Fallout from Buckhead shooting

Hello, all of you! TGIF. It should be a nice warm weekend, with temperatures approaching 90 (but at least you’ll have clean water!). Watch out for scattered thunderstorms on Sunday.

Otherwise, today’s newsletter has the latest on Georgia’s lagging film industry and an update on Atlanta’s efforts to clear homeless encampments under bridges. Plus the AJC’s annual list of top high school athletes — and Atlanta United moving on from a key player?

But first: new developments in a deadly shooting at a Buckhead nightclub.

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GRIEFING FAMILY

Mari Creighton’s parents remain devastated. But they are grateful – even relieved, at least.

Grateful Atlanta police apprehended the man accused of killing their daughter at a Buckhead nightclub last month. And gratefully, the club, Elleven45, agreed to close at least temporarily.

Police announced Thursday the arrest of Karanji Reese, 21 years old, accused of murdering Creighton and Nakyris Ridley on May 12. Authorities believe Reese targeted Ridley during an argument at Elleven45.

Creighton — a Stockbridge native and Albany State volleyball player — was among five people shot while simply standing nearby. The other four survived.

News of the arrest came two days after Creighton’s parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owners and managers of the club, for negligence. Their allegations center on police calls to the party venue, including two other shootings and dozens of fights and noise complaints.

The city of Atlanta wants to close the clubalso, filing a lawsuit, deeming it a public nuisance.

Elleven45’s owners balked, saying they were being “maligned by the Buckhead community and the media.” Still, an attorney representing the club said Thursday that they have agreed to remain closed for at least the next 60 days.

They will prepare for an evidentiary hearing in the city’s litigation.

“My clients’ current focus is on reviewing and improving the restaurant’s safety protocols as well as defending this ongoing lawsuit,” attorney Terry Bailey said.

Not registered? What are you waiting for ? Get AM ATL delivered to your inbox every morning of the week. And keep scrolling for more news.

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BACK HOME

What has happened in the three months since Atlanta began clearing homeless encampments under the bridges? An AJC investigation found the outcome was mixed, but some of those evicted, like Pacia Mobley, are now settled in their own apartments.

“Something like this happening, it’s a miracle,” he told the AJC. ” I can not believe it. I compare it to winning the lottery.

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MORE TOP STORIES

» With Atlanta’s final boil water advisory now lifted, Mayor Andre Dickens writes in a new opinion piece that the hard work remains to be done. The AJC Editorial Board agrees.

» An internal investigation by Greater Atlanta Christian School revealed sexual misconduct by three former staff members. The incidents date back decades, the Gwinnett County private school said.

» A 76-year-old man drowned in Lake Lanier, the second such incident in a week. Fishermen also found a body in the Chattahoochee River.

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FILMING IN BRIEF

Y’allywood isn’t alone in struggling to recover from the 2023 actors’ and writers’ strikes — but as the AJC’s Savannah Sicurella reports, the local numbers aren’t great.

Film and television production in Georgia is down about 36% from the same period last year, in terms of scripted projects. Fewer big budget projects too.

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EXCELLENT ATHLETES

Georgia’s high school athletes have had a tremendous year, from top basketball recruits to gymnastics champions and tennis aces. Check out the AJC’s annual list of top athletes in 26 sports.

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MORE SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

» Adam Duvall got the go-ahead run and Marcell Ozuna’s league-leading 18th homer secured the Braves’ 5-2 win over the Nationals.

» A few days after firing its manager, Atlanta United reportedly transferred striker Giorgos Giakoumakis to Mexican club Cruz Azul.

» The cold shooter Atlanta Dream lost to the Liberty, 78-61. Allisha Gray scored 16 points.

» Don’t forget: Georgia baseball hosts NC State in a best-of-three super-regional this weekend, with the winner heading to the College World Series. The first games will be Saturday and Sunday at noon (tickets are sold out, but you can watch them on ESPNU.)

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THE WEEKEND IS COMING

Still looking for something to do this weekend? There are plenty to do, including the Virginia-Highland Summerfest, Gwinnett Pride, and a free(!) bourbon and brisket festival at The Battery.

Oh, and the Rolling Stones took the stage at Mercedes-Benz Stadium tonight.

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MORE TO EXPLORE

» Morehouse president reflects on Biden visit: ‘It made us stronger’

» Kirkwood MARTA shutdown caused by fatal collision

» Review: Cabaret show overshadows food at Damsel

» Father of three stabbed to death in downtown Atlanta

» Challengers unite against incumbent president in Fulton commission runoff

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TO THIS DATE

June 7, 1970

The Atlanta Fraternal Order of Police is committed to enforcing laws “equally and impartially” throughout the city – even in “the hippie neighborhood of Tight Squeeze.”

Yes, Atlanta once had a neighborhood called Tight Squeeze.

Centered around Peachtree and 10th Street in Midtown, the district also known as “The Strip” catered to the arts, cultural and countercultural scenes. Mayor Sam Massell once called it “an intolerable situation that exists in certain areas of our city.”

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

Associated Press photographer Daniel Cole photographed one of several World War II veterans attending a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. President Joe Biden spoke at the event, thanking veterans and calling for solidarity with Ukraine.

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ONE MORE THING

Do you like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers? Did you know there is an annual convention in Atlanta? Me neither! This year’s event will take place later this month.

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Thanks for reading to the bottom of AM ATL. Questions, comments, ideas? Contact me at [email protected].

Till next time.