Atlanta, Georgia – A third individual has been taken into custody in connection with a fatal shooting in northwest Atlanta earlier this year. The 16-year-old girl turned herself in at the Atlanta Police Headquarters on March 2, adding to the arrests made in the case.
The incident, which took place on January 25, left 29-year-old Alexander Lucus Smart dead from multiple gunshot wounds on Gun Club Road NW. Despite efforts by medics, Smart succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The situation unfolded with the 17-year-old male suspect being apprehended by Atlanta police on February 25, followed by 18-year-old Israel Byrd turning himself in two days later on February 27. Bringing the arrests to a close, the 16-year-old girl surrendered to authorities on March 2.
All three individuals now face serious charges related to Smart’s shooting. The 16-year-old girl’s charges include murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a felony, and possession of a firearm under the age of 18. She is currently detained at the Metro Regional Youth Detention Center. Byrd, 18, faces similar charges, including murder and armed robbery, and is being held at the Fulton County Jail. The 17-year-old male suspect is also charged with murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a felony, possession of a firearm under the age of 18, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He, too, is lodged at the Fulton County Jail.
Smart’s mother, Deanne Ewing, expressed her devastation over her son’s death, emphasizing his compassionate nature and aspirations to give back to the community. The investigation into the motive behind the shooting and the relationship between the suspects and the victim continues, with many unanswered questions. Ewing hopes for justice to be served and urges anyone with information to come forward in support of her son’s memory.