Victim thankful to be alive, determined to graduate after Easter Sunday Buckhead shooting

ATLANTA — A local college student says he is thankful to be alive after being attacked and shot on Easter Sunday.

Elisha Talley was headed home when he was ambushed and shot after an attempted robbery happened near Phipps Plaza in Buckhead.

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Channel 2′s Michael Seiden was live in Buckhead during Channel 2 Action News at 6 p.m.

Talley is just weeks away from earning his college degree. He made it very clear that what happened to him will not prevent him from walking across the stage at Morehouse College.

Now, recovering at home, Talley spoke with Channel 2 Action News from his Buckhead condo where he is forced to use crutches.

“I’m blessed, you know, I’m grateful to be alive,” said Talley.

He is anxiously waiting to learn if he will ever be able to walk again on his own.

“Today, of course, I was supposed to be at school, but unfortunately, I still have a bullet still lodged in my foot,” said Talley.

He said he has no idea if he will be able to return to campus either.

On Easter Sunday, the college senior said he and his friend were walking from Publix when suddenly, a group of teens confronted them.

It happened along Oak Valley and Peachtree Road, just feet away from Phipps Plaza.

“Living where I live , you would expect I wouldn’t have to go through this in broad daylight,” said Talley.

Talley said when the teens confronted them, they asked for money.

“Once I told them I didn’t have anything, I couldn’t help, they continued to follow me,” said Talley. “A few moments later, I was smacked on my right side with a pistol.”

Talley said he and his friend tried to get away, but that’s when another person in the group started shooting.

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“There were several shots fired literally at me. I’m looking at the young man shooting. I’m dodging bullets still trying to help my friend get up,” said Talley.

By the time the bullets stopped flying, three people were hit. Among those wounded was a 16-year-old boy, who police are investigating as a possible suspect. Right now, no one has been arrested or is facing charges.

“These young men should’ve been with their families, celebrating or enjoying themselves with friends,” said Talley. “We can’t keep pointing fingers, we can’t keep waiting for someone else to do something. This is a conversation that must happen now.”

Talley said he is worried about graduation because his only way to get to campus was MARTA. Now that can’t walk on his own, he has to figure out how to get to campus.

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