Families ‘praying for miracle’ after woman shot in head, teen shot in back during weekend event

ATLANTA — Family members of five people shot at an annual community event in a metro Atlanta park are now calling for justice.

The shooting happened Saturday on Mechanicsville Day at Rosa Burney Park, an event that thousands attend. After a peaceful community celebration, gunfire suddenly erupted. Hundreds of people ducked for cover.

Two women and three teenagers were wounded.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Channel 2′s Audrey Washington was at Grady Memorial Hospital Friday, where she got an update on two of the victims, whose families are praying for a miracle.

Tabitha Colzie said her 29-year-old daughter was shot in the head.

“I’m torn, I’m hurt, I’m angry and I’m upset,” Colzie said, fighting tears.

Lenny Black said his 17-year-old granddaughter was shot in the back.

TRENDING STORIES:

• 20-year-old woman killed in freak accident on GA highway when brake part flies through windshield
• Lawsuit claims Emory lost part of man’s skull, then charged him $19k to replace it.
• Teen shot by officer after police chase, shootout at Brookhaven home being burglarized

“I’ve been fighting out here for more than 20 years for other families, and now it’s my turn to fight for mine,” Black said.

Washington reached out to Atlanta police, who said the investigation is still active, but so far, there have been no arrests.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Attorneys for the victims’ families said that is not enough.

“Your job is to serve in protect right now that community is left unprotected because the people who left these children laying in the hospital right now are still out there,” Robert Boazman said.

Activists and community members said they will return to Mechanicsville and hold a demonstration next Saturday.

Atlanta police issued a statement, reading:

“We share the frustrations and concerns of the victims, their family members and their friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this event. We have some of the best investigators in the business assigned to this case to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Because of the large event, APD officers were working inside the park and in the areas surrounding the park. After the event, officers heard multiple shots fired from a parking lot near their location. Officers requested assistance and immediately responded toward the gunfire.

These brazen acts of violence are particularly concerning. This is far from the first incident where police were visible near the shooting as it occurred. Our officers did what they were trained to do and did not hesitate to respond toward the gunfire. We will continue to do everything we can to stop violence in our communities.”

‘He should be a senior.’: Parents share story of UGA student’s fentanyl death with classmates

©2024 Cox Media Group