ATLANTA, Ga. — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded Thursday evening in southwest Atlanta when a 12-year-old boy was fatally shot during a drive-by shooting at an apartment complex. Authorities say Ja’nylen Greggs, an innocent bystander, was caught in the gunfire and later died from his injuries.
The shooting occurred shortly after 7 p.m. at the Retreat at Greenbriar Apartments on Cushman Circle. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said officers responded to reports of shots fired and found the young boy suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital but did not survive.
According to police, the violence began with an argument between two groups at the apartment complex. One group left the area in a blue car and, while driving away, opened fire on the other group. Ja’nylen, who was not involved in the dispute, was struck in the gunfire. A second person sustained minor injuries while trying to flee the scene.
“This neighborhood lost a child, and the city lost a child,” Chief Schierbaum said during a press briefing. “This is the true cost of gun violence. It has to stop.” The chief emphasized that despite an overall decline in the city’s homicide rate over the past two years, this tragic loss is a painful reminder that gun violence remains a serious problem.
Investigators are now working to identify the people involved. Schierbaum said the department is following multiple leads and urged community members to come forward with information. He encouraged residents to submit any tips, photos, or videos to Atlanta Crime Stoppers. All submissions can remain anonymous.
As the investigation continues, the community is left in mourning over the sudden and senseless loss of a young life. Ja’nylen Greggs is being remembered as a bright and joyful child whose future was stolen in an instant. Authorities have not released any suspect descriptions yet but promise to pursue justice with urgency and determination.