SOUTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Police are investigating after a stray bullet went through a College Park home and killed a teenager Saturday.
Rasheedah Evans’ stepfather, Rashid Salaam, said he found the 16-year-old unresponsive Saturday night after hearing gunshots.
“It was around 10:30 or so. I just heard gunshots and it sounded real close to the house,” Salaam said.
One of the bullets entered the living room where the teenager was watching a movie and hit her behind the ear. She was killed instantly.
“She was watching a movie at home. We should be safe in our own homes but we're not safe in our homes. Put the guns down,” Salaam said.
Fulton County police said the bullet was fired for what's known as "celebratory gunfire" on the Fourth of July.
Police say Marcel Smith, 23, is a person of interest in this shooting. He turned himself in to the Fulton County Jail on Wednesday. He had warrants for involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct.
"We need to have his side of the story. We have the physical evidence, but just going with the physical evidence isn't enough," Lt. Scott McBride said. "We need to hear what happened. He needs to come forward. He needs to step up. He needs to be a man and tell us what happened."
Evans’ uncle, Patrick Muhammad, said Smith is their neighbor but police have not been able to find him since the shooting and her family wants Smith to come forward.
“We are a loving family and a forgiving family, with an accident. Let it remain an accident, but fleeing the scene and not turning yourself in allows us not to be believers in accidents,” Muhammad said.
Police said they got many calls for celebratory gunfire Saturday, but in this case, it was fatal.
“When you discharge your firearm you own that bullet. Wherever it goes, you’re responsible for it," police said.
Evans’ family said one bullet claimed the life of the Benneker High School honor roll student and they are grieving as they try to understand how it happened.
Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.
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