Atlanta’s rise in deadly violence has taken the life of a 7-year-old girl.
What We Know:
- Just five days after being shot while inside a car with her aunt near Phipps Plaza, 7-year-old Kennedy Maxie has died. The Fulton County Medical Examiner confirmed Kennedy’s passing on Saturday.
- According to CBS News, Atlanta Police stated that Kennedy was wounded the night of Dec. 21st when she was struck in the back of the head by a stray bullet as she and her aunt, the driver, were driving past Phipps Plaza in Buckhead.
- The child’s aunt heard what sounded like several gunshots but was not aware her niece had been struck until she noticed Kennedy acting strangely. Kennedy was immediately transported to Scottish Rite Hospital for surgery. She was in critical condition when she arrived and later died from her injuries on Saturday evening.
- Since the incident, the Maxie family has set up a GoFundMe account for anyone wishing to leave a donation. Community members have rallied behind Kennedy, raising over $45,000 for her care.
- Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has released a statement on the shooting, calling it a “senseless murder.” She stated, “While the Atlanta Police Department has significant leads in the apprehension of those responsible, it does not erase the pain felt when a beautiful, vibrant, and loving child is tragically taken from her family. We urge the public to continue to provide information that will lead to the arrests of the careless and heartless people responsible for Kennedy’s death.”
Atlanta Police has stated that the gunman remains at large. They are offering up a $15,000 reward for any information that can identify the gunman and lead to an arrest.
