Seven Arrested in Oakland City Gang-Related Shooting of Two Young Boys

ATLANTA – Atlanta police announced Wednesday that seven individuals have been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting last summer that resulted in the deaths of two teenage boys and injured another child in the Oakland City neighborhood.

The shooting occurred on July 2, 2024, during a birthday celebration for 13-year-old Lamon Freeman. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum revealed that the attack was linked to gang violence and was reportedly orchestrated by a high-ranking member of the Goodfellas gang using a contraband cellphone from prison.

Freeman and his friend Ja'Kody Davis, both 13, were fatally shot, while 11-year-old Dontavious Davis sustained injuries. At the news conference, it was revealed that the shooting was in retaliation against an Atlanta rapper for filming a music video in rival gang territory.

“When gun violence touches this neighborhood and can claim the lives of two 13-year-olds, it touches every Atlanta neighborhood,” Schierbaum said. “These individuals that committed the crime were dangerous individuals who would continue to harm if they remained on the streets.”

APD Homicide Commander Ralph Woolfolk expressed outrage over the violence, stating, “Lamon Freeman was allowed to be a 13-year-old for 27 minutes before gang violence ultimately took his life.” Woolfolk added that the “cowardly acts” of the rapper ignited a chain of events leading to the tragic outcome.

Authorities have not publicly identified the rapper but confirmed he was involved in controversial actions that sparked the gang conflict. Reports suggest that a high-ranking member of the opposing gang ordered the attack.

The suspects charged in the case include Quiyontay Sanders, Richard Hollis, Reginald Thomas, DeKeitheon Mobley, Markus Crawford, Tradon Crawford, and Ali Caldwell. Police confirmed that none of the victims had ties to the gangs involved.

“The overall theme in this case is grown men playing gangster,” Woolfolk said. “We saw a series of shootings and homicides that stemmed from this gang-related violence.”

The shooting occurred as the boys were gathered outside their apartment complex at Sparks and Peeples Street. Following the event, community members assisted in managing the chaos, calling 911, and helping transport the victims for medical treatment.

A reward of $50,000 has been offered for information leading to additional arrests or prosecutions in the ongoing investigation. Community members are encouraged to submit tips anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line or directly to the Atlanta Police Department’s Homicide Unit.

This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the rise of gang violence in Atlanta and its impact on the youth.

As the investigation continues, city officials and police are determined to address the underlying issues of gang violence to prevent further tragedies in the community.