ATLANTA, Ga. — A deadly exchange of gunfire between two teenagers in southwest Atlanta left one dead and another wounded on Wednesday evening, according to the Atlanta Police Department. The incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. in the 1100 block of Oakland Drive SW.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered two 16-year-old boys suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the teens, identified as Gabriel Seats by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second teen was described as alert, conscious, and breathing when first responders reached him. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggest the incident was a mutual shootout. Police believe Seats initially shot the other teen, who then returned fire and fatally wounded Seats. “The assailant shot the surviving 16-year-old, who returned fire, striking and killing him,” said Lt. Andrew Smith, commander of the Atlanta Police Department’s Homicide Unit.
The name of the surviving teen has not been released, and authorities have not confirmed whether he will face any criminal charges. Investigators are working to determine the exact sequence of events and what may have led to the confrontation. While the motive remains unclear, detectives are looking into whether gang involvement played a role. “At this point, we’re not sure if this is gang related. We do have gang investigators on scene,” Lt. Smith added.
The neighborhood where the shooting took place has experienced occasional violence, and this latest incident has renewed concerns among local residents. Some neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots and expressed sadness that another young life had been lost to gun violence. Others are calling for increased community engagement and resources to help prevent further tragedies.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477). Authorities hope that community cooperation will assist in piecing together what happened and help prevent similar incidents in the future.