ATLANTA — The family of a 19-year-old mother who was tragically killed in a shooting near a RaceTrac gas station close to the Georgia State campus announced a lawsuit in her death on Thursday.
De'Asia Hart, who was just 19 and the mother of a 1-year-old daughter, was an innocent bystander when she was fatally shot near the RaceTrac at 120 Piedmont Avenue NE after gunshots were exchanged between two groups on Oct. 29, 2023.
Four people were injured in the shooting, including two students, but Hart was the only one seriously hurt, and she died several days later at the hospital.
Her family announced a lawsuit against RaceTrac and several other parties involved, including the ownership group of The Mix apartment complex, per a release by Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys.
The complaint alleges that RaceTrac and The Mix were negligent in Hart's death. The complaint also asserts that the RaceTrac at 120 Piedmont Avenue NE has "a documented history of shootings, assaults, robberies and other violent person-on-person crimes."
"According to the complaint, even though RaceTrac had full knowledge of myriad violent incidents at its location, large crowds have been allowed to continue to gather at the property almost weekly. These gatherings have resulted in numerous calls to the Atlanta Police Department where citizens have reported weapons, drugs, and violence at the RaceTrac and 'The Mix' apartment complex," the law firm said in the release.
At a press conference Thursday, the family's council noted, "Criminals get comfortable when no one is watching," arguing that RaceTrac could have done more to maintain safety at the location, which had a prior history of violent crime.
"What happened on the night De'Asia was killed happens all the time over there," the council stated to the press, arguing gas stations such as RaceTrac could easily afford to hire off-duty police to secure the area, should they choose.
Hart's mother also briefly spoke at the press conference, noting she is now raising her granddaughter with the help of family and friends "all because people want to use their guns."
Even more tragic was her reveal that Hart's daughter has woken up in the middle of the night, crying for her mother.
RaceTrac released a statement shortly after the press conference stating:
Although the incident did not occur on RaceTrac property, we share the community’s profound dismay over this senseless tragedy. Like numerous Atlanta-based businesses, we are deeply concerned about public safety, vehemently condemning any acts of violence in our neighborhoods. At this time, it would be inappropriate for us to comment on pending litigation.
After another deadly shooting at the location on Sunday, RaceTrac's CEO announced the Downtown Atlanta location would be closing, citing significant public safety issues.