Friends, family hold vigil for slain community activist

ATLANTA — For the first time we're hearing from the daughter of a beloved Atlanta civic leader who was killed at his own home on Saturday. %

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This comes as police also released new information on a person of interest Tuesday.

There is a growing memorial outside of the house where Barney Simms lived and where he was killed.

Channel 2’s Matt Johnson was there Tuesday night as Simms's closest friends comforted his grieving daughter at a vigil.

“We hear everything and we see everything that you’re doing and we are really, really thankful for that,” said daughter Natalie Jones to those who gathered for the candlelight vigil Tuesday.

“We got to turn it on that we find the killer and the perpetrator,” said friend Douglas Dean.

. Earlier in the day Tuesday, Atlanta police released surveillance video of a person of interest in the case.

together shortly before his death.

“Just pray for the family and even pray for who did this. There's no anger, so just pray for us please,” Jones said.

Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall was a teenager when he first met Simms and he told Johnson that his reputation never faltered.

“Barney was the point person, he was that person you could call to really get things done,” Hall said.

For all the roles Simms had in Atlanta over decades, his daughter said there is one role that no one else will ever replace.

“I know all the accomplishments, every board or what he did, but his role as dad is the most important role, and I miss him,” Jones told Johnson.

Atlanta police also increased the reward for information that may lead to an arrest to $5,000. Several neighbors told Johnson they are organizing a plan to add to that reward.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. You can also submit a tip online.

Cox Media Group