Nationwide — Zoey Price, a 7-year-old African American girl from Atlanta, Georgia, was killed Tuesday night when gunfire struck her family’s home. Her mother was injured but survived, and police are searching for the shooter.
Just before 10 p.m., gunfire struck a home on Tiger Flowers Drive near Joe Louis Drive in Atlanta’s Dixie Hills neighborhood. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said officers were dispatched at approximately 9:49 p.m. after receiving reports of shots fired, according to 11Alive.
When they arrived, officers found Zoey and her 44-year-old mother suffering from gunshot wounds. Concerned about delays with an ambulance, four officers rushed Zoey to Grady Memorial Hospital themselves. Despite their efforts, doctors were unable to save her. Her mother remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Police believe the shooting may be connected to a dispute between two people who are not related to Zoey’s family. Investigators said that the argument took place roughly 30 minutes before the gunfire.
Zoey was the youngest of five siblings and had just turned 7 in December. She was a first grader at SLAM Atlanta Charter School and a cheerleader at the Dunbar Neighborhood Center. She loved basketball and was described by her family as caring, playful, shy at times, and always ready for the camera.
Chief Schierbaum promised to hold the shooter accountable. Zoey’s family has started an online fundraiser to help cover funeral costs as they prepare to lay her to rest. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.