Father of 20 killed in pre-dawn shooting

ATLANTA, GA – In a neighborhood all too familiar with violence, another tragedy unfolded early Saturday near Forsyth Street and Ted Turner Drive. Police reported that a man was fatally shot in the face and arm close to the Greyhound station on Garnett Street. This incident marks yet another addition to a troubling trend of violence in the area.

De’Anthony Reeves, a 44-year-old father affectionately known as “Dinky,” was identified by his family as the victim. Reeves was reportedly on his way to retrieve his bicycle when he was shot. His family, including his eldest daughter Dominique Jackson and his girlfriend Irika Gardner, shared their grief and memories of a man who was a lifelong resident of the community.

The scene of the crime was distressingly familiar: police tape, investigators, and heartbroken loved ones grappling with the news. Despite the presence of security cameras and warning signs about crime in the area, the violence persists.

According to data from the Atlanta Police Department, the neighborhood has seen a spate of crimes since May, ranging from aggravated assaults to counterfeiting. Residents are left questioning what steps city officials are taking to address the ongoing violence.

Attempts to reach Atlanta City Councilman Jason Dozier, who represents the district, went unanswered over the weekend. Similarly, inquiries directed at the Atlanta Police Department regarding arrests and crime prevention efforts received no response.

For Pastor Deontay Hightower, Reeves’s brother, the cycle of violence is more than statistics; it’s a personal tragedy impacting countless lives, including Reeves’s 20 children. “Enough is enough,” he stated, emphasizing the broader impact on families and the community.

As the community mourns, a candlelight vigil is planned for later in the evening at Forsyth and Garnett Street, offering a moment of remembrance and solidarity for Reeves’s family and friends.