not the first time Cushman Circle has drawn attention. The neighborhood has seen multiple violent incidents in recent months, including another shooting at the same apartment complex in May, when a 28-year-old man was shot in the head. Community members say they’re tired and afraid—of letting their children outside, of what might happen next.

“Too many families are burying their children,” said one resident, who asked not to be named. “We want help. We want peace. We want to feel safe in our homes.”

City Leaders Respond

In a statement issued Friday morning, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens called the incident “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” promising to support law enforcement in identifying those responsible and to continue working toward long-term solutions to reduce violence.

“We will not let the violence define our city, nor will we rest until justice is served for this young child and his family,” the mayor said.

Chief Schierbaum echoed the sentiment, calling on the community to stand together in grief and action. “If you know something, say something. This family deserves answers. This city deserves peace.”

A Life Lost, A City in Mourning

As the investigation continues, the loss of a young boy with his whole life ahead of him is being mourned not only by his family but by a city weary of headlines like this. A memorial is already growing at the scene—flowers, stuffed animals, candles—left by neighbors and friends who refuse to let the child be forgotten.

Counseling and support services are expected to be made available to students and families in the area, and local organizations are planning a community vigil in the coming days to honor the victim’s life and demand change.

This devastating event marks another grim chapter in Atlanta’s ongoing battle with youth gun violence—one that leaves behind grieving families, traumatized communities, and a haunting reminder of how quickly life can be stolen by senseless acts.