ATLANTA — A 23-year-old man is now in custody after a mother was shot dead in front of her child on Saturday morning in Atlanta's Carey Park neighborhood, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
Police said on Tuesday, June 4, that they arrested Jamal Baker on Friday. He is being charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and second-degree cruelty to children.
It happened around 2 a.m., and police officers were called to Hollywood Road Northwest. When they arrived, officers reported that 21-year-old Nejha Cox was found shot around the corner. A crime scene was later located on the 2500 block of Center St. NW.
Officers initially said surveillance video showed that people inside another car shot the woman who was sitting in the passenger seat. APD said later they were searching for three men who were on foot while she was in the passenger seat.
Police added that her child was also in the car during the shooting and that they believe the shooting was targeted. APD is still reviewing the video and looking for other evidence.
According to Atlanta Police crime mapping data, the Carey Park neighborhood has been the scene of five aggravated assaults since March of this year.
One resident who did not want to be identified told 11Alive that after living in the neighborhood for about 10 years, violence is a way of life in the area.
"Killing, shooting, stabbing a lot. Children not even safe to play in the street. They barely have a playground because guess what? The adults take over the playground and want to shoot in broad daylight," the resident said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers by calling 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online.