Safety concerns after Atlanta triple shootings kill two teens

ATLANTA — Community members are expressing concerns about safety issues at an Atlanta apartment complex after two teenagers were killed and another was hospitalized following an early morning shooting.

The triple shooting happened Tuesday morning at apartments in the Oakland City West End neighborhood. JaKody Davis and Lamon Freeman, both 13, died from their injuries, while a 12-year-old remains hospitalized.

“My cousin was very smart and funny. He didn’t do anything wrong in my eyes,” said a family member of one of the victims.

RELATED: Two teens die in triple shooting in Atlanta, 12-year-old injured

Overall, this is the second shooting involving children at the complex this year. After Tuesday morning’s shooting, some residents and community members told 11Alive they cite the property’s lack of maintenance as a contributing factor to the safety concerns.

Oakland Community Association President John Sears spoke about the history of violence at the complex, noting that a 15-year-old boy died earlier this year.

“We’ve had a rough run this year,” Sears said.

Despite these incidents, Sears said the complex plays a crucial role in keeping many low-income residents engaged and in the neighborhood. He also acknowledged ongoing safety concerns.

“We wanted to work with the owners to understand what’s going on inside that allows crime to flourish,” Sears said.

Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier, District 4, also echoed those concerns.

“Since I took office two and a half years ago, public safety issues in the apartment complex have been a constant challenge,” Dozier said.

He also noted difficulties in communicating with owners. He said there had been no open line of communication for the past six months.

“But I will continue to fight to change that,” Dozier said.

Dozier cited collaborative efforts with Atlanta’s Office of Violence Reduction, saying the complex’s problems won’t stop him from working toward a safer community.

11Alive has reached out to the apartment complex’s owners for comment on their discussions with the city, but has not yet received a response. Meanwhile, APD homicide detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the early morning shooting.