Police say the 16-year-old may have been a third victim in a southwest Atlanta shooting that also wounded two men.
ATLANTA, GA — Atlanta police are investigating the death of a 16-year-old boy found Monday near the scene of a Fourth of July shooting in southwest Atlanta that had already sent two men to the hospital.
The case began late Saturday near 999 Washington St. SW, where officers found two men with apparent gunshot wounds. Police said the men, ages 26 and 27, were alert, conscious and breathing when they were taken for medical treatment. By Monday, detectives said the same shooting may have had a third victim, shifting the case into a homicide investigation.
Atlanta Police Zone 3 officers responded at about 10:07 p.m. Saturday after a report of a person shot near Washington Street SW. The call came as Fourth of July fireworks were sounding across the city, a detail that later became part of the neighborhood account of what happened. Officers found the two wounded men at the scene and began an aggravated assault investigation. Police did not release their names or describe their injuries beyond saying both had apparent gunshot wounds. The next step came July 6, when investigators reviewed the shooting and determined another person may have been hit.
Police said investigators canvassed the area along Washington Street SW on Monday and found the 16-year-old boy dead from an apparent gunshot wound. The department said the Homicide Unit is leading the investigation. Police have not released the teen’s name, said where exactly his body was found or explained how far he was from the original scene. No arrests had been announced as of Wednesday. Police also have not said whether they have identified a suspect, recovered a weapon or determined what led to the shooting.
A neighbor told Atlanta News First that the sound of fireworks made it hard to understand what was happening Saturday night. The neighbor, who was not named in the report, said the shooting did not fully register until the next morning, when the person went outside and saw damage at home. “We didn’t know. We didn’t think of it about it at the time, but the next day I’m taking my dog outside and I see the bullet holes,” the neighbor said. The neighbor also said there was a bullet still in the wall.
The shooting happened in southwest Atlanta, south of downtown and near a mix of homes, small businesses and neighborhood streets. Police listed the case under 999 Washington St. SW, an address near the Capitol View and Peoplestown areas. The department’s public notice described its information as preliminary and said it could change as investigators learn more. The Fourth of July timing added another challenge because gunfire can be hard to separate from fireworks in real time, especially late at night when holiday celebrations are underway.
The case remained open Wednesday, with homicide investigators responsible for the next steps. Those steps typically include reviewing 911 calls, checking cameras in the area, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence from the shooting scene and the place where the teen was found. Police have not said whether the wounded men were able to speak with detectives or whether they knew the teen. They also have not released an expected date for any further briefing, charging decision or public update.
The neighbor who spoke with Atlanta News First described the shooting as unusual for the block, even while saying the area has seen problems before. “Honestly there is a lot that happens around here but not to the level we were nervous about it,” the neighbor said. “But this has been probably the most high level thing we’ve seen.” The neighbor said there also has been progress in the area and called the violence “unfortunate” for families and residents who live nearby.
As of Wednesday, police had identified three victims in the Washington Street SW shooting: two wounded men and a 16-year-old boy who died. The investigation remains active, and the next major milestone will be any release of the teen’s identity, a suspect description or an arrest.
Author note: Last updated July 8, 2026.