A makeshift memorial now sits against the bullet-riddled stairwell where three teens were shot during a birthday celebration in Atlanta's Oakland City neighborhood -- two died.
Police identified the victims as best friends JaKody Davis and Lamon Freeman, both 13 years old. The boys were shot along with Davis' 12-year-old brother, DJ, who is currently recovering at Grady Memorial Hospital in downtown Atlanta. DJ is expected to pull through.
"He was a child," one person said. "He was still scared of the dark."
A $10,000 reward is being offered in the search for the shooters who killed two teenage boys and injured a third at the West End Apartments.
"Just being kids, not doing nothing wrong for this to happen to them," a child in the community said.
At the scene of the shooting are candles along with birthday balloons; Freeman was killed just an hour into his thirteenth birthday. Witnesses said Davis was just a few steps from Lamon's apartment, having been there to celebrate, having turned 13-year-old just the day prior.
"Just singing happy birthday to my cousin," said a family member.
Residents of West End Apartments reported that the shooters fled on foot after the shooting.
"Ya'll took my child away from me, something I can't get back, like that hurt like I don't even know what to say my heart is broken," JaKody’s parent said.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Atlanta police. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers, and a $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to an arrest in this case.
"They just need to stop the violence and put the guns down, that's it," said a resident.