ATLANTA, GA – A bounty has been set up in Georgia for leads on the culprits accused of a deadly theft that took place in southwest Atlanta on Monday evening. The victims of this grim incident were 44-year-old Samuel “JR” Harris, who lost his life, and his dog, Tequilla, who was abducted.
The Atlanta Police Department reported that Harris was ambushed by a group while walking Tequilla near Mitchell Street SW and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard SW at about 8 p.m. The confrontation turned lethal, with Harris being shot and killed. Investigators are of the opinion that Harris was the specific target of this group, who also made off with his dog, Tequilla, who is yet to be found.
In the wake of this horrific event, Harris’ family is focused on bringing the culprits to justice and retrieving Tequilla. Mary Boykins, Harris’ mother, was informed of her son’s tragic demise the next morning by a police officer. She shared her shock and disbelief, comparing the experience to a bad dream.
The family has been proactive in their neighborhood, circulating flyers and appealing to anyone with information to step forward. Lea Harris, JR’s wife of 15 years, voiced her sorrow and the family’s urgent need for information.
The family’s appeal also includes the return of Tequilla, with Harris’ sister, Liz Robinson, stating that the dog’s return would provide a measure of comfort as a lasting link to Harris.
Atlanta police are soliciting the public’s help in cracking the case. Crime Stoppers Atlanta has put up a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in Harris’ murder, and the family has supplemented the reward with an additional $5,000. Tips can be provided to the Atlanta police’s Homicide Unit or anonymously to Crime Stoppers Atlanta.