Police are trying to find the shooter who killed a 15-year-old girl at a high school party over the weekend.
An unknown suspect was kicked out of the party that was going on at a local event center. Being kicked out of the party motivated the gunman to open fire into the building. While crossfire broke out, Laila Harris was hit by one of the bullets and killed.
Laila was found with a gunshot wound near the entrance of the event space. She was only 15 years old when her life was taken as a result of this gun violence.
Nearby business owners said partygoers often leave trash on the ground and cars are broken into during these large events, but they never expected someone to be shot and killed.
Laila Harris attended Sprayberry High School. Authorities believe Harris was among the large number of teens who scattered as gunfire broke out. Police said the party drew hundreds of teens from different high schools, and many of them were spotted fleeing when police arrived at the chaotic scene
Kailyn Crawford, a cousin of Laila Harris, told 11Alive she’s upset about her family’s loss that came from a senseless crime. She wants to spread awareness about gun violence to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future.
Laila’s family, friends, and the entire community are mourning her death. School and district staff are available to talk to those who need extra support.
Police are asking for assistance from the public as they continue their investigation and bring the killer to justice. The Clayton County Police Department said they are asking anyone who was at the party to come forward with information about the shooter.
Mea Ballinger, a community activist, called for an end to the gun violence following a series of shootings involving children and teenagers across Metro Atlanta.